Vegetable Beef Soup: A Hearty and Nutritious Comfort Dish

Ingredients: A Hearty and Flavorful Mix

Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious pot of vegetable beef soup:

• Beef Stew Meat: 1 1/2 pounds of beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Beef Broth: 6-8 cups for a rich, savory base.
• Potatoes: 3-4 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced for heartiness.
• Carrots: 3-4 medium carrots, sliced for sweetness and color.
• Celery: 2-3 stalks, chopped for added flavor and texture.
• Onion: 1 large onion, diced, for aromatic depth.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, for a savory boost.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz) can for a rich, slightly tangy flavor.
• Green Beans: 1 cup of fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces.
• Corn: 1 cup of fresh or frozen corn kernels for sweetness (optional).
• Frozen Peas: 1 cup of frozen peas for added nutrients and flavor.
• Bay Leaves: 2 bay leaves to add herbal depth.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon to deepen the flavor of the broth.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon for a blend of herbs.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for browning the beef.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Vegetable Beef Soup

1. Brown the Beef:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

• In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

1. Add the Broth and Tomatoes:

• Pour in the beef broth and stir in the canned diced tomatoes, browned beef, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

1. Simmer the  Soup:

• Cover the pot and let the  soup simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beef is tender. This allows the flavors to meld and the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender.

1. Add the Potatoes and Green Beans:

• Stir in the diced potatoes and green beans. Continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes and green beans are tender.

1. Add the Corn and Peas:

• In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the corn and peas. Let the soup simmer until all the vegetables are cooked through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

1. Serve:

• Remove the bay leaves and ladle the soup into bowls. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

Variations and Tips

• Slow Cooker Option: To make this soup in a slow cooker, brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or on High for 4-5 hours.
• Use Ground Beef: For a quicker version, you can substitute ground beef for the stew meat. Simply brown the ground beef with the onions and continue with the recipe as directed.
• Add Barley: To make the soup even heartier, stir in 1/2 cup of pearl barley during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the beef and use vegetable broth, adding more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or beans for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Serving Suggestions

Vegetable beef soup is a filling meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
• Side Salad: Pair the soup with a fresh green salad for a lighter contrast.
• Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave.

Conclusion: A Nutritious and Comforting Soup

Vegetable Beef Soup is a wholesome, hearty meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. With tender chunks of beef, a medley of colorful vegetables, and a savory broth, this soup is both comforting and nourishing. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter’s night or preparing it for a family dinner, vegetable beef soup is sure to satisfy. Pair it with your favorite bread or crackers and savor the warmth and flavor of this classic dish!