Vegetable Beef Soup is a timeless comfort food that blends the richness of tender beef with the goodness of colorful vegetables. Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, this hearty soup is perfect for a cold winter evening or as a wholesome meal any time of the year. It’s an easy, one-pot recipe that promises to satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling full and warm.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 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
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the sliced carrots and chopped celery to the pot. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, to slightly soften the vegetables.
- Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Stir in the tomato paste, ensuring it dissolves evenly into the liquid.
- Add the cubed potatoes, green beans, corn kernels, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir in the dried thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed by adding more salt, pepper, or herbs.
- Remove the bay leaf from the pot and discard it.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and color.
- Serve the Vegetable Beef Soup hot with crusty bread or crackers for a complete and satisfying meal.
This Vegetable Beef Soup is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or add additional spices for a unique twist. Enjoy the warmth and nourishment of this homemade classic!