Here’s a hearty and comforting Vegetable Beef Soup recipe that’s packed with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and rich flavors.
Vegetable Beef Soup
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds beef stew meat (chuck roast or round, cubed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup frozen green beans
- 1 cup frozen peas or corn
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then sear in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build the Broth:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, and beef broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze and lift any browned bits.
- Simmer the Beef:
- Return the seared beef to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Add Potatoes and Vegetables:
- Add the potatoes and cook for 15-20 minutes until they start to soften.
- Stir in the green beans, peas, or corn, and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with crusty bread or crackers.
Tips
- Slow Cooker Version: Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Add Grains: Stir in cooked barley, quinoa, or rice for added texture and heartiness.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.