Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein from the beef and an array of vitamins from the vegetables, this soup is both healthy and satisfying.

• One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in a single pot, making preparation and cleanup a breeze.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious.

• Customizable: Easily adaptable to include your favorite vegetables or to suit dietary preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Olive oil

• Beef stew meat

• Yellow onion

• Low-sodium beef broth

• Canned diced tomatoes

• Bay leaves

• Fine sea salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• Potatoes

• Carrots

• Celery

• Green beans

• Green onions

• Fresh parsley

Directions

1. Sear the Beef: In a heavy soup pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and cook until browned on all sides. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

2. Add Aromatics: To the browned beef, add finely diced onions and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and lightly golden.

3. Simmer the Broth: Pour in the beef broth and canned diced tomatoes. Add bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Partially cover the pot and cook until the beef is tender, approximately 55-75 minutes.

4. Incorporate Root Vegetables: Add diced potatoes, chopped carrots, and celery to the pot. Continue to cook for about 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

5. Add Remaining Vegetables: Stir in the green beans and chopped green onions. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

6. Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves. Stir in freshly chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes

• Cooking Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Variations

• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables such as peas, corn, or bell peppers based on availability and preference.

• Grain Addition: For a heartier soup, consider adding cooked barley or rice.

• Spice It Up: Incorporate herbs like thyme or oregano for additional flavor depth.

• Lean Protein Option: Substitute beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: This soup freezes well. Place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming.

FAQs

How can I ensure the beef is tender?

Cooking the beef at a gentle simmer for the recommended time allows the connective tissues to break down, resulting in tender meat. Using cuts with good marbling also enhances tenderness.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, after searing the beef and sautéing the onions, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef and vegetables are tender.

Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?

It’s a matter of preference. Leaving the skins on adds texture and nutrients, especially if using thin-skinned varieties like red or Yukon gold potatoes.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely. Frozen vegetables can be added directly to the soup; adjust cooking times as needed to ensure they are heated through.

How do I thicken the soup?

For a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the potatoes in the soup or add a slurry made of cornstarch and water.

What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, ensure that all ingredients, including the beef broth, are certified gluten-free.

How can I add more flavor to the broth?

Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce, a dash of smoked paprika, or a parmesan rind during simmering can enhance the broth’s flavor.

Is this soup suitable for a low-carb diet?

To reduce the carb content, omit the potatoes and substitute with lower-carb vegetables like cauliflower.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it in advance and store as directed above.

Conclusion

This Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup is a perfect choice for anyone seeking a filling, healthy, and flavorful meal. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s an ideal option for family dinners or meal prepping for the week.