Discover the ultimate comfort food with this warming beef vegetable soup recipe. It is perfect for chilly evenings, offering a cozy and satisfying meal that the whole family will adore. This simple, yet incredibly flavorful soup is packed with nutritious ingredients, making it a wholesome addition to your weekly rotation. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure, homemade goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Beef Vegetable Soup
You will quickly discover why this beef vegetable soup becomes a household favorite.
- Hearty and Satisfying: Each spoonful is rich with tender beef and a medley of vegetables.
- Nutrient-Packed: It is loaded with wholesome ingredients for a balanced meal.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, simplifying both cooking and cleanup.
- Flavorful & Comforting: The deep, savory broth is incredibly soothing and delicious.
- Meal Prep Friendly: It tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers and planning ahead.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh and wholesome ingredients to create your comforting bowl of beef vegetable soup:
- 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
- 2 1/2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 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 stalks)
- 1 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (4 cloves)
- 8 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 (14 oz.) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
- 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, trimmed
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
Notes & Substitutions
For the beef, opt for chuck roast or sirloin tips if stew meat isn’t available; both become wonderfully tender. Feel free to swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or parsnips for a different flavor profile. If using fresh herbs, triple the amount for dried herbs; so, 4.5 tsp fresh basil, 3 tsp fresh oregano, and 1.5 tsp fresh thyme. You can use chicken broth or even a vegetable broth if preferred, though beef broth provides the richest base for this hearty soup.
Equipment
You won’t need much specialized equipment for this recipe, keeping things simple.
- A large Dutch oven or pot (6-quart minimum) is essential for simmering.
- A cutting board and a sharp knife will handle all your chopping needs.
- Measuring cups and spoons ensure precise ingredient amounts.
- A slotted spoon or spatula helps with browning meat and stirring vegetables.
Instructions for Your Best Beef Vegetable Soup
Follow these straightforward steps to prepare your delicious beef vegetable soup.
- Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your large pot over medium-high heat. Pat the beef stew meat dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Add half of the beef to the pot and brown for about 4 minutes, turning halfway through. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside. Add another 1/2 tablespoon of oil to the pot and repeat the browning process with the remaining beef.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the final 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the now-empty pot. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, then sauté for 3 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute longer until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (undrained). Return all the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, and thyme. Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking.
- Add Potatoes: Stir in the cubed potatoes. Continue to simmer the soup, covered, for another 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. If you prefer very soft green beans, you can add them at this stage as well.
- Incorporate Green Beans: Add the chopped green beans to the pot and simmer for 15 minutes longer, ensuring all the vegetables and beef are tender.
- Final Vegetables & Finish: Stir in the frozen corn and peas. Simmer until they are heated through, which typically takes about 5 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve your hearty beef vegetable soup warm.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Deep Browning for Flavor: Do not overcrowd the pot when browning the beef. Work in batches to achieve a rich, deep brown crust. This step is crucial for developing incredible flavor in your beef vegetable soup.
- Deglaze the Pot: After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, use a splash of broth to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These bits are packed with concentrated flavor.
- Avoid Overcooked Vegetables: Add denser vegetables like potatoes first, then softer ones like green beans, corn, and peas later in the simmering process. This ensures all vegetables retain a pleasant texture.
- Layer Your Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning at several points: after browning beef, after adding broth, and right before serving. This builds complex flavor in your beef vegetable soup.
- Thicken If Desired: If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the simmering soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile beef vegetable soup is perfect for many occasions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this robust soup with a side of crusty bread or warm cornbread for dipping. Garnish each bowl with extra fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a refreshing accompaniment.
Storage Instructions
Allow the soup to cool completely before storing. Transfer it to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Flavor Variations
Add a splash of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, along with the broth for a deeper, more complex flavor. Experiment with different spices like a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of chili powder for a subtle kick. Include a bay leaf while simmering, removing it before serving. Finish your soup with a dash of balsamic vinegar to brighten the flavors.
Nutrition Information
Enjoy this wholesome beef vegetable soup knowing it provides excellent nourishment.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use a slow cooker for this beef vegetable soup recipe?
A: Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics on the stovetop first for best flavor. Then, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Q: What other vegetables can I add to this soup?
A: Feel free to add diced zucchini, spinach (stir in at the very end), bell peppers, or even mushrooms for extra variety. Adjust cooking times based on the vegetable’s density.
Q: How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?
A: This beef vegetable soup keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors often deepen and improve overnight.
Q: Is this soup freezer-friendly?
A: Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully. Freeze cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months, then thaw and reheat gently.
Q: Can I make this soup gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Always check labels on your beef broth to ensure it contains no hidden gluten ingredients.
Conclusion
This hearty beef vegetable soup is more than just a meal; it is a warm embrace in a bowl, perfect for any occasion. Its rich flavors, tender beef, and abundant vegetables make it a truly satisfying dish that will bring comfort to your table. We encourage you to try this simple recipe and experience the joy of homemade goodness. We’d love to hear your thoughts and any personal twists in the comments below!
