Vegetable Beef Soup

How to Make Vegetable Beef Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef stew meat and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Browning the beef helps develop a rich, savory flavor that will infuse the soup.

Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. This step adds depth to the overall flavor of the soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.

Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot, and stir them into the onions and garlic. Let the vegetables cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing their flavors to meld.

Step 3: Add the Liquid and Seasonings

Return the browned beef to the pot along with the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir everything together to combine.

Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, and sugar (if using). Stir to incorporate the seasonings. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

If the soup becomes too thick during cooking, add additional beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Add the Peas and Adjust Seasoning

In the final 10-15 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas to the soup. They will cook quickly and add a pop of color and sweetness to the dish.

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can enjoy the soup on its own or pair it with crusty bread, grilled cheese, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Vegetable Beef Soup

1. Use Beef with Good Marbling: For the best flavor and tenderness, use beef stew meat that has some fat marbling. This will help the beef become tender and infuse the soup with rich flavor as it cooks.
2. Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, green beans, celery, or zucchini depending on what you enjoy or what’s in season. The more variety, the better!
3. Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the soup for an extra kick.
4. Let the Soup Rest: Like most soups, Vegetable Beef Soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. If you have time, make it a day ahead and reheat it before serving.
5. Meal Prep Tip: This soup stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days and freezes beautifully. Simply cool the soup, transfer it to an airtight container, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove when ready to enjoy!

Why Vegetable Beef Soup is a Must-Try

Vegetable Beef Soup is a classic, comforting dish that combines tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth into one delicious meal. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, especially when served with a side of freshly baked bread or crackers. Not only is it filling and flavorful, but it’s also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a savory and satisfying meal.

This soup is also versatile enough to be customized with your favorite ingredients, making it easy to experiment and adjust the flavors to your liking. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, Vegetable Beef Soup is a dish that never goes out of style.

So next time you’re craving a warm and hearty meal, grab your ingredients, start simmering, and enjoy a bowl of homemade Vegetable Beef Soup—a truly timeless comfort food that everyone will love!