Introduction
Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. Featuring tender beef, a medley of vibrant vegetables, and a savory broth, this recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, this soup brings warmth and satisfaction in every bowl.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Soup Base:
– 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 6 cups beef broth
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables:
– 3 medium carrots, sliced
– 3 celery stalks, chopped
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup green beans, trimmed
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
1 hour
Total Time
1 hour 20 minutes
Yield
Serves 6
Instructions
1. Sear the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then brown on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
2. Build the Flavor Base:
In the same pot, sauté the diced onions until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the tomato paste for a richer flavor.
3. Simmer the Soup:
Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Add the dried thyme, bay leaf, and the browned beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes to tenderize the beef.
4. Add Vegetables:
Add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, diced potatoes, and trimmed green beans. Simmer for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the corn kernels and peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
5. Final Touches:
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Vegetable Beef Soup
– Use Quality Broth: Opt for low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels.
– Make It Ahead: Prepare a day in advance for deeper flavors.
– Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
– Add Grains: For extra heartiness, stir in cooked rice or barley.
Serving Suggestions
– Pair this soup with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
– Serve alongside a simple green salad for added freshness.
– Enjoy with crackers or cheese toast for a cozy meal.
This Vegetable Beef Soup is a classic dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make. With its robust flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s sure to warm hearts and fill stomachs. Enjoy your meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Sear the Beef
– Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
– Season the beef with salt and pepper, then brown on all sides.
– Remove the beef and set aside.
Build the Flavor Base
– In the same pot, sauté the diced onions until translucent.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
– Stir in the tomato paste for a richer flavor.
Simmer the Soup
– Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes.
– Add the dried thyme, bay leaf, and the browned beef.
– Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
– Cook for 30 minutes to tenderize the beef.
Add Vegetables
– Add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, diced potatoes, and trimmed green beans.
– Simmer for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
– Stir in the corn kernels and peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Final Touches
– Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
– Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Notes
Use Quality Broth
– Opt for low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels.
Make It Ahead
– Prepare a day in advance for deeper flavors.
Storage
– Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Add Grains
– For extra heartiness, stir in cooked rice or barley.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with Bread
– Serve this soup with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
Simple Salad
– Pair it alongside a simple green salad for added freshness.
Cozy Snacks
– Enjoy with crackers or cheese toast for a cozy meal.
Cook techniques
Sear the Beef
Searing locks in the juices of the meat, enhancing its flavor and creating a rich base for the soup.
Building the Flavor Base
Sautéing onions and garlic adds layers of flavor, while incorporating tomato paste enriches the broth.
Simmering
Allowing the soup to simmer helps tenderize the beef and melds the flavors, ensuring a delicious outcome.
Adding Vegetables
Timing is key when adding vegetables to retain their texture and nutrients. Add firmer vegetables first and softer ones later.
Final Seasoning
Adjusting the seasoning at the end ensures the flavors are balanced and to your taste preferences.
FAQ
Can I use different types of meat?
Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, turkey, or even a meat alternative for a variation.
How can I thicken the soup?
Pureeing a portion of the soup or adding a cornstarch slurry can help achieve a thicker consistency.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables are a convenient option and can be directly added to the soup.
What herbs can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or rosemary for an aromatic enhancement.
How do I store the soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I add grains to this soup?
Yes, adding cooked rice, barley, or pasta can make the soup more filling and hearty.
Conclusion
This Vegetable Beef Soup is a comforting and nourishing meal that brings together tender beef and a variety of colorful vegetables in a savory broth. It’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day and is versatile enough to accommodate personal preferences or seasonal ingredients. Enjoy sharing this wholesome dish with family and friends!
Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup
Substitute beef with chicken for a lighter version. Use chicken breast or thighs, and incorporate similar vegetables for a delightful chicken soup.
Vegetable Lentil Soup
For a vegetarian option, replace beef with lentils. Add spices like cumin and coriander for extra flavor, and use vegetable broth instead for a hearty soup.
Minestrone Soup
Add pasta or rice to create a minestrone effect. Use Italian herbs like basil and oregano, and include a variety of beans for added protein.
Beef Barley Soup
Incorporate barley for a nutty texture. Combine it with carrots and mushrooms for a satisfying and wholesome soup variation.
Spicy Tomato Vegetable Soup
Boost the flavor profile by adding crushed red pepper flakes and using spicy diced tomatoes. This will give a zesty kick to your vegetable soup.
Chunky Vegetable Stew
For a thicker and heartier dish, skip the broth and let the ingredients stew slowly in their own juices. You can add your favorite herbs and spices for depth.
