Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe: A Family Favorite

 There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of vegetable beef soup. Packed with hearty vegetables, tender beef, and a flavorful broth, this soup is the perfect meal for any time of the year. It’s not only satisfying but also loaded with nutrients to keep you feeling strong and healthy. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a soul-soothing meal on a cool day, this recipe has you covered. Plus, it’s versatile enough for you to customize to your tastes and pantry staples. Grab your apron! Let's make a pot of this delicious soup.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Protein:

• 1 pound (about 450g) of beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized chunks

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 cups of diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
• 1 ½ cups of frozen or fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
• 1 cup of corn kernels (frozen, fresh, or canned)
• 1 ½ cups of diced tomatoes (use canned, or fresh if in season)

Broth and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 cups of beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a rich and flavorful vegetable beef soup:

1. Brown the Beef:
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned on all sides. This step seals in the flavor, so don’t skip it. Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   Lower the heat to medium. Add the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions turn translucent.

3. Build the Base:
   Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Add the diced tomatoes, bay leaves, thyme, and oregano. Return the browned beef to the pot.

4. Simmer the Soup:
   Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 45 minutes. This allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld together beautifully.

5. Add the Remaining Vegetables:
   After 45 minutes, stir in the potatoes, green beans, and corn. Cover and cook for another 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

6. Final Touches:
   Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Customization

What makes this recipe even better is how adaptable it is. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Swap the Beef: Use ground beef, turkey, or even shredded chicken if you prefer.
• Try Different Vegetables: Add zucchini, peas, parsnips, or any veggies you love or need to use up.
• Kick Up the Heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
• Enhance the Flavor: A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a leftover Parmesan rind in the broth can take the flavor to the next level.

Storage Tips

This soup is perfect for meal prep as it stores wonderfully:

• Refrigerate: Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge (if frozen) and warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave.

Final Thoughts

This vegetable beef soup isn’t just a recipe; it’s comfort in a bowl. It’s hearty, healthy, and incredibly easy to make. Plus, with so many customization options, it’s a great way to use up whatever ingredients you have on hand. The next time you’re craving something tasty and wholesome, this is the perfect dish to put on the menu. Happy cooking!