Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe
Warm, comforting, and packed with wholesome ingredients, Beef Vegetable Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. This easy-to-follow recipe combines tender beef with a medley of vibrant vegetables and savory herbs, creating a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner or looking for a nourishing dish to ward off the winter chill, this Beef Vegetable Soup is sure to hit the spot!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this soup? Absolutely! While stew meat works well in this recipe, you can also use chuck roast or beef brisket for extra tenderness and flavor.
2. Can I make this soup ahead of time? Certainly! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when ready to serve.
3. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, Beef Vegetable Soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
4. Can I customize the vegetables in this soup? Of course! Feel free to use your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. You can add diced zucchini, chopped bell peppers, or even spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
5. Is there a keto-friendly version of this soup? Certainly! Simply omit the potatoes and use low-carb vegetables such as cauliflower or broccoli instead. You can also add extra protein with cooked bacon or sausage.
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
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the beef stew meat generously with salt and pepper.
- Add the beef to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, heat the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Return the browned beef to the pot.
- Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juices.
- Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
- Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the soup simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- After 1 hour, add the chopped potatoes to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the chopped green beans, frozen corn, frozen peas, and chopped parsley. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are heated through.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary.
- Serve the Beef Vegetable Soup hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations
- For added depth of flavor, you can brown the beef in batches to ensure proper searing and caramelization.
- Feel free to add other herbs and spices such as bay leaves, rosemary, or thyme for extra aromatic flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water and stir it into the soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Keto Version
For a keto-friendly version:
- Omit the potatoes and use low-carb vegetables such as cauliflower or broccoli instead.
- Increase the amount of beef stew meat or add cooked bacon or sausage for extra protein.
Beef Vegetable Soup is a comforting and nourishing meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a bowl of homemade goodness, this recipe is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of comfort food. So grab your ingredients and get ready to savor every spoonful of this hearty and delicious soup!
