Vegetable Beef Soup

Warm and nourishing, this vegetable beef soup is a delightful mix of tender beef chunks and vibrant vegetables simmered to perfection. Ideal for chilly nights or when you need a bit of comfort, this soup is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Packed with nutrients, it’s a great way to use up those veggies in your fridge. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will soon become a family favorite!

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, cubed
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe yields about 4 servings. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, while cooking time is around 1 hour.

Nutritional Value

Each serving (1 cup) of this vegetable beef soup contains approximately 280 calories, 20g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 15g fat, making it a wholesome meal option.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove beef and set aside. In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery.
4. Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
6. Return the beef to the pot and stir well.
7. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
8. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
9. Cover and simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10. Add potatoes and continue to simmer for another 20 minutes, until beef and vegetables are tender.

Alternative Ingredients

Feel free to substitute the beef with chicken for a lighter option, or use vegetable broth to make it vegetarian. You can also add any seasonal vegetables you have on hand, such as green beans or corn.

Serving and Pairings

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or a side of rice. It’s a complete meal on its own but can be complemented with your favorite sides.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover vegetable beef soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Cooking Mistakes

• Don’t rush the browning of the beef; it enhances flavor.
• Avoid overcooking the vegetables to retain their texture.
• Make sure to taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
• Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
• Don’t skip the simmering step; it’s key for melding flavors.

Helpful Tips

• Use fresh herbs for a brighter flavor.
• Let the soup sit for a while after cooking; it improves taste.
• Consider adding a splash of vinegar for brightness.
• Experiment with different spices for variety.

FAQs

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make vegetable beef soup in a slow cooker. Simply brown the beef and sauté the vegetables, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

How can I thicken the soup?

To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) during the last few minutes of cooking.

What vegetables can I add?

You can add vegetables like green beans, zucchini, or peas. Just keep in mind that softer vegetables should be added later in the cooking process to avoid mushiness.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free beef broth and ensure any additional ingredients are gluten-free, this soup can be a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

How long does vegetable beef soup last in the fridge?

The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Conclusion

Vegetable beef soup is an excellent choice for a hearty meal that warms the soul. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables and spices. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Vegetable Beef Soup

A hearty and flavorful soup combining tender beef and a variety of fresh vegetables, perfect for a comforting meal.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Keyword: vegetable beef soup, hearty soup, comfort food, healthy recipes

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 280kcal

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef stew meat cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion chopped
• 2 carrots diced
• 2 potatoes cubed
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
• Remove beef and set aside. In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery.
• Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
• Return the beef to the pot and stir well.
• Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
• Cover and simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add potatoes and continue to simmer for another 20 minutes, until beef and vegetables are tender.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 3g