Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup: A Classic Comforting Dish

1. In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the onion until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer

Next, it’s time to add the broth and simmer the soup, allowing all the flavors to meld together.

1. Return the seared beef to the pot, along with any juices that collected on the plate.
2. Add the beef broth, carrots, celery, potatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juice), thyme, and bay leaf to the pot.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft.

Step 4: Add the Remaining Vegetables

To ensure that the green beans, corn, and peas don’t overcook and become mushy, add them toward the end of the cooking process.

1. After the soup has simmered for 45 minutes, add the green beans, corn, and peas to the pot.
2. Continue simmering the soup for another 10-15 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add more beef broth to the soup.

Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaf and ladle the soup into bowls. Serve it hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Best Vegetable Beef Soup

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables and good-quality beef broth make all the difference in the flavor of the soup. If you have access to homemade beef broth, it will elevate the dish even more.
• Sear the beef: Don’t skip the step of searing the beef before simmering it. Searing helps lock in the beef’s juices and adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the soup.
• Customize the vegetables: Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand or what’s in season. Zucchini, bell peppers, or parsnips are great additions to the soup.
• Make it ahead: Vegetable beef soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. It’s perfect for meal prep or making ahead of time.

Health Benefits of Vegetable Beef Soup

Vegetable beef soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here are some of the health benefits:

• Rich in Protein: The beef in the soup provides a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health.
• Loaded with Vegetables: This soup is an excellent way to get a variety of vegetables into your diet, each of which provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• Low in Fat: By using lean cuts of beef and keeping the soup broth-based, this dish is relatively low in fat while still being hearty and filling.
• Good for Digestion: The fiber from the vegetables, particularly the carrots, celery, and potatoes, helps support healthy digestion.

Conclusion: A Hearty, Nutritious Meal for Any Day

Vegetable beef soup is the perfect blend of hearty, nutritious ingredients that come together to create a comforting meal for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or prepping it ahead for the week, this soup is versatile, flavorful, and sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

With its tender beef, fresh vegetables, and rich broth, this soup is a timeless classic that will warm you from the inside out. Pair it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got a complete, satisfying meal that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.

Source of the picture : smalltownwoman.com