Name: Vegetable Beef Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb beef stew meat; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion (1½ cups, finely diced); 14 oz can diced tomatoes (with juice); 3 bay leaves; 8 cups low-sodium beef broth; 1 lb potatoes, peeled and diced; 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped; 1 cup celery, chopped; 1 cup green beans, cut into bite-size pieces; ½ cup green onions, chopped; ¼ cup parsley, chopped; 1 tbsp fine sea salt (adjust to taste); 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and Filling: The combination of beef and vegetables makes this soup a complete and satisfying meal.
Flavorful Broth: The slow simmering of beef with herbs and spices creates a deeply flavorful broth.
Nutritious: Loaded with vegetables, this soup provides a good dose of vitamins and minerals.
Make-Ahead Friendly: I can prepare it in advance, and it tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 lb beef stew meat
1 medium onion (1 1/2 cups finely diced)
14 oz can diced tomatoes
3 bay leaves
1 lb potatoes (peeled and diced)
2 large carrots (peeled and chopped)
1 cup celery (chopped)
1 cup green beans (cut into bite-size pieces)
1/2 cup green onions (chopped)
1/4 cup parsley (chopped)
8 cups beef broth (low sodium)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fine sea salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Sear the Beef: In a large pot, I heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. I add the beef stew meat and sear until browned on all sides.
Add Aromatics: I add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until translucent.
Combine Ingredients: I add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), bay leaves, and beef broth to the pot. I bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer: I reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
Add Vegetables: I add the diced potatoes, chopped carrots, celery, and green beans to the pot. I continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Season and Finish: I stir in the chopped green onions and parsley. I season the soup with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Serve: I remove the bay leaves before serving. I ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Variations

Grain Addition: I sometimes add cooked barley or rice to make the soup even heartier.
Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
Different Proteins: I substitute the beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Vegetarian Version: I omit the beef and use vegetable broth, adding more beans or lentils for protein.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: I store the cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: I freeze the soup in portioned airtight containers or freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating: I thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. I reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, I can transfer the seared beef and sautéed onions to a slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.

How can I thicken the soup?

For a thicker consistency, I mash some of the potatoes in the soup or add a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely! I add frozen vegetables during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft.

What can I serve with this soup?

I often serve it with crusty bread, a side salad, or a grilled cheese sandwich for a complete meal.

Is it necessary to sear the beef first?

While not mandatory, searing the beef adds depth of flavor to the soup, enhancing its overall taste.

Conclusion

I find that this Vegetable Beef Soup is a nourishing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its rich broth, tender beef, and assortment of vegetables make it a comforting meal that I can enjoy time and time again. Whether I’m cooking for my family or meal prepping for the week, this soup is always a reliable and delicious choice.