Easy Vegetable Beef Soup: A Hearty and Healthy Weeknight Meal
Are you looking for a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal to whip up on a chilly evening? Look no further than this fantastic vegetable beef soup! This recipe is packed with tender beef, an assortment of colorful vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, perfect for busy weeknights or a lazy weekend. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies for even the pickiest eaters. This version is designed to be straightforward, using readily available ingredients and simple techniques. Get ready to enjoy a delicious and nourishing soup that the whole family will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Easy and Quick:** This recipe is designed for simplicity. With minimal prep time and a straightforward cooking process, you can have a hearty soup on the table in under an hour.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with lean beef and a variety of vegetables, this soup is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s a great source of vitamins, minerals, and protein.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adjust the vegetables and seasonings to your liking. It’s a highly adaptable recipe that you can easily tailor to your preferences and what you have on hand.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Vegetable beef soup is an economical meal that stretches ingredients and provides plenty of servings.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for future meals. It’s perfect for meal prepping and those nights when you just don’t have time to cook.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Beef:** 1 pound of beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes. Chuck roast works well, but you can also use ground beef for an even quicker option. If using ground beef, brown it before adding it to the soup.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons of olive oil, for browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables. Any neutral cooking oil will work fine.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped. Yellow onions provide a good balance of flavor and sweetness.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor that enhances the soup.
* **Carrots:** 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped. Carrots add sweetness and a vibrant color to the soup.
* **Celery:** 2 stalks of celery, chopped. Celery provides a subtle, savory flavor that complements the other vegetables.
* **Beef Broth:** 6 cups of beef broth. Use low-sodium broth to control the salt content of the soup. You can also use beef stock for a richer flavor.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained. Diced tomatoes add acidity and body to the soup.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Tomato paste deepens the flavor and adds richness to the broth.
* **Potatoes:** 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work well. They add heartiness and thicken the soup.
* **Green Beans:** 1 cup of frozen or fresh green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces. Green beans add a fresh, vibrant flavor and color.
* **Corn:** 1 cup of frozen or canned corn, drained. Corn adds sweetness and a pleasant texture.
* **Peas:** 1 cup of frozen peas. Peas add sweetness and a pop of color. Add these at the very end of cooking as they cook quickly.
* **Bay Leaf:** 1 bay leaf. Bay leaf adds a subtle, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup. Remember to remove it before serving.
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Thyme adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the beef and vegetables.
* **Dried Oregano:** 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Oregano adds a slightly pungent and savory flavor.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, shredded cheese, sour cream, or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large Pot or Dutch Oven:** A large pot or Dutch oven is essential for cooking the soup. It needs to be large enough to hold all the ingredients without overflowing.
* **Cutting Board:** For chopping vegetables and meat.
* **Knife:** A sharp knife for prepping the ingredients.
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups:** For accurate measuring of ingredients.
* **Ladle:** For serving the soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a detailed guide to making this delicious vegetable beef soup:
**Step 1: Brown the Beef**
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper.
3. Add the beef to the pot and brown on all sides. Browning the beef adds depth of flavor to the soup. Don’t overcrowd the pot; brown the beef in batches if necessary. Remove the browned beef from the pot and set aside.
**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**
1. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
**Step 3: Build the Soup**
1. Return the browned beef to the pot.
2. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried oregano to the pot.
3. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the beef is tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful the soup will become. You can simmer it for up to 2-3 hours for an even richer flavor.
**Step 4: Add the Potatoes and Other Vegetables**
1. Add the diced potatoes to the pot and simmer for another 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
2. Add the green beans and corn to the pot. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until the green beans are tender-crisp.
3. Stir in the frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking, ensuring they heat through.
**Step 5: Season and Serve**
1. Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that the flavors will continue to meld as the soup sits.
3. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, shredded cheese, sour cream, or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt, if desired.
4. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
Tips for the Best Vegetable Beef Soup
* **Use Quality Beef:** The quality of the beef will directly impact the flavor of the soup. Choose a good cut of stew meat or chuck roast for the best results.
* **Don’t Skip the Browning:** Browning the beef is crucial for developing a rich, savory flavor. Take the time to brown the meat properly before adding it to the soup.
* **Sauté the Vegetables Well:** Sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery before adding the broth helps to release their flavors and create a deeper, more complex broth.
* **Simmer for Longer:** The longer you simmer the soup, the more the flavors will meld together. If you have the time, simmer it for 2-3 hours for an even richer flavor.
* **Adjust the Vegetables to Your Liking:** Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Cabbage, zucchini, or bell peppers are all great additions.
* **Use Fresh Herbs When Possible:** Fresh herbs will add a brighter, more vibrant flavor to the soup. If using fresh herbs, add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and use vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables or beans for protein.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
* **Add a Splash of Acid:** A splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice at the end of cooking can brighten the flavors and add a touch of acidity.
* **Let it Rest:** Like many soups and stews, vegetable beef soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Let it cool completely before refrigerating.
Variations and Add-Ins
* **Spicy Vegetable Beef Soup:** Add a diced jalapeño pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for a spicy kick.
* **Italian Vegetable Beef Soup:** Add Italian seasoning, a can of cannellini beans, and some chopped spinach for an Italian-inspired twist.
* **Mexican Vegetable Beef Soup:** Add a can of black beans, corn, and a packet of taco seasoning for a Mexican-flavored soup. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado.
* **Creamy Vegetable Beef Soup:** Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking for a creamy texture.
* **Vegetable Beef and Barley Soup:** Add 1/2 cup of pearl barley to the soup along with the broth. Barley adds a hearty and chewy texture.
* **Add Noodles:** For a heartier soup, add egg noodles or macaroni noodles during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the broth.
* **Crackers:** Crackers are another great option for dipping and adding texture to the soup.
* **Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** Pair with a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting and satisfying meal.
* **Salad:** Serve with a side salad for a lighter and more balanced meal.
* **Toppings:** Offer a variety of toppings, such as fresh parsley, shredded cheese, sour cream, or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt, so everyone can customize their soup.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **Storage:** Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezing:** For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl. If the soup has thickened too much, add a little extra broth or water to thin it out.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
(Note: Nutrition information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.)
* Calories: Approximately 300-400 per serving
* Protein: 25-35 grams
* Fat: 10-15 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
* Fiber: 5-7 grams
This Easy Vegetable Beef Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a flavorful and nutritious meal that’s simple to prepare. With its customizable nature and hearty ingredients, it’s a perfect dish for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a comforting bowl of delicious soup!