This hearty vegetable beef soup is not just a soup, but a wholesome meal. Packed with tender chunks of beef, a variety of vegetables and aromatics, and flavorful beef broth, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings for a comforting, warm meal.
Most of these ingredients are pantry staples and can be found in any supermarket. However, for the beef stew meat, do ensure to choose pieces with moderate marbling, as it will be cooked for a long time and you want the meat to remain juicy and tender. The Italian seasoning is also key for an authentic flavor, and can be found in the spice aisle.
Ingredients for Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup
Olive oil: Used as a healthy cooking medium, and also adds a subtle flavor to the soup.
Beef stew meat: The star of the dish, it adds protein and makes the soup hearty.
Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
Onion, carrots, celery: These create the aromatic base for the soup.
Garlic: Adds depth to the soup’s flavor.
Tomatoes: Adds tanginess and color to the soup.
Italian seasoning: Gives the soup an authentic taste.
Bay leaf: Infuses the soup with a subtle, savory flavor.
Beef broth: Provides the liquid base and also adds flavor.
Potatoes: Makes the soup more filling.
Corn, peas, green beans: Adds variety, texture, and color to the soup.
Parsley: Enhances the flavor and also adds a pop of green color to the finished dish.
One reader, Cherie Spooner says:
This hearty vegetable beef soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the beef is so tender. It's the perfect dish for a cozy night in. The blend of vegetables adds a delightful touch, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup
How to brown the beef: In a large pan over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Season the stew meat with salt and pepper to taste. Place half of the meat in the pan in a single layer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until browned. Repeat the process with the remaining beef. Place the meat on a plate and cover to keep warm.
How to simmer the soup: After adding the beef back to the pot along with the tomatoes, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, and beef broth, bring the mixture to a low simmer. Let it simmer for 60 minutes or until the beef is tender.
How to cook the potatoes: Add the potatoes to the pot and cook for an additional 20 minutes or until tender.
How to adjust seasoning: After adding the corn, peas, and green beans, cook for 5 minutes. Then, season the soup to taste with salt and pepper.
How to serve: Discard the bay leaf, sprinkle with parsley, and serve.
How To Make Vegetable Beef Soup
Warm yourself with this umami-filled beef soup. Starchy potatoes add to the thickness of this soup while tomatoes give it a sweet and sour flavor. Try it!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspolive oil
- 2lbbeef stew meat
- salt and pepper,to taste
- ½cuponion,chopped
- 3pcscarrots,peeled, halved and sliced
- 2stalkscelery,sliced
- 2tspgarlic,minced
- 28oztomatoes,diced, do not drain
- 1½tspItalian seasoning
- 1bay leaf
- 7cupsbeef broth
- 2cupsRusset potato,peeled and cut into ½ inch pieces
- ½cupcorn,frozen
- ½cuppeas,frozen
- ¾cupgreen beans,frozen cut
- 2tbspparsley,chopped
Instructions
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Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Season the stew meat with salt and pepper to taste.
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Place half of the meat in the pan in a single layer. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until browned.
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Repeat the process with the remaining beef. Place the meat on a plate and cover to keep warm.
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Add the onion, carrot, and celery to the pan. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
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Add the beef back to the pot along with the tomatoes, Italian seasoning, bay leaf and beef broth. Bring to a low simmer.
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Simmer for 60 minutes or until beef is tender.
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Add the potatoes to the pot and cook for an additional 20 minutes or until tender.
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Stir in the corn, peas and green beans. Cook for 5 minutes. Season the soup to taste with salt and pepper.
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Discard bay leaf. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 448.15kcal
- Fat: 10.63g
- Saturated Fat: 3.61g
- Trans Fat: 0.38g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.69g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.07g
- Carbohydrates: 47.41g
- Fiber: 6.82g
- Sugar: 10.00g
- Protein: 44.79g
- Cholesterol: 95.25mg
- Sodium: 1894.25mg
- Calcium: 121.67mg
- Potassium: 2307.20mg
- Iron: 6.78mg
- Vitamin A: 333.03µg
- Vitamin C: 39.20mg
Technique Tip for Enhancing the Flavor of Vegetable Beef Soup
When browning the beef stew meat, avoid overcrowding the pan. This is because when the pan is overcrowded, the meat will steam instead of sear, and you won't get that desirable brown crust. If necessary, brown the meat in batches to ensure each piece has enough space. This will enhance the flavor of your hearty vegetable beef soup.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Soup Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and store the onions, carrots, and celery in advance to save time during the cooking process.
