Beef and vegetable soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for warming up on a chilly day or enjoying a hearty meal with your family. Packed with tender beef, nutrient-rich vegetables, and flavorful broth, this recipe is as satisfying as it is wholesome. It's a timeless dish that captures the essence of home-cooked goodness, making it a favorite in many households.
This versatile recipe allows you to customize it with your favorite vegetables and spices. Whether you're using fresh produce from your garden or cleaning out your refrigerator, this soup offers a perfect way to combine ingredients into a rich, flavorful masterpiece. Plus, it's an excellent make-ahead option, as the flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 1 cup frozen or fresh corn
- 1 cup frozen or fresh peas
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Make Beef and Vegetable Soup
-
Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef stew meat and sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
-
Cook the Aromatics: In the same pot, sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
-
Combine Ingredients: Return the beef to the pot and stir in Worcestershire sauce. Add the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices), then bring to a gentle boil.
-
Simmer the Soup: Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer. Stir in dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef begins to tenderize.
-
Add Hearty Vegetables: Toss in the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Allow them to simmer until they start softening.
-
Add Quick-Cooking Vegetables: Stir in the green beans, corn, and peas. Simmer until all vegetables are tender and the beef is fully cooked.
-
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the soup before serving. Enjoy it hot with crusty bread or a simple salad.
Tips for Perfect Beef and Vegetable Soup
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality beef broth for the best flavor.
- Use a Slow Cooker: For tender beef and rich flavors, consider cooking the soup in a slow cooker.
- Make It Ahead: The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Add Grains or Legumes: For extra sustenance, mix in barley, quinoa, or lentils.
- Freeze Leftovers: Portion out and freeze the soup for quick meals on busy days.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this soup is a balanced meal.
- Easy to Customize: Swap vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy nights at home.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients to create a restaurant-quality dish.
Conclusion
Beef and vegetable soup is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting, nourishing experience that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful broth, this recipe combines simplicity and nutrition in every spoonful. It’s easy to customize and ideal for feeding a crowd or preparing meals ahead of time.
Whether served as a starter or a main course, this soup is sure to impress. Enjoy the process of creating this delicious dish and the joy it brings when shared with loved ones. Don’t forget to savor every bite and let the comforting flavors warm your soul.
Comments
Post a Comment