Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Vegetable Beef Soup:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes (for tender, flavorful bites)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the beef)
- 1 medium onion, diced (adds sweetness and depth of flavor)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (for that aromatic punch)
- 3 carrots, sliced (for a hint of sweetness and vibrant color)
- 3 celery stalks, sliced (adds crunch and earthiness)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (for a pop of color and sweetness)
- 4 cups beef broth (for a rich, savory base)
- 2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh, adds acidity and richness)
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces (for freshness)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (for earthy flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (for an aromatic touch)
- 1 bay leaf (to infuse a subtle depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (essential for enhancing flavors)
- 1 cup frozen peas (added near the end for a burst of sweetness and color)
Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to whip up your hearty Vegetable Beef Soup.
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the Beef: Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in batches (to avoid overcrowding) and brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building flavor!
- Remove and Set Aside: Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the Other Veggies: Stir in the sliced carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for another 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
- Return the Beef: Add the browned beef back into the pot with the vegetables.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Toss in the thyme, oregano, bay leaf, and stir to combine.
- Bring to a Simmer: Increase the heat to high until the mixture comes to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low to let it simmer.
Step 4: Let It Simmer
- Simmer the Soup: Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the beef tender and delicious.
- Add Green Beans: After 45 minutes, add the green beans to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the green beans are tender but still vibrant.
Step 5: Finish with Peas
- Add Frozen Peas: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes. This adds a pop of color and sweetness.
- Taste and Adjust: Remove the bay leaf, then taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve It Up!
- Ladle and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve it hot with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 25g