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Instructions
1. Brown the Beef:
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef stew meat to the pot in batches (don’t overcrowd the pot) and brown on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes per batch.
- Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the onion for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the carrots, celery, potato, and zucchini (if using) to the pot, and sauté for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to develop the flavors.
3. Add Broth and Seasonings:
- Return the browned beef to the pot along with any juices.
- Pour in the beef broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juices).
- Stir in the dried thyme, dried basil, dried oregano, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer the Soup:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and let the soup simmer for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally, and add more broth or water if needed during the cooking process.
5. Add Remaining Vegetables:
- About 20 minutes before serving, add the green beans, peas, and corn (if using). Continue to simmer until the vegetables are tender and the soup is heated through.
6. Adjust Seasonings and Serve:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if necessary.
- Discard the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired, and with a side of crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Hearty Beef and Vegetable Soup is a meal all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to make it even more satisfying:
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a loaf of fresh, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
- Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes a perfect balance to the rich soup.
- Cheese Toasts: Top slices of bread with melted cheese for an extra indulgent side.
- Rice or Noodles: If you want to stretch the soup even further, you can add cooked rice or pasta during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
Tips for Success
🌟 Use Quality Beef: Choose beef stew meat or a chuck roast for the best flavor and tenderness. The fat marbling in these cuts adds richness to the soup as it simmers.
🌟 Cut Even Pieces: To ensure even cooking, try to cut your vegetables and beef into uniform sizes. This helps everything cook at the same rate.
🌟 Let it Simmer Slowly: The key to developing deep, rich flavors is slow simmering. If you can, let the soup cook for 1 ½ hours for maximum tenderness and flavor.
🌟 Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or what you have in the fridge. Root vegetables like turnips or parsnips, or greens like spinach or kale, would be great additions.
🌟 Meal Prep Friendly: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, and the flavors actually deepen as it sits. It also freezes beautifully—just store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
🌟 Beef Broth Substitute: If you don’t have beef broth, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or chicken broth, although the flavor will be slightly different.
Why This Recipe Works
Hearty Beef and Vegetable Soup is the epitome of comfort in a bowl. The combination of beef, vegetables, and savory broth creates a balanced meal that’s both nourishing and filling. The long simmering process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich, hearty soup that is the definition of comfort food. The addition of a variety of vegetables ensures that each spoonful is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making this soup as healthy as it is satisfying.
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility—it’s easy to adapt based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry. You can play around with different seasonings, add more vegetables, or make it spicier if you like a kick. Whether you enjoy it as a main course for dinner or as a warming lunch the next day, this soup will quickly become a family favorite.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of Hearty Beef and Vegetable Soup. It’s perfect for those chilly days when you need something filling, flavorful, and wholesome. The combination of tender beef, nutritious vegetables, and savory broth makes it a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s easy to make, freezer-friendly, and great for leftovers, which makes it the perfect choice for busy weeks.
So next time you need a nourishing, satisfying meal, reach for this Hearty Beef and Vegetable Soup—it’s sure to become a comforting classic in your kitchen.
Enjoy your bowl of warmth! 🍲🍖🥕
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