Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe: A Comforting and Flavorful Classic

A warm bowl of beef vegetable soup is the perfect meal for cold days, providing both comfort and nourishment. The combination of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth creates a hearty dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. This recipe is packed with flavor and is easy to prepare, making it ideal for a cozy family dinner or as a meal prep option for the week ahead. Here, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the best beef vegetable soup that will surely become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Beef Vegetable Soup

Here are the ingredients you will need to create a rich and flavorful beef vegetable soup:

For the Soup:

• 1.5 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups beef broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

This combination of ingredients makes for a rich and hearty soup with a delicious balance of flavors. The beef stew meat provides a savory base, while the variety of vegetables, including carrots, potatoes, green beans, and corn, add sweetness and texture to every spoonful. The dried thyme and rosemary enhance the overall depth of flavor, making this soup not only filling but also full of aromatic goodness.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Beef Vegetable Soup

1. Brown the Beef

To begin, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef stew meat in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Brown the beef on all sides, which will add a deep, savory flavor to the soup. This process should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. This will infuse the oil with flavor, which will then be absorbed by the other ingredients. Next, add the sliced carrots and sliced celery to the pot. Continue sautéing for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to begin softening and release their natural sweetness.

3. Add the Liquids and Herbs

Once the vegetables are softened, return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, making sure the meat and vegetables are submerged in the liquid. Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, bay leaves, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Simmer the Soup

Bring the soup to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, uncovered, stirring occasionally. The low and slow simmer allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld together, creating a rich, savory broth. Be patient during this step; the longer you allow the soup to simmer, the more flavorful the broth will be.

5. Add the Remaining Vegetables

Once the beef is tender, it’s time to add the remaining vegetables. Stir in the diced potatoes, green beans, corn, and peas. Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.

6. Adjust Seasonings and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If you like a little extra flavor, you can add a dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice for acidity. Before serving, remove the bay leaves from the soup.

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

7. Enjoy!

Your beef vegetable soup is now ready to enjoy! Serve it warm with a side of crusty bread or crackers for a complete, comforting meal. This soup also pairs wonderfully with a light salad for a well-rounded dinner.

Why You’ll Love Beef Vegetable Soup

There are several reasons why this beef vegetable soup is an essential addition to your recipe collection:

• Tender, Flavorful Beef: The slow simmering process ensures the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender and fully infused with the rich flavors of the broth and spices.
• Packed with Nutrients: This soup is loaded with healthy vegetables, making it a nutrient-dense option that is both filling and good for you.
• Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated techniques, making it perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
• One-Pot Meal: This is a one-pot recipe, meaning less mess and fewer dishes to clean up after cooking, making it perfect for busy days.
• Freezable: Beef vegetable soup freezes well, so you can make a big batch and store leftovers for later. It’s a great option for meal prepping.

Tips for the Perfect Beef Vegetable Soup

To make sure your beef vegetable soup turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:

• Use Bone-In Beef: If you prefer, you can use bone-in beef stew meat for an even richer flavor. The bones release extra collagen into the broth as it simmers, making it thicker and more flavorful.
• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to swap out or add other vegetables based on what you have on hand. Zucchini, spinach, or parsnips are great additions to this soup.
• Season Gradually: As you simmer the soup, taste it frequently and adjust the seasoning. Sometimes the broth will absorb more flavor as it cooks, and you may need to add extra salt or herbs to balance it out.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, consider adding a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup while sautéing the vegetables.
• Thickening the Soup: For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes with a spoon or use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup for a creamier texture.

Conclusion

Beef vegetable soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines rich, tender beef, savory broth, and a variety of healthy vegetables. With its deep flavor and hearty texture, it’s the perfect dish for cold weather or any time you need a satisfying meal. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and seasonings, making it versatile and perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a delicious family dinner or a meal prep option, this beef vegetable soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a warm, hearty bowl of comfort!