This Vegetable Beef Soup is hearty and full of yummy veggies and tender beef pieces. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for cold days or anytime you need comfort food!
My favorite part? It’s super easy to throw together! Just toss in your favorite vegetables and let it simmer. I love enjoying it with crusty bread for that extra cozy feel. 🍞😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: This cut is perfect because it gets tender as it cooks. You can substitute with ground beef, but remember to adjust cooking times. For a lighter option, use cubed chicken or turkey instead.
Vegetables: Don’t hesitate to mix and match! If you’re out of carrots or celery, try bell peppers or green beans. Frozen vegetables work great in soups, so you can swap fresh ones for frozen peas or corn.
Pasta: Pasta rings add a nice touch, but feel free to use any small pasta you have at home. Stuffed pasta, like tortellini, can be a fun alternative. Just cook according to package instructions before adding.
Beef Broth: For a richer flavor, use homemade broth if you have it. You can also substitute vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian version. Just add some extra seasonings for depth.
How Do I Properly Brown the Beef for My Soup?
Browning the beef right is key to adding flavor. Start with a hot pot and don’t overcrowd it; if the meat is too cramped, it’ll steam instead of brown. Here’s how:
- Heat the olive oil in the pot until shimmering.
- Add the beef cubes in batches, making sure they’re not touching each other.
- Let them sear for 3-4 minutes without stirring, then turn to brown on all sides.
- Remove the beef once it’s nicely browned and avoid overcooking before adding it back in.
This technique enhances the overall taste of your soup, making it truly delicious!
Vegetable Beef Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 stalks celery, sliced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup pasta rings or small pasta shapes
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 1 hour and 30 minutes to cook. The total time to get this delicious Vegetable Beef Soup on the table is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef cubes in a single layer. Brown the beef for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally so all sides are nicely seared. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced celery, and carrots. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes, or until they start to soften and the onion turns translucent. This will add wonderful flavor to your soup!
3. Combining Ingredients:
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), thyme, and basil. Stir everything together to ensure it’s well mixed.
4. Simmering the Soup:
Bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and full of flavor.
5. Adding Potatoes:
After an hour, add the cubed potatoes to the soup. Keep simmering for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
6. Cooking the Pasta:
Stir in the pasta rings and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so the pasta cooks evenly.
7. Finishing Touches:
Finally, add the frozen peas to the soup and cook for another 3-5 minutes. This will keep them bright and fresh. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serving:
Ladle the delicious soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Vegetable Beef Soup!
This cozy soup is perfect for sharing with family or enjoying on your own. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Soup?
Absolutely! While stew meat is ideal for its tenderness after simmering, you can also use chuck roast or brisket. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts may require longer cooking time to become tender.
Can I Freeze Leftover Vegetable Beef Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes wonderfully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
What Vegetables Can I Add or Substitute?
You can customize this soup with your favorite veggies! Feel free to add green beans, corn, or even spinach. Just make sure to adjust cooking times for any firmer vegetables you choose to include.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply swap the beef for a mix of hearty vegetables or canned beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add lentils for protein!