There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of hearty vegetable beef soup on a chilly day. The combination of tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich, savory broth makes this dish a classic favorite in many households. Whether you’re seeking a nutritious meal to feed the family or a dish to warm up after a long day, vegetable beef soup delivers on both flavor and satisfaction. It’s a flexible recipe that allows you to use what you have on hand, making it a go-to choice for home cooks everywhere. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a delicious and filling vegetable beef soup that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
For a balanced, hearty vegetable beef soup, you’ll need the following ingredients. This recipe yields about 6-8 servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week.
For the Soup Base:
- 1 lb beef stew meat (chuck roast or stew beef, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the beef)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor)
- 2 cups water (or more depending on desired soup consistency)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Vegetables:
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to get cooking. This step-by-step guide will help you create a perfect vegetable beef soup that’s full of flavor and comforting on any day.
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the 1 lb of beef stew meat. Brown the beef on all sides, which should take about 6-8 minutes. This step is crucial as it enhances the flavor of the beef and adds depth to the broth. Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them in the leftover beef drippings for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step will bring out the sweetness of the onion and the aromatic essence of the garlic.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Once the onions and garlic are softened, return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the 4 cups of beef broth and 2 cups of water. Stir to combine, scraping any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the dried oregano, dried thyme, bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the beef becomes tender and the flavors start to meld together.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Now, it’s time to add the vegetables. Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the soup. Stir well, and continue simmering the soup for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender. Then, add the frozen corn, green beans, peas, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything to combine and simmer for another 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are fully cooked and the soup is nice and hot.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking. Once the flavors are balanced, remove the bay leaves and discard them. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy your warm and comforting vegetable beef soup!
Conservation and Storage
Vegetable beef soup stores very well, making it an excellent option for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat your soup:
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. The soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to store the soup for a longer period, you can freeze it. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop over low heat. You may need to add a bit of water or broth if it thickens too much after freezing.
Variations
Vegetable beef soup is a versatile dish, and you can easily customize it based on your taste preferences or what ingredients you have on hand. Here are some variations to try:
1. Spicy Vegetable Beef Soup
If you enjoy a bit of heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions and garlic. This will give the soup a spicy kick that complements the rich beef and vegetables.
2. Add More Greens
For added nutrition and color, toss in some spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking. These leafy greens will add a fresh and vibrant touch to your soup.
3. Swap the Beef for Ground Beef
If you prefer a lighter version of vegetable beef soup, use ground beef instead of stew meat. Simply brown the ground beef in step one, and proceed with the recipe as usual.
4. Vegetarian Version
For a vegetarian-friendly version, omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add lentils, chickpeas, or tofu as protein substitutes. This variation will still provide a hearty and nutritious meal.
5. Add More Vegetables
Feel free to get creative with your vegetable choices! You can add zucchini, butternut squash, parsnips, or sweet potatoes to the mix. Experiment with different veggies to find the perfect combination for your soup.
Serving Suggestions
Vegetable beef soup is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas for serving:
1. Crusty Bread
Serve your vegetable beef soup with a side of crusty bread, like a baguette or sourdough, for dipping. The bread will soak up the flavorful broth and make for a satisfying meal.
2. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A classic pairing with soup is a grilled cheese sandwich. The creamy, melty cheese and crispy bread complement the savory soup perfectly.
3. Salad
For a lighter side, serve the soup with a simple mixed green salad topped with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad will balance out the richness of the soup.
4. Rice or Noodles
For an even heartier meal, serve the soup over rice or add cooked noodles directly to the soup. This is a great option if you’re looking for a more filling dish.
Conclusion
Vegetable beef soup is a timeless, comforting dish that offers both flavor and versatility. With tender beef, a variety of vegetables, and a savory broth, it’s a meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your hunger. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or make your own variations, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. It’s perfect for meal prep, makes great leftovers, and is easy to store for future meals. The combination of hearty ingredients and the ability to customize the recipe makes this vegetable beef soup not just a dish but a true comfort food staple. Enjoy it with loved ones, and savor every spoonful of this wholesome, delicious meal!
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Vegetable Beef Soup: A Hearty and Flavorful Comfort Food
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Vegetable beef soup is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for cold weather or anytime you’re craving a filling meal. With tender beef, hearty vegetables, and savory broth, this soup is not only nutritious but also highly customizable. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or preparing for meal prep, this dish offers flavor and satisfaction in every spoonful.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
1 lb beef stew meat (chuck roast or stew beef, cut into 1-inch cubes)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the beef)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor)
2 cups water (or more, depending on desired soup consistency)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Vegetables:
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
1/2 cup parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the 1 lb beef stew meat and brown the beef on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. This enhances the flavor of the beef and adds depth to the broth.
After the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. This step releases the aromatic flavors of the onion and garlic into the base of the soup.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Once the onions and garlic are softened, return the browned beef to the pot.
Pour in the 4 cups beef broth and 2 cups water, stirring to combine. Scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot.
Add dried oregano, dried thyme, bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the flavors meld together.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
After 45 minutes, add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the soup. Stir well and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
Next, add the frozen corn, green beans, peas, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the soup is heated through.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs, if needed.
Remove the bay leaves and discard them.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Sweetness Level: Adjust the salt and pepper to your preference. For a little more sweetness, you can add a dash of sugar or extra tomatoes.
Vegan Option: For a vegan version, substitute the beef with lentils or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Make it Spicy: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the onions and garlic for a spicy kick.
Lean Beef: Use leaner cuts of beef like sirloin if you prefer a lower-fat option.
Potatoes: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can mash a few of the potatoes in the soup before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Vegetable Beef Soup,Comfort food soup,Beef stew soup,Classic vegetable beef stew
