Hearty Beef And Vegetable Soup Recipe

When the chill of winter sets in, there’s no better way to warm your body and soul than with a bowl of hearty, comforting soup. Imagine sitting down with a steaming bowl of thick, savory beef and vegetable soup-each spoonful offering rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. This classic dish is one of those timeless recipes that never goes out of style. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home, a family meal, or even for meal prepping for the week.

This Beef and Vegetable Soup isn’t just about warmth-it’s packed with nutrients, protein, and a variety of vegetables that contribute to a balanced meal. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe is simple, straightforward, and bound to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Now, let’s dive into the details of this incredibly satisfying and easy-to-make dish.

Hearty Beef And Vegetable Soup Recipe

This recipe makes a rich, filling soup that’s both nourishing and deeply satisfying. Full of tender beef, hearty root vegetables, and seasoned to perfection, it’s the ideal comfort food.

Here’s a breakdown of the steps:

Ingredients Needed

• Beef stew meat: 1 lb (you can use chuck, sirloin, or round)
• Carrots: 2 large, peeled and sliced
• Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
• Potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and diced
• Onion: 1 medium, diced
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Green beans: 1 cup, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz), with juice
• Beef broth: 4 cups (you can use low-sodium or regular)
• Bay leaves: 2
• Thyme: 1 tsp dried, or 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• Parsley: Fresh, for garnish
• Salt and pepper: To taste
• Olive oil: 2 tbsp for sautéing

Cooking Instructions

1. Sear The Beef

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
   • Add the beef stew meat and season with salt and pepper. Sear the beef until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). This helps to lock in the flavor and gives the soup a richer taste.
   • Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
   • Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions become translucent.

3. Build The Soup Base

   • Return the seared beef to the pot with the vegetables.
   • Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir everything to combine.
   • Add the bay leaves and thyme.
   • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until the beef becomes tender and the flavors meld together.

4. Add The Potatoes And Green Beans

   • Add the diced potatoes and chopped green beans to the pot. Continue simmering for an additional 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and fully cooked.

5. Season And Serve

   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or thyme as needed.
   • Remove the bay leaves before serving.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

6. Serve And Enjoy!

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, and enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a deeper look at the key ingredients that make this soup so hearty and flavorful:

• Beef Stew Meat: This cut of beef is ideal for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful as it simmers in the broth. It’s a great choice for a soup like this, where you want the beef to be soft and well-integrated into the dish.
• Carrots: These not only add a natural sweetness to the soup but also provide a nice texture contrast to the beef. Carrots are also packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, which supports good vision.
• Potatoes: They help thicken the soup while providing a creamy texture. Potatoes are filling and provide a lot of starch, making the soup even more satisfying.
• Celery: Adds a fresh, slightly peppery taste to balance out the richness of the beef and potatoes. It also contributes fiber, which helps with digestion.
• Green Beans: A great way to add color and crunch to the soup. They also bring a boost of vitamin C and other antioxidants.
• Beef Broth: Forms the foundation of your soup’s flavor. Beef broth is savory, rich, and umami-packed, giving the soup that deep, comforting flavor that makes it irresistible.
• Diced Tomatoes: They add acidity and a little sweetness to balance the rich broth, plus they contribute a burst of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.

Expert Tips

• Browning the Beef: Don’t skip the searing step. The caramelization that occurs when you brown the beef creates a deeper, richer flavor in your soup. It’s one of the keys to making this soup extra special.
• Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work fine, fresh thyme and parsley really elevate the flavors. If you can, try using fresh thyme-it gives the soup a vibrant, aromatic flavor that dried thyme can’t match.
• Let it Simmer: The longer you let the soup simmer, the more the flavors meld together. Aim for at least an hour of cooking time, but feel free to let it go longer for a more complex, layered flavor.
• Use Low-Sodium Broth: If you’re concerned about the sodium content, go for a low-sodium beef broth. You can always add salt to taste later, so it’s easier to control the overall saltiness of the dish.

Recipe Variations

• Add More Vegetables: If you want to load up your soup with even more veggies, try adding peas, corn, parsnips, or even spinach toward the end of cooking for an extra boost of nutrients.
• Spicy Twist: Add a bit of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mix if you like a little heat. This adds a nice kick and gives the soup an interesting layer of flavor.
• Herb-Infused Broth: For a more complex broth, try infusing the soup with bay leaves, rosemary, and garlic during the simmering process. Strain them out before serving for a fragrant, herb-forward soup.
• Gluten-Free Option: This soup is naturally gluten-free, but if you’d like a slightly thicker texture, add a slurry of cornstarch and water toward the end of cooking.

Final Words

Beef and vegetable soup is one of those dishes that brings people together. The simple combination of beef, vegetables, and broth creates a bowl of food that feels like a hug. Plus, it’s so versatile-it can be customized with different vegetables, herbs, or spices based on what you have on hand or what your family loves.

Whether you’re making it on a lazy Sunday afternoon or preparing it in bulk for the week, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. And with its balance of protein, veggies, and hearty potatoes, it’s a meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.