Use pre-cut vegetables: Consider using pre-cut vegetables to minimize prep time and make the cooking process more efficient.
Slow cooker option: Utilize a slow cooker for this recipe to allow the flavors to meld together while saving time on active cooking.
Multi-task: While the soup is simmering, use that time to prepare other components of your meal or clean up the kitchen to save time later.
Freeze leftovers: Make a larger batch and freeze the leftovers for a quick and convenient meal in the future.
Substitute Ingredients For Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil can be used as a neutral substitute for olive oil in cooking.
beef stew meat - Substitute with lamb stew meat: Lamb stew meat can provide a similar hearty and rich flavor to the soup.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor compared to onions and can add a subtle sweetness to the soup.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture and sweetness to carrots, making them a great substitute in the soup.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel can add a similar crunch and subtle anise flavor to the soup as celery.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder and sweeter flavor compared to garlic.
tomatoes - Substitute with canned tomato sauce: Canned tomato sauce can be used as a substitute for fresh tomatoes to add a rich tomato flavor to the soup.
italian seasoning - Substitute with herbs de Provence: Herbs de Provence can provide a similar blend of herbs, including thyme, rosemary, and oregano, to enhance the flavor of the soup.
bay leaf - Substitute with thyme: Thyme can add a subtle earthy and herby flavor to the soup, similar to bay leaf.
beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for beef broth to create a vegetarian version of the soup.
russet potato - Substitute with Yukon Gold potato: Yukon Gold potatoes have a similar texture and flavor to russet potatoes, making them a suitable substitute in the soup.
corn - Substitute with chopped bell peppers: Chopped bell peppers can add a sweet and crunchy element to the soup, similar to corn.
peas - Substitute with edamame: Edamame can provide a similar texture and slightly nutty flavor to the soup as peas.
green beans - Substitute with asparagus: Asparagus can add a similar crunch and earthy flavor to the soup as green beans.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can provide a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the soup, similar to parsley.
Best Way to Present Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the hearty vegetable beef soup, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the soup.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of sophistication by garnishing the soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a pop of freshness to the dish.
Incorporate artisanal bread: Serve the soup with a side of warm, crusty artisanal bread. Consider using a rustic bread loaf and slicing it at an angle for a more artisanal and visually appealing presentation.
Use high-quality serving ware: Opt for high-quality, elegant serving ware such as ceramic or porcelain bowls to elevate the dining experience and create a sense of luxury.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component in the bowl, ensuring that the vegetables and beef are evenly distributed for a balanced and refined presentation.
Consider the visual balance: Aim for a visually balanced presentation by arranging the ingredients in a harmonious manner, creating an inviting and appetizing display for the diners.
Highlight the vibrant colors: Emphasize the natural colors of the vegetables and beef by arranging them in a visually appealing manner, allowing the vibrant hues to shine through.
Add a touch of elegance with a drizzle: Consider adding a delicate drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil to the soup just before serving, enhancing both the flavor and the visual appeal of the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Vegetable Beef Soup
- Oven: An essential appliance for baking, roasting, and broiling a wide variety of dishes.
- Stove: Used for cooking, boiling, frying, and simmering a range of recipes.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping, slicing, and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile tool for slicing, dicing, and mincing various foods.
- Stockpot: Ideal for making soups, stews, and boiling large quantities of liquid.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching cookware.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Saucepan: Used for heating and cooking sauces, soups, and other liquids.
- Skillet: Ideal for sautéing, frying, and searing a variety of foods.
- Whisk: Essential for blending, whipping, and incorporating air into mixtures.
- Tongs: Useful for flipping, turning, and serving foods while cooking.
- Baking sheet: Perfect for baking cookies, roasting vegetables, and toasting nuts.
- Blender: Ideal for pureeing, blending, and mixing ingredients to create smooth textures.
- Grater: Used for grating cheese, vegetables, and other ingredients.
- Colander: Essential for draining pasta, rinsing vegetables, and straining liquids.
