This Vegetable Beef Soup is the perfect comfort food for cooler days, combining tender beef, hearty vegetables, and savory broth into one satisfying meal. The recipe is straightforward, packed with nutritious ingredients, and versatile enough to adapt to whatever vegetables you have on hand. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or something to meal prep, this soup delivers both flavor and nourishment. Plus, it’s easy to make and full of essential nutrients like protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a wholesome choice for the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Vegetable Beef Soup is hearty, flavorful, and packed with protein and vegetables. The beef adds a savory depth, while the vegetables bring brightness and texture. With the right balance of ingredients, this soup is both filling and comforting. It’s naturally gluten-free and customizable to your taste preferences. Whether you prefer more veggies or a thicker broth, this recipe is forgiving and perfect for using what you have in your fridge or pantry. Plus, it’s ideal for meal prep, as the flavors develop even more when stored overnight!
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
For this simple yet delicious soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cut into small cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium potato, diced
- 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup frozen or fresh corn kernels
- 1 cup frozen or fresh peas
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter taste)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How to Make This Recipe
1. Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the diced potatoes, green beans, corn, peas, and the can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Pour in the beef broth and stir in the thyme, basil, and bay leaf.
4. Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
5. Season and Serve
Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaf. Taste and season the soup with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Helpful Tips
- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to swap out any of the vegetables for others you enjoy. Adding squash, zucchini, or parsnips works great as well!
- Use Leftover Roast Beef: If you have leftover roast beef or cooked beef, you can use it in place of stew meat for a faster cooking time.
- Make It a Slow Cooker Recipe: For an easy slow-cooker option, brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Add Extra Flavor: For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while sautéing the vegetables, or stir in a bit of Worcestershire sauce when adding the broth.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is perfect on its own, but here are some serving ideas to enhance the meal:
- Serve with crusty bread: Pair this hearty soup with a slice of your favorite bread for dipping. Garlic bread or a warm baguette would complement the soup nicely.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar on top for added flavor.
- Pair with a side salad: A light, fresh green salad makes a great accompaniment to balance the richness of the soup.
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Conclusion
This Vegetable Beef Soup is a comforting, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or as part of a meal prep plan. The combination of tender beef, flavorful broth, and hearty vegetables makes it a wholesome and satisfying dish. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can be easily customized to suit your taste. Whether served as a main course or alongside some fresh bread, this soup is sure to warm you up and fill you up with its delicious goodness.