Warm up with this hearty beef and vegetable soup, a nourishing blend of tender beef and vibrant vegetables simmered to perfection. This classic recipe is not only a comforting meal for cold days but also a great way to use up leftover vegetables. Rich in flavor and nutrients, this soup is a wholesome choice for the whole family.
Ingredients:
- For the Soup:
- 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup potatoes, diced (Russet or Yukon Gold)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 6 cups beef broth (or stock)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Brown the Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and season with salt and pepper. Brown the beef on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent.
- Add Remaining Ingredients:
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the chopped bell pepper, green beans, diced potatoes, canned tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, basil, and bay leaf.
- Simmer:
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy warm with crusty bread or crackers.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of red wine when sautéing the vegetables.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Peas, corn, or spinach make excellent additions.
- This soup freezes well, so make a big batch and store portions for a quick meal later!