Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef stew meat and season with salt and pepper.
- Brown the meat on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Build the Soup Base:
- Add the beef broth, water, and diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot.
- Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
- Add Vegetables and Beef:
- Return the browned beef to the pot.
- Add the carrots, potatoes, green beans, corn, peas, and celery.
- Stir in the dried thyme, dried basil, bay leaf, and additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and let it simmer for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed with more salt, pepper, or herbs.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Benefits
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vegetables, this soup provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Protein-Packed: The beef adds a good amount of protein, aiding in muscle repair and growth.
- Hydrating: With its broth base, the soup helps keep you hydrated.
- Comforting: Warm and hearty, perfect for a cold day or when you need a comforting meal.
Enjoy this delightful and easy Vegetable Beef Soup with a slice of crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal!