When the chill sets in and comfort food calls your name, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade soup. And when it comes to ultimate coziness, our Hearty Beef and Vegetable Soup stands supreme. This isn't just any soup; it’s a robust, flavorful meal packed with tender chunks of beef, an abundance of garden-fresh vegetables, and a rich, savory broth that will warm you from the inside out.
Forget bland, watery soups. This recipe is designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss, making it perfect for a satisfying family dinner or a cozy night in. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, eager for a second helping.
Why You'll Love This Hearty Beef and Vegetable Soup
This isn't just a recipe; it's an experience. Here’s why this beef and vegetable soup will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Unbeatable Flavor: Deep, savory notes from browned beef, aromatic vegetables, and a rich broth create an incredibly satisfying taste.
- Packed with Nutrients: Loaded with a colorful array of vegetables, it’s a wholesome meal that’s good for you.
- Incredibly Filling: The combination of protein-rich beef and fiber-filled veggies makes this a truly hearty and satisfying dish that will keep you full for hours.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: It tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for lunches or quick weeknight dinners.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the vegetables to whatever you have on hand or what’s in season.
Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Soup
While the full list is in the recipe card below, here are some of the stars that make this soup shine:
- Beef Stew Meat: Opt for chuck roast cut into cubes for the best tenderness and flavor after slow simmering.
- Aromatics: Onions, carrots, and celery form the classic mirepoix base, building a foundational layer of flavor.
- Potatoes: Russets or Yukon Golds hold their shape well and add lovely creaminess.
- Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes (canned) add a touch of acidity and depth to the broth.
- Beef Broth: Use a good quality, low-sodium beef broth to control the seasoning.
- Herbs: Bay leaves, thyme, and parsley infuse the soup with classic, comforting aromas.
Preparing the vegetables is a breeze with a quality chef's knife. Good tools make all the difference in the kitchen!
How to Make the Best Beef and Vegetable Soup
Creating this delicious soup is simpler than you might think. The key is building layers of flavor, starting with perfectly browned beef and sautéed aromatics. From there, it's mostly a matter of simmering to perfection, allowing all those wonderful ingredients to meld together into a harmonious, comforting symphony.
We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring you achieve a rich, tender, and incredibly satisfying soup every time. Don't rush the browning of the beef—that's where a lot of the deep flavor comes from!
Tips for Success
- Don't Overcrowd the Pot: When browning the beef, work in batches if necessary to ensure it gets a good sear, rather than steaming.
- Deglaze Properly: After browning, use a little broth or water to scrape up all those flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pot. That's pure flavor!
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving. A pinch more salt can truly make the flavors pop.
- Herbs at the End: If using fresh, delicate herbs like parsley, stir them in right before serving for maximum freshness and aroma.
Get ready to create a bowl of warmth that will become a cherished recipe in your home. This hearty beef and vegetable soup is more than just a meal; it's a hug in a bowl!
FAQs
Can I make this Hearty Beef and Vegetable Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, absolutely! After browning the beef and sautu00e9ing the aromatics (Step 1-3), transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients (broth, vegetables, seasonings) and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
What are the best vegetables to include in beef soup?
Classic choices like carrots, celery, potatoes, and peas are always excellent. You can also add corn, green beans, diced tomatoes, or even some leafy greens like spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrition and flavor. Feel free to customize based on your preferences!
How long does homemade beef vegetable soup last in the refrigerator?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade hearty beef and vegetable soup will typically last for 3-4 days. For longer storage, it freezes beautifully!
Can I freeze Hearty Beef and Vegetable Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes exceptionally well! Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Hearty Beef and Vegetable Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Balanced
Description
A soul-warming soup featuring tender chunks of beef, an abundance of garden vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, perfect for any season.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1.5 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup frozen corn
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef stew meat in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Cook until browned on all sides, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Step 2: Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and add the undrained diced tomatoes. Stir in the dried thyme and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 5: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
Step 6: Add the cubed potatoes to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 7: Stir in the frozen peas and corn. Cook for 5 minutes, or until heated through.
Step 8: Remove the bay leaf. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For an extra boost of flavor, a splash of red wine can be added after deglazing the pot, before adding the broth.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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