Vegetable Beef Soup – Hearty, Healthy & One-Pot Comfort Food
Vegetable Beef Soup
A hearty and comforting soup that combines tender chunks of beef with a medley of colorful vegetables, all simmered together in a flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a nutritious meal that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 8 cups beef broth
- 2 large potatoes, diced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, bay leaves)
- Optional: parsley or cilantro for garnish
Directions
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Season beef with salt and pepper. Brown the beef in olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Remove and set aside.
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Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in the same pot. Add garlic and tomato paste.
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Return beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth, potatoes, tomatoes, and herbs. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1-2 hours.
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Adjust seasoning, add fresh herbs, and serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
Nutrition Facts
Table of Contents
Introduction
Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for chilly days or when you need a nutritious meal that warms you from the inside out. This classic soup combines tender chunks of beef with a medley of colorful vegetables, all simmered together in a flavorful broth. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, Vegetable Beef Soup is a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.
One of the best things about Vegetable Beef Soup is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Plus, this soup is a great way to sneak in extra veggies for picky eaters or to use up ingredients you have on hand. So, let’s dive into the world of Vegetable Beef Soup and discover how to make this comforting dish at home.
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s explore some food and cooking hacks that will elevate your Vegetable Beef Soup game. From choosing the right cut of beef to tips for enhancing the flavor of the broth, these hacks will help you create a soup that is truly unforgettable. So, grab your apron and get ready to whip up a batch of delicious Vegetable Beef Soup that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Now, without further ado, let’s roll up our sleeves and delve into the wonderful world of Vegetable Beef Soup. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the savory goodness of tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs and spices. This recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen and a go-to meal for any occasion.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
When it comes to making Vegetable Beef Soup, the quality of your ingredients can make all the difference. Start by selecting a good cut of beef that is well-marbled and flavorful. Chuck roast or stew meat are excellent choices for this soup, as they become tender and juicy when simmered for an extended period.
Next, gather an assortment of fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, and tomatoes. These veggies not only add color and texture to the soup but also contribute essential nutrients. Feel free to customize the vegetable mix based on your preferences or what you have available in your pantry.
For the broth, you can use either store-bought beef broth or make your own by simmering beef bones, vegetables, and herbs. Homemade broth adds an extra depth of flavor to the soup, but store-bought options work just as well if you’re short on time. Don’t forget to season your soup with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves for a robust and savory taste.
Lastly, ensure you have basic pantry staples like olive oil, garlic, and tomato paste on hand to enhance the flavor profile of the soup. These ingredients will help create a rich and aromatic base for your Vegetable Beef Soup, setting the stage for a truly delicious meal.
Preparation and Cooking Instructions
To begin making Vegetable Beef Soup, start by preparing your ingredients. Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the beef in batches until it is nicely seared on all sides. This step helps to develop flavor and adds depth to the soup.
Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add diced onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté them until they are softened and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a savory base for the soup.
Return the beef to the pot, along with any juices that have accumulated. Pour in the beef broth and add diced potatoes, chopped tomatoes, and your choice of additional vegetables. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 1-2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of freshness. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.
Enhancing the Flavor
To elevate the flavor of your Vegetable Beef Soup, consider incorporating some additional ingredients and seasonings. For a touch of sweetness, you can add a splash of red wine or a spoonful of honey to balance out the savory elements. Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce are also excellent additions that bring depth and umami to the soup.
If you prefer a thicker broth, you can stir in a mixture of cornstarch and water towards the end of the cooking process to create a luscious and velvety texture. Additionally, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream on top of each serving can add richness and creaminess to the soup.
For a hearty and filling meal, consider adding cooked pasta, rice, or barley to the soup in the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. These starches will absorb the flavors of the broth and vegetables, creating a satisfying one-pot meal that is both comforting and delicious. Feel free to experiment with different grains and pasta shapes to find your favorite combination.
By incorporating these food and cooking hacks into your Vegetable Beef Soup recipe, you can create a dish that is bursting with flavor, nutrients, and heartwarming goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a cozy bowl of soup on a rainy day, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
