Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup

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If you’re craving a hearty, comforting soup that’s packed with flavor, this Easy Vegetable Beef Soup is just what you need. Loaded with tender beef, nutritious vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a warm, wholesome meal ready in no time!

Ingredients for Easy Vegetable Beef Soup

  • 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 large carrots, sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 large potato, peeled and diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup frozen green beans
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Vegetable Beef Soup

Step 1: Sear the Beef

  • Heat Oil: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  • Brown the Beef: Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Sear for 3-5 minutes, turning until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

  • Cook Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  • Add Carrots, Celery, and Potatoes: Stir in the carrots, celery, and potatoes, cooking for another 5 minutes to release their flavors.

Step 3: Add Broth, Beef, and Tomatoes

  • Combine Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot, then pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes.
  • Season: Add the bay leaf, thyme, basil, and additional salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

  • Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  • Cover and Cook: Cover and let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Step 5: Add Frozen Vegetables

  • Add Frozen Vegetables: Stir in the green beans, corn, and peas. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the frozen vegetables are heated through.
  • Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

  • Remove Bay Leaf: Discard the bay leaf from the pot.
  • Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Tips for Making the Best Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Cut Beef into Small Pieces: Smaller beef pieces cook faster and give each spoonful a balanced flavor.
  • Use Quality Broth: A rich, flavorful beef broth is key to enhancing the overall taste.
  • Add Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh thyme or basil, feel free to substitute them for dried herbs for extra flavor.

Variations on Vegetable Beef Soup

  • Low-Carb Option: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a low-carb version.
  • Add Pasta or Rice: For a heartier meal, add 1/2 cup of pasta or rice during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
  • Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Vegetable Beef Soup pairs wonderfully with:

  • Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
  • Side Salad: A simple green salad balances out the hearty flavors.
  • Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle a bit on top for extra richness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a bit more broth if the soup thickened in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Stew Meat?

Yes! Brown the ground beef first, then proceed with the recipe as directed. Ground beef makes the soup cook faster and still adds plenty of flavor.

Can I Use Fresh Vegetables Instead of Frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh green beans, corn, and peas work perfectly. Just add them to the soup during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.

Is This Soup Gluten-Free?

Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free beef broth.

This Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup is wholesome, filling, and packed with flavor, making it an ideal one-pot meal. It’s customizable, nutritious, and sure to be a hit with the whole family. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

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