- Mixing bowl: Used for combining and mixing ingredients for various recipes.
- Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out dough for pies, pastries, and other baked goods.
- Pastry brush: Perfect for applying glazes, sauces, and butter to baked goods.
- Piping bag: Essential for decorating cakes, pastries, and piping frosting or fillings.
- Muffin tin: Used for baking muffins, cupcakes, and individual-sized desserts.
- Spatula: Ideal for flipping, lifting, and serving foods without damaging delicate textures.
How To Store and Freeze Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup
Let the vegetable beef soup cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of harmful bacteria and ensure the best quality.
Store the cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date of preparation.
To freeze the soup, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing. Label the containers with the date and contents.
When freezing, consider portioning the soup into smaller quantities for easier thawing and reheating. This way, you can defrost only what you need for a single meal.
Freeze the vegetable beef soup for up to 3 months for optimal flavor and texture. While it will still be safe to consume beyond this time, the quality may start to deteriorate.
To reheat the frozen soup, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw it in the microwave using the defrost setting.
Once thawed, reheat the soup in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
If the soup appears too thick after freezing and reheating, you can thin it out by adding a little beef broth or water until you achieve the desired consistency.
How To Reheat Leftover Vegetable Beef Soup
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover hearty vegetable beef soup to a pot and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the soup is heated evenly without overcooking the vegetables or meat.
Microwave method: place the desired portion of leftover soup in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Slow cooker method: transfer the leftover soup to a slow cooker and heat it on the low setting for 1-2 hours, or until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is ideal if you want to reheat a large batch of soup without having to monitor it closely.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover soup to an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is heated through. Stir the soup occasionally to ensure even heating.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the soup well to distribute the heat evenly and prevent any hot spots. Also, ensure that the soup reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving to prevent foodborne illness.
Random Fact About Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup
The hearty vegetable beef soup recipe is a classic comfort food that can be customized with various vegetables and seasonings to suit individual tastes. It's a versatile dish that can be easily adapted to include different ingredients based on personal preferences and dietary restrictions. This soup is a great way to incorporate a variety of nutrient-rich vegetables into your diet, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal option. Additionally, the slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and flavorful broth that is perfect for warming up on a cold day.
Is Making Vegetable Beef Soup at Home Economical?
This hearty vegetable beef soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The combination of affordable ingredients such as beef stew meat, onion, carrots, and potatoes makes it a budget-friendly option. The use of hearty vegetables and protein-rich beef stew meat ensures that the dish is both satisfying and nutritious. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20, making it an economical choice for a wholesome and filling meal. Overall Verdict: 9.
Is This Soup Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The hearty vegetable beef soup recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced meal that incorporates a variety of vegetables, lean protein, and healthy carbohydrates. The use of olive oil, a heart-healthy fat, is a positive aspect of this recipe. The inclusion of vegetables such as onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, corn, peas, and green beans provides a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. The beef stew meat is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. However, the recipe could be improved by using a leaner cut of beef to reduce the overall fat content.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this soup, consider the following suggestions:
- Use low-sodium beef broth to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish
- Increase the variety of vegetables by adding leafy greens such as spinach or kale, which are rich in vitamins A, C, and K
- Replace the russet potatoes with sweet potatoes or butternut squash for added vitamin A and fiber
- Incorporate whole grains such as barley or quinoa to increase the fiber content and provide a more complex carbohydrate source
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to add flavor without increasing the sodium content
Editor's Thoughts on This Hearty Soup Recipe
This hearty vegetable beef soup recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of tender beef, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth creates a delicious and nourishing soup that will warm you from the inside out. The use of fresh ingredients and aromatic herbs adds depth of flavor, making this soup a standout dish. It's a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a starter, and it's sure to become a family favorite.
Enhance Your Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup
Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup
Why trust this Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe:
This recipe is a reliable choice for a hearty meal. The beef stew meat is seared to perfection, ensuring a rich and savory flavor. The combination of onion, carrots, and celery adds depth and aroma. The use of garlic enhances the overall taste. With the addition of tomatoes and Italian seasoning, the soup boasts a delightful Mediterranean flair. The incorporation of russet potatoes and a variety of vegetables guarantees a wholesome and satisfying dish. Trust in this recipe for a comforting and nourishing soup experience.
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