Looking for a cozy, comforting meal that’s both healthy and satisfying? Look no further than this Vegetable Beef Soup! Packed with tender beef, colorful veggies, and a flavorful broth, this soup is the perfect dish to warm you up on chilly days. Plus, it’s simple to make, and the ingredients can be easily found at your local grocery store—or you can grab some high-quality products on Amazon for the ultimate convenience.
Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced home chef, this hearty soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Here’s how to make it!
Ingredients for Vegetable Beef Soup
To create the best-tasting vegetable beef soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb beef stew meat (Look for a lean cut, like chuck roast or round)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 zucchini, chopped (optional)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can green beans, drained (14.5 oz)
- 4 cups beef broth (or more for a thinner soup)
- 2 cups water (optional, to adjust consistency)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Equipment You’ll Need
Before you get started, here are a few kitchen essentials that will help make this recipe easier:
Dutch Oven or a large Soup Pot: A heavy-bottomed pot helps distribute heat evenly, making it ideal for simmering soups.
Buy a Dutch Oven here on AmazonSharp Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping your vegetables and meat with ease.
Get a reliable chef’s knife hereWooden Spoon: A must for stirring your soup without scratching your pot.
Check out this high-quality wooden spoon
Instructions for Making Vegetable Beef Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your stew meat and brown it on all sides. This helps lock in the flavor and gives the soup a rich base. Once browned, remove the meat and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent—about 2-3 minutes. Add in the carrots, celery, potatoes, and zucchini (if using). Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Seasonings
Return the browned beef to the pot along with any juices that accumulated on the plate. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, green beans, and water (if desired). Stir in the basil, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 1-1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once the soup is done, remove the bay leaf and taste the soup for seasoning. Add more salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Tips for Making the Perfect Soup
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in other veggies like peas, corn, or spinach depending on your preference.
- Thicken the Soup: If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash a portion of the potatoes in the soup using a potato masher or immersion blender.
- Use Leftover Roast Beef: If you have leftover roast beef, you can substitute it for stew meat to save time.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
- Versatile: You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit what you have on hand.
- Healthy and Hearty: Packed with lean protein and nutrient-rich vegetables, this soup is a balanced meal.
- Freezes Well: Make a large batch and store the leftovers in the freezer for later. This soup can stay fresh for up to 3 months when stored properly.
Equipment to Make Cooking Easier
If you’re looking to make your cooking experience even more efficient, here are a few additional kitchen tools available on Amazon that I recommend:
Instant Pot: Speed up the cooking process without sacrificing flavor!
Find the Instant Pot hereImmersion Blender: Perfect for pureeing soups directly in the pot.
Shop immersion blenders hereFood Storage Containers: For storing your leftover soup in the fridge or freezer.
Check out these airtight food storage containers
Conclusion
This Vegetable Beef Soup is the perfect meal for any time of year, but especially when the weather gets cooler. It’s a hearty, comforting, and nourishing dish that brings the family together around the dinner table. Make sure to try this recipe and experiment with your favorite vegetables and seasonings!
Happy cooking!
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