Vegetable Beef Soup

Vegetable Beef Soup is a delicious and wholesome meal that’s perfect for warming up on chilly days. This hearty soup is loaded with tender beef, a variety of vegetables, and flavorful herbs. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making Vegetable Beef Soup, provide helpful cooking notes, and offer variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat
• 2 1/2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 3/4 cups chopped yellow onion (1 large)
• 1 1/4 cups peeled and chopped carrots (3 medium)
• 1 cup chopped celery (3 medium)
• 1 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (4 cloves)
• 8 cups low-sodium beef broth or chicken broth
• 2 (14 oz.) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 lb red or yellow potatoes, chopped into 3/4-inch cubes
• 1 1/2 cups (5 oz.) chopped green beans (trim ends first)
• 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. Season and Brown the Beef:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef stew meat with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the beef to the pot in batches and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch. Remove the browned beef and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Sauté Onions, Carrots, and Celery:
   • In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped yellow onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
2. Add Garlic:
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

1. Add Broth and Tomatoes:
   • Pour in the beef broth (or chicken broth) and add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine.
2. Add Herbs and Beef:
   • Add the dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, and the browned beef. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

1. Add Potatoes and Green Beans:
   • Add the chopped potatoes and green beans to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Step 5: Add Final Ingredients

1. Add Frozen Corn and Peas:
   • Stir in the frozen corn and frozen peas. Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, until the corn and peas are heated through.
2. Add Fresh Parsley:
   • Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve Hot:
   • Ladle the Vegetable Beef Soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy this hearty and nutritious comfort food!

Cook Notes and Variations

Cook Notes:

• Beef: Use well-marbled beef stew meat for the best flavor and tenderness. Browning the beef in batches ensures it gets a nice sear without steaming.
• Broth: Low-sodium beef broth is recommended, but you can also use chicken broth for a lighter flavor.

Variations:

• Spicy Vegetable Beef Soup:
  • Add 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
• Vegetable Variations:
  • Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to suit your taste.
• Gluten-Free Option:
  • Ensure all ingredients, especially the broth, are gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

3. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, vegetable beef soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

4. What can I serve with Vegetable Beef Soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread, rolls, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

5. Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?

Yes, you can use ground beef. Brown the ground beef in the pot, then drain any excess fat before adding the vegetables and proceeding with the recipe.

Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty and nutritious comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and savory broth, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is easy to follow and full of delicious flavors. Give this Vegetable Beef Soup recipe a try and enjoy a comforting and delightful meal. Happy cooking!