Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup

As the weather cools down, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of Beef Vegetable Soup filled with tender chunks of meat, vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, offering both warmth and nourishment in every bite. Made with slowly simmered chuck roast, hearty vegetables like carrots, potatoes, celery, green beans, and tomatoes, this soup is the perfect meal for a chilly day. Served alongside crusty bread or cornbread with a dollop of sweet cream butter, it’s an unbeatable combination.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, to meal prep for the week, or to serve guests, this Beef Vegetable Soup is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also packed with nutrients and flavors that will leave everyone satisfied and feeling good. Let’s dive into the recipe and see why this soup is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Beef Vegetable Soup

Nourishing and Hearty: With tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth, this soup is filling and packed with nutrients. It’s a complete meal in a bowl.

Perfect for Fall and Winter: This soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cooler months when you want something warm and satisfying.

Simple and Wholesome Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find ingredients like chuck roast, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, and green beans, this recipe is wholesome and nutritious.

Freezer-Friendly: You can easily make a big batch and freeze leftovers for later. This makes it a great dish for meal prepping or storing for busy days.

Customizable: You can modify the vegetables to your liking, add extra spices for heat, or adjust the flavor profile to suit your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make a pot of this comforting Beef Vegetable Soup:

2 lbs chuck roast (cut into 1-inch cubes) – Chuck roast is perfect for slow cooking as it becomes tender and flavorful when simmered for a long time.

1 large onion, chopped – Adds depth of flavor to the broth.

3 celery stalks, chopped – Adds crunch and fresh flavor to the soup.

3 large carrots, peeled and sliced – Sweet and tender when cooked, carrots are a perfect addition to vegetable soups.

4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed – Potatoes add heartiness to the soup and help thicken the broth.

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained – Adds tangy flavor and color to the soup.

2 cups green beans (fresh or frozen) – Adds a pop of color and texture.

6 cups beef broth – The base of the soup, providing rich, savory flavor.

3 cloves garlic, minced – Adds a fragrant, savory kick to the broth.

1 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds a mild, earthy flavor.

1 teaspoon dried oregano – A classic herb that pairs well with the vegetables and beef.

1 bay leaf – Adds a subtle depth of flavor to the broth.

Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential seasonings for balancing the flavors.

Olive oil – For searing the beef.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the beef on all sides, which should take about 5-6 minutes per batch. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. Browning the beef adds depth of flavor to the soup, so don’t skip this step.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. This step helps to release the flavors from the vegetables and adds richness to the broth.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Next, add the minced garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. The heat will release the oils from the herbs, intensifying the flavor.

Step 4: Add the Beef and Broth

Return the browned beef to the pot, along with any juices that have accumulated. Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine everything. Add the bay leaf, then bring the soup to a boil.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender. The slow simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Step 6: Add Potatoes, Tomatoes, and Green Beans

After an hour, add the cubed potatoes, diced tomatoes, and green beans to the soup. Stir well and continue to simmer for another 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and fully cooked.

Step 7: Adjust Seasonings

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs depending on your preference. If you like your soup to have a richer flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a few drops of hot sauce for a kick.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once the potatoes and green beans are cooked through, remove the soup from the heat. Discard the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This Beef Vegetable Soup is perfect as a stand-alone meal, but here are some serving ideas that will elevate the experience:

Crusty Bread or Baguette: Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread or a fresh baguette to dip into the savory broth. The bread will soak up all the delicious flavors of the soup.

Cornbread: A slice of cornbread makes a great addition to this soup. The sweetness of the cornbread balances the savory flavor of the soup perfectly.

Grated Parmesan: Top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, cheesy finish.

Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme to brighten the dish and add a burst of color.

Tips for the Perfect Beef Vegetable Soup

Use Chuck Roast: Chuck roast is ideal for this soup because it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked slowly. Avoid using leaner cuts of beef, as they may dry out during cooking.

Sear the Beef First: Don’t skip the step of browning the beef. It adds a lot of flavor to the broth and makes the soup taste richer.

Simmer Slowly: The key to a good beef soup is slow simmering. Be patient and let the beef cook for at least an hour to become tender and flavorful.

Add Veggies Gradually: Add the potatoes and green beans later in the cooking process so they don’t become too soft and mushy. You want them to hold their texture in the soup.

Make It Spicy: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño pepper to the soup when adding the garlic.

Use Homemade Broth: If you have homemade beef broth, use it! It will make the soup even more flavorful. Otherwise, store-bought broth works fine.

Let It Sit: Like most soups, this beef vegetable soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together. Make extra and store it in the fridge for leftovers.

How to Store and Reheat

Storage: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing: This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding extra broth or water to adjust the consistency as needed. You can also microwave individual servings in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes.

Flavor Variations

While the recipe is delicious as is, here are some variations you can try to make it your own:

Spicy Beef Vegetable Soup: Add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Tomato-Based: For a more tomato-forward flavor, add an extra can of diced tomatoes or some tomato paste.

Barley or Rice: Add 1/2 cup of cooked barley or rice for added texture and heartiness.

Vegan Version: Skip the beef and replace it with vegetable broth and additional vegetables like mushrooms or lentils for a hearty, plant-based soup.

Herb Variations: If you’re not a fan of thyme and oregano, you can use herbs like rosemary, basil, or bay leaves to change the flavor profile of the soup.

Conclusion

This Beef Vegetable Soup is the ultimate cold-weather comfort food. Packed with tender beef, a variety of vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, it’s everything you want in a hearty meal. Whether you’re making it for your family, for a cozy night in, or for a crowd at a party, this soup is sure to please everyone. With minimal prep and easy ingredients, you’ll have a filling and satisfying meal that will warm you up on the coldest of days.

Next time you’re craving something comforting, easy, and full of flavor, give this Beef Vegetable Soup a try. It’s a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to again and again. Enjoy!

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