17 Best Herbs and Spices for Vegetable Beef Soup – Hangry Hanna (2024)

If you’re looking for the best herbs and spices for vegetable beef soup, then you’ve come to the right place.

I’ve rounded up 17 of my favorite herbs and spices to add to this delicious and comforting soup.

Whether you like your soup with a little bit of heat or you prefer it on the milder side, there is sure to be a combination on this list that you’ll love.

So go ahead and give one (or all!) of these herbs and spices a try the next time you make this soup!

17 Best Herbs and Spices for Vegetable Beef Soup

Just because you’re making a vegetable beef soup doesn’t mean it has to be boring.

There are a number of herbs and spices that can liven up the flavor of your soup and make it more interesting.

Here are 17 of the best herbs and spices for vegetable beef soup:

1. Parsley

Parsley has a somewhat peppery flavor and is related to carrots, celery, and dill.

I like to use parsley in my vegetable beef soup because it brightens up the flavor and gives it a little bit of zing.

Parsley is also a good source of vitamins A and C, so it’s an extra healthy addition to your soup.

I usually add a tablespoon or two of chopped parsley towards the end of cooking so that the flavor stays fresh and vibrant.

2. Chives

Chives have a mild onion flavor and are a great way to add flavor to your soup without overwhelming it.

I like to add chives right at the end of cooking so they retain their color and flavor.

You can also garnish your soup with chives for a pop of color.

3. Thyme

Thyme dances between earthy, minty, and woodsy – making it perfect for a variety of dishes, including your vegetable beef soup.

I love using fresh thyme whenever possible because the flavor is more potent, but dried thyme will also work in a pinch.

I like to add thyme during the last 30 minutes of cooking so that the heat doesn’t cause it to lose its flavor.

This also allows the other flavors in the soup to meld together before the thyme is introduced.

A little goes a long way with this herb/spice, so start with less than you think you need and add more to taste.

You can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s been added.

4. Basil

Basil is a balance between sweet and savory (with hints of mint) which is why I think it’s perfect for vegetable beef soup.

I like to add a good amount of basil so that the flavor really comes through.

The thing with basil is a little goes a long way, so you don’t need to go overboard with it.

5. Oregano

Oregano is peppery and assertive (and a little bitter), so a little goes a long way.

It’s often used in Italian and Mexican cooking, as well as in Greek dishes.

I like to use it sparingly in my vegetable beef soup recipe because it can easily overpower the other flavors.

I usually add oregano near the end of the cooking process, so that its flavor has time to bloom but doesn’t become too intense.

This also allows the other flavors in the soup to meld together nicely.

If you’re using dried oregano, be sure to rehydrate it in some water for about 10 minutes before adding it to your soup.

6. Rosemary

Rosemary is a lemony-pine-like herb that is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine.

It’s a strong flavor, so a little goes a long way.

I like to add rosemary to my vegetable beef soup because it adds an earthy depth of flavor.

If you’re using dried rosemary, start by adding 1/4 teaspoon per serving.

You can always add more later if you want more flavor. If you’re using fresh rosemary, chop it finely and add 1/2 teaspoon per serving.

Rosemary pairs well with other herbs like thyme, oregano, and basil, so feel free to experiment until you find a combination that you like best.

7. Marjoram

Marjoram has an earthy and woodsy taste (with notes of pine and citrus) that makes it a perfect addition to vegetable beef soup.

It’s also a very versatile herb/spice that can be used in many different ways.

I usually add marjoram to my soup when I’m cooking the beef, along with other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

I find that this really enhances the flavor of the beef and gives the soup a nice depth of flavor.

If you want to really ramp up the flavor of your soup, you could also try adding some chopped fresh rosemary or thyme.

These herbs have similar flavors to marjoram and will work well with the other ingredients in the soup.

8. Bay Leaves

Bay leaves have an almost minty flavor to them and they work really well in vegetable beef soup.

I like to add a few bay leaves to my soup while it is simmering so that the flavor has a chance to really infuse into the broth.

I also find that bay leaves pair well with other hearty herbs like thyme, oregano, and parsley.

9. Dill

Dill has a bright and sweet taste (somewhere between anise, parsley, and celery) that can really elevate the flavors in your soup.

I like to add dill to my vegetable beef soup because it brightens up all of the other ingredients and gives the soup a nice depth of flavor.

Dill is also a great herb to use if you want to add some extra flavor to your soup without adding any additional sodium.

11. Paprika

Paprika has a subtle earthiness to it that really rounds out the flavors in a beef soup.

I like to add paprika to my beef soup because it gives the soup a little bit of depth and complexity without being too overwhelming.

Paprika is also great for adding color to a soup.

If you want your beef soup to have a nice, deep red color then paprika is definitely the way to go.

I usually add paprika towards the end of cooking so that the flavor stays fresh and vibrant.

12. Sage

Sage has a strong, slightly minty (and musky) flavor that can really add a lot to a dish.

I like to use it in my vegetable beef soup for an extra depth of flavor.

I usually add sage towards the end of cooking, so that the flavor doesn’t become too overwhelming.

You can also add other herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to your soup for more flavor.

Sage goes well with other hearty ingredients like beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions.

If you’re looking for a way to add more flavor to your soup (without adding any extra salt), then sage is a great option.

13. Coriander Seeds

Coriander seeds taste slightly nutty with a hint of citrus.

I love to use them in my vegetable beef soup for a little bit of extra flavor.

I usually add coriander seeds to the soup when I’m cooking the beef.

This way, the coriander has time to release its flavor into the soup as it cooks.

Coriander seeds go well with other spices like cumin and chili powder, so feel free to experiment and add those in as well.

If you want your soup to have a bit of a kick, try adding some chopped jalapeño peppers when you’re cooking the beef.

And finally, don’t forget to add some fresh cilantro leaves when you’re ready to serve the soup.

This will brighten up the flavors and make your soup look really pretty too!

14. Allspice

Allspice tastes like a mix of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

It’s used a lot in Jamaican cooking, and it’s what gives jerk chicken its signature flavor.

I like to use allspice in my vegetable beef soup because it adds a warm, comforting flavor to the soup.

I also add allspice to my chili and other hearty soups.

Allspice is a great way to add flavor to your soups without having to use a lot of different spices.

15. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is mostly hot and a little fruity, making it a perfect addition to any soup, but especially vegetable beef soup.

I like to add cayenne pepper to my soup because it really kicks up the flavor and gives it a nice little bit of heat.

Cayenne pepper is also great for adding some depth of flavor to any dish.

16. Onion Powder

Onion powder tastes way more oniony than fresh onions, which makes it perfect for when you want that onion flavor without any sweetness or crunch.

I like to add onion powder to my beef soup because it really rounds out the flavors and gives the soup a more complex taste.

In addition to beef soup, onion powder is also great in chili, meatloaf, burgers, and roasted vegetables.

17. Garlic Powder

Garlic powder tastes less assertive (and sweeter) than fresh garlic cloves, so it’s a good way to add garlic flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients in your soup.

I usually add garlic powder to my vegetable beef soup along with some onion powder, black pepper, and paprika.

This combination of spices gives the soup a nice depth of flavor without being too overpowering.