Vegetable Beef Soup: Hearty Comfort in Every Spoonful
Vegetable Beef Soup is the epitome of hearty, soul-warming comfort food. This beloved classic is a medley of tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and savory broth that come together to create a bowl of pure coziness. Whether you’re seeking a satisfying meal on a chilly day or a nourishing dish to share with loved ones, join us as we explore the art of crafting Vegetable Beef Soup that will warm your heart and invigorate your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cubed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1 cup green beans, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Brown the Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the cubed beef stew meat and brown it on all sides, allowing it to develop a rich, caramelized crust. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set it aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: 3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Simmer the Soup: 4. Return the browned beef to the pot.
- Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, including their juices. Stir to combine.
- Add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, diced potatoes, green beans, and corn to the pot.
- Season the soup with dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked to your desired level of tenderness.
Serve and Garnish: 9. Ladle the hot Vegetable Beef Soup into bowls.
- If desired, garnish each bowl with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Enjoy the Heartwarming Comfort: 11. Serve your Vegetable Beef Soup as a comforting meal that warms both body and soul. Pair it with crusty bread, crackers, or a side salad for a complete experience.
Cook’s Notes:
- For a richer flavor, consider using bone-in beef stew meat. The bone imparts depth and richness to the broth.
- Feel free to customize your soup by adding other vegetables like peas, spinach, or bell peppers.
- If you prefer a thicker broth, you can make a simple roux by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, whisking in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and then stirring it into the simmering soup until it thickens.
- Vegetable Beef Soup tends to taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Vegetable Beef Soup is a classic comfort dish that embodies the essence of hearty, homey goodness. With its tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and savory broth, it’s a bowl of nourishment that soothes the soul. So, savor each spoonful of this heartwarming soup and let it wrap you in a blanket of comfort, reminding you of the simple joys of home-cooked meals.