Crock Pot Spicy Vegetable Beef Soup: A Hearty, Flavorful Comfort Meal
When you need a warming, hearty meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrients, this Crock Pot Spicy Vegetable Beef Soup is your go-to dish. Loaded with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and just the right amount of spice, this slow-cooked soup is the perfect comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to meal prep for the week, this recipe is easy to make and even easier to love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup combines the richness of beef with the freshness of vegetables, all simmered to perfection in a flavorful, spicy broth. Using a crock pot ensures that the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while allowing the spices to fully develop, creating a bold and satisfying dish.
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Ingredients
1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
4 cups beef broth (low sodium)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 potatoes, peeled and diced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup green beans, trimmed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat, searing it on all sides until browned. This step locks in flavor and adds depth to the soup, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it and add the beef directly to the crock pot.
Add Ingredients to Crock Pot
Place the seared beef (or raw beef if skipping the searing step) into the crock pot. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, carrots, potatoes, onion, garlic, bell pepper, green beans, corn, and peas.
Spice It Up
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. These spices give the soup a nice kick, but you can adjust the heat level based on your preference.
Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Taste and Adjust
About 30 minutes before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or spice if you prefer.
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Customization Ideas
Add More Veggies: This recipe is flexible, so feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
Lower the Spice: If you’re cooking for kids or someone who prefers mild flavors, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and chili powder.
Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk toward the end of cooking for a creamy twist on this classic soup.
Grains Option: Add cooked quinoa, barley, or rice for a heartier, grain-based variation of this soup.
Why It Works
Slow cooking allows the beef to become incredibly tender while giving the spices time to meld into a rich, flavorful broth. The combination of beef and vegetables makes this soup filling and satisfying, and the spice level adds just enough heat to warm you up on a cold day.
The variety of vegetables ensures you get a wide range of nutrients, and the long, slow simmer helps extract deep flavors from the beef and spices. This recipe is also incredibly versatile—customize it based on what you have on hand, and it will still turn out delicious.
Nutritional Benefits
Beef: A great source of protein, iron, and essential vitamins like B12, beef helps support muscle growth and overall energy levels.
Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, green beans, and corn are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are key for maintaining a balanced diet.
Spices: Chili powder and cumin not only add flavor but also have anti-inflammatory properties that can aid digestion and boost metabolism.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Freezing
This Crock Pot Spicy Vegetable Beef Soup is an excellent choice for meal prep. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually get better with time. You can also freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making it a convenient, ready-to-eat meal when you’re short on time.
Conclusion
This Crock Pot Spicy Vegetable Beef Soup is the perfect blend of comfort and flavor. It’s easy to throw together in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a hearty, spicy, and nutrient-packed meal waiting for you. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just looking for a satisfying and healthy soup to enjoy, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.