If you’re looking for a dish that warms the heart and satisfies the soul, look no further than Hearty Beef and Bean Soup. This comforting soup is the epitome of winter food, combining tender chunks of beef, nutritious beans, and an array of vegetables simmered to perfection. Not only is it filling and rich in flavor, but it’s also packed with protein, making it a wholesome choice for family-friendly dinners. Perfect for meal prep, this savory dish brings everyone together at the table, delivering comfort with every spoonful.

Ingredients

• For the Soup:
• 1 lb ground beef (or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups beef broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For Garnishing:
• Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
• Shredded cheese (optional)
• Sour cream (optional)

Steps / Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or stew meat and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. If using stew meat, ensure it’s browned on all sides.
2. Add Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
5. Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop.
6. Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
7. Serve: Ladle the Hearty Beef and Bean Soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Tips & Tricks

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This soup also freezes well; just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the soup a day in advance. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Simply reheat on the stovetop before serving.
• Common Mistakes: Avoid overcooking the vegetables during the initial sauté. They should be tender but still retain some texture after simmering.
• Pro Technique: For a richer flavor, consider using homemade beef broth. It enhances the overall taste of the soup and can be made in advance. If you have extra time, sear the beef longer to deepen its flavor before adding the other ingredients.

Variations

Consider customizing this Hearty Beef and Bean Soup to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, ensure that your broth and canned ingredients are labeled gluten-free. To add a spicy kick, include diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. If you want to incorporate more vegetables, try adding bell peppers or zucchini. For a vegetarian alternative, swap out the beef for a plant-based protein, such as lentils or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth.

Serving Suggestions

Hearty Beef and Bean Soup is versatile enough to stand alone as a meal, but it pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for added freshness. Serve it with a side of KFC Coleslaw for a crunchy contrast that complements the warm, savory soup. A slice of Blueberry Lemon Bread could also make for a delightful, sweet ending to your meal. Check out our related guide for more tips.

Don’t hesitate to dive into this rich and hearty soup recipe. It’s not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings warmth during chilly days. Enjoy the simplicity and satisfaction of a homemade Hearty Beef and Bean Soup that will likely become a staple in your household!

Hearty Beef and Bean Soup

★★★★★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dinner Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

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Prep Time

15 min

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Cook Time

45 min

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Calories

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If you're looking for a dish that warms the heart and satisfies the soul, look no further than Hearty Beef and Bean Soup. This comforting soup is the epitome of winter food, combining tender chunks of beef, nutritious beans, and an array of vegetables simmered to perfection. Not only is it filling and rich in flavor, but it's also packed with protein, making it a wholesome choice for family-friendly dinners. Perfect for meal prep, this savory dish brings everyone together at the table, delivering comfort with every spoonful.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups beef broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnishing)
• Shredded cheese (optional, for garnishing)
• Sour cream (optional, for garnishing)

Directions

1.

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or stew meat and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. If using stew meat, ensure it's browned on all sides.

2.

Stir in the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.

3.

Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

4.

Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

5.

Allow the soup to simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop.

6.

After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.

7.

Ladle the Hearty Beef and Bean Soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream if desired.