Best Vegetable Beef Soup, a hearty and comforting classic loaded with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich broth. Perfect for a cozy meal any time of year.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Soup:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 8 cups beef broth (or a mix of beef broth and water)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Season the beef with salt and pepper, then brown it in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until all sides are seared. Remove the beef and set it aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed.
- Sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Build the Soup Base:
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and bay leaves. Return the beef to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
4. Add Vegetables:
- Add the potatoes, green beans, corn, and peas. Simmer for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasonings with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
5. Serve:
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or crackers.
Pro Tips
- Better Flavor: Use a bone-in beef shank or soup bones for a richer broth.
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- Thicker Soup: Mash a few of the potatoes into the broth or add a slurry of cornstarch and water for a thicker texture.
- Add Greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.
This vegetable beef soup is a timeless recipe that’s sure to warm your heart and fill you up! 🥣
