Beef Vegetable Soup

 **Beef Vegetable Soup: A Hearty and Nutritious Comfort Food**

When the weather gets chilly or you need a wholesome meal that’s both comforting and filling, **Beef Vegetable Soup** is the perfect solution. Packed with tender beef, a variety of colorful vegetables, and a flavorful broth, this soup is a one-pot wonder that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. It’s not just delicious; it’s also a great way to sneak in those healthy veggies while enjoying a hearty, meaty meal.

Whether you’re looking for a nutritious lunch, a light dinner, or a satisfying starter for your family meal, **Beef Vegetable Soup** is sure to please everyone. The best part? You can make it in advance and store it for several days, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for busy weeks. Let’s dive into how to make this comforting soup from scratch!

### Why You’ll Love Beef Vegetable Soup

- **Hearty and Filling**: The combination of beef and vegetables makes this soup substantial enough to serve as a main course, providing a satisfying meal that will fill you up.

- **Packed with Nutrients**: With a variety of vegetables like carrots, celery, potatoes, and peas, this soup is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

- **Easy to Make**: This soup comes together in one pot, making the cooking process simple and cleanup a breeze.

- **Comforting and Delicious**: It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, making it perfect for cold days or when you need something soothing and flavorful.

- **Versatile**: You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs by adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices.

### Ingredients for Beef Vegetable Soup

To make this satisfying and flavorful **Beef Vegetable Soup**, you’ll need the following ingredients:

- **1 lb beef stew meat** (or cubed chuck roast)

- **2 tablespoons olive oil** (for browning the beef)

- **1 medium onion**, chopped

- **2 cloves garlic**, minced

- **2 carrots**, peeled and sliced

- **2 celery stalks**, chopped

- **3 medium potatoes**, peeled and diced

- **1 cup green beans**, chopped (fresh or frozen)

- **1 cup peas** (fresh or frozen)

- **1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes**

- **6 cups beef broth** (or beef stock)

- **1 teaspoon dried thyme**

- **1 teaspoon dried oregano**

- **1/2 teaspoon salt** (or to taste)

- **1/4 teaspoon black pepper** (or to taste)

- **1 bay leaf**

- **Optional: Fresh parsley or basil** for garnish

### How to Make Beef Vegetable Soup

#### Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by **browning the beef stew meat**. Heat **2 tablespoons of olive oil** in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides until it’s nicely seared, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

#### Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if necessary. **Sauté the chopped onion** and **minced garlic** over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This will infuse the base of the soup with rich flavors.

#### Step 3: Add the Vegetables

Once the onions and garlic are softened, add the **carrots**, **celery**, and **potatoes** to the pot. Stir the vegetables for a couple of minutes to combine with the onions and garlic. Then, add the **green beans** and **peas** to the mix, continuing to stir everything together.

#### Step 4: Add the Beef and Broth

Return the browned beef to the pot. Then, pour in the **beef broth** (or stock) and bring the soup to a boil. Add the **diced tomatoes** (with their juices), and toss in the **dried thyme**, **dried oregano**, **salt**, **black pepper**, and the **bay leaf**. Stir everything together to combine.

#### Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about **45 minutes to 1 hour**. This will give the beef time to tenderize and allow the flavors of the vegetables and broth to meld together. You can simmer the soup longer if you like a richer flavor or if you prefer the vegetables to be extra soft. Stir occasionally, and check the seasoning toward the end of cooking, adding more salt or pepper if necessary.

#### Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once the soup is ready, remove the **bay leaf** and discard it. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped **parsley** or **basil** if desired. Serve the soup with crusty bread or crackers on the side for a complete meal.

### Tips for the Best Beef Vegetable Soup

- **Choose the Right Beef**: For a tender and flavorful soup, use **beef stew meat** or **chuck roast** that’s been cubed. These cuts of beef become melt-in-your-mouth tender when simmered in a broth-based soup.

- **Customize the Vegetables**: Feel free to swap out any of the vegetables in the recipe based on what you have on hand or your preferences. You can add **zucchini**, **corn**, **parsnips**, or **spinach** to the mix for added flavor and nutrition.

- **Make It Ahead**: This soup actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld. Make it a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

- **Thicken the Soup**: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash a portion of the potatoes in the soup with a potato masher or blend a small amount of the soup in a blender and return it to the pot.

- **Slow Cooker Option**: If you prefer to make this in a slow cooker, you can brown the beef first, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on **low for 6-8 hours** or **high for 3-4 hours** until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

### Why Beef Vegetable Soup is So Loved

**Beef Vegetable Soup** is a staple in many households because it’s both comforting and nourishing. The combination of **tender beef**, **fresh vegetables**, and **rich broth** makes it the ultimate comfort food, especially on a cold day or when you’re feeling under the weather. It's also a great way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your diet while still enjoying a hearty, meaty meal.

Not only is this soup filling and satisfying, but it’s also a great way to use up any leftover vegetables or beef you have in the fridge. It’s versatile, budget-friendly, and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

### Final Thoughts

**Beef Vegetable Soup** is the perfect recipe for anyone looking for a hearty, healthy, and delicious meal. It’s easy to prepare, requires simple ingredients, and is packed with flavor that will leave you feeling satisfied. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or serving it up at a family gathering, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

The combination of tender beef, nutritious vegetables, and savory broth makes this soup a go-to comfort food that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful. So grab a pot, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a bowl of this hearty soup today!