Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup

Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup is a comforting and filling dish that combines tender chunks of beef, fresh vegetables, and rich broth to create the perfect meal for chilly days. Packed with nourishing ingredients like carrots, celery, potatoes, and tomatoes, this soup is not only flavorful but also hearty enough to satisfy the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a make-ahead meal, this soup is sure to warm you from the inside out.

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 6 cups beef broth
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large pot, brown the beef stew meat over medium heat until it’s nicely browned on all sides.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant.
3. Stir in the sliced carrots, chopped celery, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring the soup to a boil.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to develop.
5. Add the diced potatoes, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

1. Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as green beans, peas, or corn for extra color and nutrition.
2. Use Ground Beef: If you prefer, you can use ground beef instead of stew meat. Brown it in the pot and skip the step of cutting it into pieces.
3. Herb Variations: Swap out the dried thyme for other herbs like rosemary, oregano, or bay leaves to customize the flavor.
4. Make It Spicy: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño pepper to the soup.
5. Add Beans: For a heartier soup, throw in a can of kidney beans or navy beans to make it even more filling.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
• Freezing: This soup freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the soup in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
   Yes, you can substitute the beef with chicken, using boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I add pasta to the soup?
   Yes, adding small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells is a great idea. Just cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup at the end to avoid overcooking it.
3. How can I make this soup gluten-free?
   The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beef broth. Always check labels to ensure the broth and any added ingredients are free from gluten.
4. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
   Yes! Brown the beef in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker, along with all the other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding the potatoes in the last hour of cooking.
5. Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?
   Yes, you can use the sauté function to brown the beef, then add the rest of the ingredients and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
6. What type of beef should I use?
   Beef stew meat is ideal for this recipe because it becomes tender after long cooking. You can also use chuck roast, cut into cubes, or any other cut suitable for slow cooking.
7. Can I add more broth?
   Yes, if you prefer a thinner soup, feel free to add extra broth to adjust the consistency.
8. What should I serve with this soup?
   This soup is filling on its own, but you can serve it with crusty bread, rolls, or a side salad for a complete meal.
9. How do I know when the beef is tender?
   The beef is tender when it easily shreds with a fork or is no longer chewy. After simmering for 1.5 hours, it should be perfectly tender.
10. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
    Yes, fresh herbs work well too! Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried, and add them towards the end of cooking to maintain their fresh flavor.

Conclusion

Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup is a timeless comfort food that brings together the satisfying flavors of tender beef and fresh vegetables in a rich, savory broth. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this soup is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a make-ahead meal for busy days. Whether served on a chilly evening or as a weeknight favorite, it’s a meal that will fill you up and warm your soul.

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