This Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup recipe is a comforting and nourishing meal perfect for any day. You will create a flavorful and filling soup that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, making it a great addition to your collection of Healthy Beef Recipes.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Beef Stew Meat: You can use chuck roast cut into cubes or even ground beef for a quicker cook time.
- Vegetables: Feel free to swap in your favorite hearty vegetables like parsnips, kale, or zucchini.
- Beef Broth: Vegetable broth can be used for a lighter flavor, or a low-sodium beef broth for health-conscious cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup frozen green beans
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini, elbow macaroni) – *Optional*
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish – *Optional*
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Tools Needed: Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cutting board, sharp knife.
1. Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in your pot over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and sear them on all sides until nicely browned. This step adds rich flavor to your Healthy Beef Recipes. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Combine and Simmer
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Add the bay leaves and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
4. Add Remaining Vegetables and Pasta
Stir in the frozen green beans and corn. If you’re using pasta, add it now. Continue to simmer uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Season and Serve
Remove the bay leaves from the soup. Season your Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this wholesome addition to your Healthy Beef Recipes.
Variation Ideas
- Add a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Stir in a cup of cooked brown rice or quinoa instead of pasta for added whole grains.
- Include diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for extra heartiness.
- For a touch of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the aromatics.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. This soup also freezes well; portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, adding the frozen vegetables and pasta for the last 30 minutes.
What kind of beef is best for this soup?
Beef stew meat, which is typically chuck roast, is ideal because it becomes very tender with long, slow cooking.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! This is a great way to use up vegetables you have on hand. Consider adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
You can mash some of the cooked vegetables against the side of the pot or mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering soup until thickened.
Is this soup suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup is excellent for meal prepping. It reheats beautifully and the flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it an even better Healthy Beef Recipe.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply omit the pasta or use a gluten-free pasta alternative. Ensure your beef broth is also gluten-free.
