Easy Vegetable Soup (Hearty, Comforting & One-Pot Recipe)

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Easy Vegetable Soup to bring warmth and comfort to any table. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just want something light yet satisfying, this soup delivers. Packed with colorful vegetables, a savory broth, and simple pantry ingredients, it’s a nourishing, wholesome meal you can make in under an hour — all in one pot!

This easy recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. It’s flexible, affordable, and endlessly customizable. You can toss in your favorite seasonal vegetables, use up leftovers, or keep it classic. The beauty of homemade vegetable soup is that it’s both comforting and nutritious without requiring any fancy techniques.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Vegetable Soup

• 🥕 Healthy & hearty – Full of vitamins, fiber, and flavor.
• 🍲 One-pot simplicity – Easy cleanup and minimal prep.
• 🧅 Customizable – Swap in whatever veggies you have on hand.
• 🕒 Quick to make – Ready in under an hour.
• 💰 Budget-friendly – Uses simple, inexpensive ingredients.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, feeding a family, or just craving something cozy, this soup is a go-to recipe that fits any occasion.

Ingredients

You’ll need basic ingredients that are probably already in your kitchen.

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth if preferred)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup frozen peas or corn (optional)
• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Sauté the aromatics.
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion turns translucent.

2. Add garlic and potatoes.
Stir in the minced garlic and diced potatoes. Cook for 1 minute to release the garlic’s aroma — this step adds incredible depth to the soup’s flavor.

3. Add the remaining vegetables.
Add zucchini, green beans, and the can of diced tomatoes (including juices). Mix well so everything is evenly coated in the aromatics.

4. Pour in the broth and season.
Add the vegetable broth, salt, pepper, thyme, basil, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

5. Simmer to perfection.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.

6. Add final touches.
Remove the bay leaf. Stir in peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking if you’re using them. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed — sometimes an extra pinch of salt or squeeze of lemon brightens it beautifully.

7. Serve and enjoy.
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or dill, and serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.

Easy Vegetable Soup

A hearty, healthy one-pot vegetable soup packed with colorful veggies and simple ingredients — perfect for any day of the week.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American, Vegetarian

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Soup Base

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 3 carrots sliced
• 2 celery stalks sliced
• 2 potatoes diced
• 1 zucchini chopped
• 1 cup green beans cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup frozen peas or corn optional
• fresh parsley or dill for garnish

Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook until softened.
2. Add garlic and potatoes; cook for 1 minute to release aroma.
3. Add zucchini, green beans, and diced tomatoes. Stir well to coat with the aromatics.
4. Pour in broth and season with salt, pepper, thyme, basil, and bay leaf.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer 25–30 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
6. Stir in peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Adjust seasoning to taste.
7. Remove bay leaf. Serve hot with garnish of fresh parsley or dill.

Notes

Use any combination of seasonal vegetables for best flavor.

Tips for the Best Vegetable Soup

• Use seasonal veggies: In summer, try corn, zucchini, and bell peppers; in winter, go for root vegetables like turnips or parsnips.
• Don’t overcook: Once your potatoes and carrots are tender, remove the soup from heat to keep veggies vibrant.
• Boost flavor: A dash of soy sauce or a squeeze of lemon adds umami and brightness.
• Add grains: For extra heartiness, stir in cooked rice, quinoa, or barley.
• Make it creamy: Blend half the soup for a creamy texture without dairy.

Variations

• Spicy Vegetable Soup: Add red pepper flakes or a touch of chili powder for a gentle heat.
• Italian Style: Include diced tomatoes, Italian herbs, and small pasta like ditalini or macaroni.
• Asian-Inspired: Use ginger, soy sauce, and a drizzle of sesame oil.
• Mexican Twist: Add corn, black beans, and cumin with a squeeze of lime.

How to Store & Reheat

This Easy Vegetable Soup stores beautifully and even tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Cool completely and freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium heat or microwave until hot. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens after refrigeration.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your warm bowl of Easy Vegetable Soup with:

• Crusty artisan bread or garlic toast.
• A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese (for a non-vegan option).
• A small side salad or a sandwich for a heartier meal.
• Crackers or croutons for added crunch.

It’s perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or even a wholesome starter for a dinner party.

Nutritional Benefits

This soup is naturally low in fat and calories yet rich in nutrients. Every bowl delivers fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins like A, C, and K. Using olive oil and a variety of colorful vegetables ensures a balanced and nourishing meal that supports immunity and digestion.

Fun Fact

Vegetable soup dates back centuries — it’s one of the oldest comfort foods known to humankind. From ancient Roman kitchens to modern one-pot meals, vegetable soups have always symbolized resourcefulness and warmth. Each culture has its version, but the common thread remains the same: a big pot of love and nourishment simmered slowly and shared generously.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Vegetable Soup is proof that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. With one pot and a handful of vegetables, you can make a meal that’s hearty, colorful, and full of life. It’s the kind of dish that welcomes you home, warms you up, and keeps you feeling good long after the last spoonful.

Whether you’re a beginner cook or a kitchen pro, this soup deserves a place in your rotation — comfort food at its healthiest and most wholesome.