Cozy Cottage Beef Stew Soup: A Heartwarming Recipe for Cold Days

Is there anything more comforting than a steaming bowl of beef stew on a chilly day? This Cozy Cottage Beef Stew Soup takes the classic beef stew and transforms it into a delicious, hearty soup that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, savory broth, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but special enough to serve to guests. Let’s dive into the details and create this culinary masterpiece together!

## Why You’ll Love This Beef Stew Soup

* **Incredibly Flavorful:** The combination of browned beef, aromatic vegetables, and a slow-simmered broth creates a deeply satisfying flavor profile.
* **Hearty and Filling:** This soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it a complete and nourishing meal.
* **Versatile:** Feel free to customize the vegetables and herbs to your liking.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping.
* **Cozy and Comforting:** There’s just something about a warm bowl of beef stew soup that makes you feel good from the inside out.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients for this Cozy Cottage Beef Stew Soup:

* **Beef:** 2 pounds of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes. Beef chuck is ideal because it becomes incredibly tender as it simmers.
* **Vegetable Oil:** 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, for browning the beef.
* **Onion:** 1 large yellow onion, chopped. This forms the base of the flavor.
* **Carrots:** 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped. Adds sweetness and color.
* **Celery:** 2 stalks of celery, chopped. Provides aromatic depth.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves of garlic, minced. Essential for adding a pungent, savory note.
* **Beef Broth:** 8 cups of beef broth. Use a high-quality broth for the best flavor.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Adds richness and acidity.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce. Enhances the savory flavor.
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. A classic herb for beef stew.
* **Dried Rosemary:** 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary. Adds a warm, woodsy aroma.
* **Bay Leaf:** 1 bay leaf. Infuses the soup with a subtle herbal flavor (remember to remove it before serving).
* **Potatoes:** 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed. Adds heartiness and texture.
* **Frozen Peas:** 1 cup of frozen peas. Adds a pop of sweetness and freshness (optional).
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season generously to bring out the flavors.
* **Fresh Parsley:** Chopped, for garnish (optional).

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot:** This is crucial for even cooking and browning the beef.
* **Cutting Board:** For chopping vegetables.
* **Sharp Knife:** For preparing the ingredients.
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups:** For accurate measurements.
* **Wooden Spoon or Spatula:** For stirring.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Cozy Cottage Beef Stew Soup:

**Step 1: Prepare the Beef**

* Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels. This is important for achieving a good sear.
* Season the beef generously with salt and pepper.

**Step 2: Brown the Beef**

* Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
* Add the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will steam the beef instead of browning it.
* Sear the beef on all sides until it’s nicely browned. This will take about 5-7 minutes per batch.
* Remove the browned beef from the pot and set it aside.

**Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot.
* Sauté the vegetables over medium heat until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

**Step 4: Build the Flavor Base**

* Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
* This helps to caramelize the tomato paste and deepen the flavor.

**Step 5: Add the Liquids and Seasonings**

* Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits (this is called deglazing and adds a lot of flavor).
* Add the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf.

**Step 6: Simmer the Soup**

* Return the browned beef to the pot.
* Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
* Cover the pot and simmer for at least 2-3 hours, or until the beef is very tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will become.

**Step 7: Add the Potatoes**

* Add the cubed potatoes to the pot.
* Continue to simmer for another 30-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

**Step 8: Finish the Soup**

* If using, stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
* Remove the bay leaf.
* Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

**Step 9: Serve and Garnish**

* Ladle the Cozy Cottage Beef Stew Soup into bowls.
* Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

## Tips for the Best Beef Stew Soup

* **Use High-Quality Beef Broth:** The flavor of the broth is crucial to the overall taste of the soup. Opt for a good-quality beef broth or even homemade broth if you have it.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pot When Browning the Beef:** Browning the beef in batches ensures that it sears properly and develops a rich, flavorful crust.
* **Be Patient with the Simmering Time:** The longer the soup simmers, the more tender the beef will become and the more the flavors will meld together.
* **Adjust the Seasoning to Your Liking:** Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust the salt, pepper, and other seasonings as needed.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms to the soup.
* **Make it Ahead:** This soup tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

## Variations and Additions

This Cozy Cottage Beef Stew Soup is delicious as is, but here are a few variations and additions you can try:

* **Add Red Wine:** For a richer, more complex flavor, add 1/2 cup of red wine to the pot along with the beef broth.
* **Add Pearl Barley:** For a heartier soup, add 1/2 cup of pearl barley along with the potatoes.
* **Add Mushrooms:** Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onions, carrots, and celery for an earthy flavor.
* **Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
* **Creamy Version:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving for a creamy texture.

## Serving Suggestions

This Cozy Cottage Beef Stew Soup is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to enhance the experience:

* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious broth.
* **Garlic Bread:** Garlic bread is another great option for soaking up the flavors.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** For an extra hearty meal, serve the soup over mashed potatoes.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, transfer the cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Reheating Instructions

* **Stovetop:** Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat the soup in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 5-7g

(Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

## Cozy Cottage Beef Stew Soup Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 3-4 hours

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 1 large yellow onion, chopped
* 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
* 2 stalks celery, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 8 cups beef broth
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1 bay leaf
* 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

**Instructions:**

1. Pat the beef chuck cubes dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
3. Add the beef in batches and sear on all sides until browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.
4. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
6. Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Add the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf.
7. Return the browned beef to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2-3 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
8. Add the cubed potatoes to the pot and continue to simmer for another 30-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
9. If using, stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
10. Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
11. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread.

## Conclusion

This Cozy Cottage Beef Stew Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the feeling of warmth spreading through your body on a cold day, the satisfaction of a hearty and nourishing meal, and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, put on some cozy music, and get ready to create a soup that will warm your heart and soul. Enjoy!