Bob Evans Vegetable Soup Recipe | Easy & Homemade
Craving a warm, hearty, and wholesome bowl of soup? My Bob Evans Vegetable Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that brings restaurant-quality flavour right into your kitchen. Made with lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a savoury tomato base, this copycat recipe is perfect for chilly evenings, cozy family dinners, or meal prepping for the week.
Not only is this soup satisfying and nutrient-packed, but it’s also budget-friendly and super easy to prepare. With simple ingredients like potatoes, carrots, celery, and a splash of V8 vegetable juice, you’ll be enjoying a rich and flavorful soup that tastes just like the one from Bob Evans.
How to Make Bob Evans Vegetable Soup
Making this hearty soup at home is incredibly simple, with most of the work being hands-off while the soup simmers. Here’s how I prepare it:
Step 1: Cook the Beef
- Heat a little oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Add the lean ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink.
- Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the beef into small pieces as it cooks.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Start the Soup Base
- Transfer the cooked beef into a large soup pot or Dutch oven.
- Pour in the V8 vegetable juice and bring it to a gentle boil.
- This juice adds that signature Bob Evans flavour and a rich tomato base.
Step 3: Chop and Add the Veggies
- While the soup base heats, dice the potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion.
- Add them to the pot along with the beef mixture.
Step 4: Add Seasonings
- Stir in the undrained Italian-style diced tomatoes.
- Add water, dried basil, sugar, salt, pepper, and finally the bay leaf.
- Give everything a good stir so the flavours combine nicely.
Step 5: Simmer and Develop Flavour
- Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low.
- Let the soup simmer for at least 30–40 minutes, until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
- The longer it simmers, the richer the flavours become.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the vegetables are soft and the broth is flavorful, remove the bay leaf.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Ladle into bowls and serve hot with fresh bread, cornbread, or crackers.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
One of the things I love most about this Bob Evans Vegetable Soup is its versatility. It can be enjoyed as a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or even a make-ahead meal for busy weeks. Here are my favourite ways to serve it:
- With Bread or Rolls: A slice of crusty bread, warm dinner rolls, or classic cornbread makes the perfect side.
- With a Fresh Salad: Pair your soup with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
- With Grilled Cheese: For a kid-friendly twist, serve it alongside a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.
- As a Main Dish: With its abundance of beef and veggies, this soup is hearty enough to stand alone as a full meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Copycat Soup
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: The longer you let the soup simmer, the richer and deeper the flavour will become.
- Chop Veggies Evenly: Cut potatoes, carrots, and celery into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
- Use Fresh Herbs: While dried basil works perfectly, adding a little fresh parsley or basil before serving brightens up the flavour.
- Adjust Thickness: For a thicker soup, reduce the water slightly. For a thinner broth, add an extra splash of V8 or stock.
Variations to Try
This recipe is delicious as is, but here are a few creative variations I often make when I want to switch things up:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and add kidney beans or chickpeas for protein.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a dash of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Different Protein: Swap the beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a new flavour profile.
- Extra Veggies: Add zucchini, green beans, or corn to make it even heartier.
Storage Instructions
One of the best things about this Bob Evans-style vegetable soup is how well it keeps. It’s the kind of recipe that tastes even better the next day, once the flavours have had more time to meld together.
How to Store
- Refrigerator: Allow the soup to cool completely before storing. Transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave a little space at the top since liquids expand when frozen.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Reheat the soup gently in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Heat single portions in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each round until hot.
- From Frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, or warm slowly on the stove from frozen.
Bob Evans Vegetable Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Video
Notes
Required Kitchen Tools
When making this Bob Evans copycat vegetable soup, I prefer a simple kitchen setup. Here are the essential tools I recommend:- Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven – for simmering the soup evenly.
- Nonstick Skillet – to brown the ground beef before adding it to the soup.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula – for breaking apart the beef while cooking.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board – ideal for chopping veggies quickly and safely.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – for precise seasoning.
- Ladle – to serve the soup hot and hearty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make Bob Evans Vegetable Soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day because the flavours have more time to meld. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
2. What can I use instead of V8 juice?
If you don’t have V8 vegetable juice, you can use a combination of tomato juice and a little vegetable broth. It won’t be the same, but it still makes a rich, flavorful base.
3. Can I freeze Bob Evans Vegetable Soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes really well. Let it cool, then place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. How do I make this soup vegetarian?
Skip the ground beef and replace it with beans, lentils, or even tofu. You’ll still get a hearty and nutritious soup.
5. What sides go best with this soup?
I love serving it with warm dinner rolls, cornbread, or grilled cheese sandwiches. A light salad on the side also makes a great pairing.
6. Can I use other meats instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage all work beautifully in this recipe. Each one adds a slightly different flavour twist
7 How long does Bob Evans Vegetable Soup last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
This Bob Evans Vegetable Soup Recipe is a true comfort food classic. With its savoury tomato base, tender vegetables, and hearty beef, it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. I love making it on cozy evenings, during the colder months, or anytime I want a quick but satisfying homemade meal.
The best part? It’s customizable! You can swap the protein, add more veggies, or make it vegetarian-friendly. And since it stores and reheats beautifully, it’s perfect for meal prepping ahead of time.
So, the next time you’re craving that restaurant-style warmth and flavour, skip the trip to Bob Evans and whip up this hearty vegetable soup in your own kitchen. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds!
Sophia Smith is a passionate home baker and dessert enthusiast who loves sharing her favorite recipes, baking tips, and kitchen secrets. Through Roses Baking Passion, she inspires others to bake with love and creativity every day.
