Vegetable Beef Soup

This Vegetable Beef Soup is a comforting, wholesome meal loaded with tender chunks of beef and a variety of fresh vegetables. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep for the week. The rich broth and flavorful vegetables make this soup a classic family favorite that’s both hearty and nutritious.

Ingredients:

• 1½ pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed and cubed into ½-inch pieces
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 medium potatoes, cubed ½-inch
• 3 medium carrots, sliced ½-inch
• 1 rib celery, sliced ½-inch
• 6 ounces green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ½ cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• Season beef with salt and black pepper.
• Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot and add beef in small batches. Brown beef about 2 minutes per side.
• Return all browned beef to the pot, reduce heat to medium, add onion and garlic, and cook 2 minutes.
• Add beef broth, diced tomatoes with juices, and Italian seasoning. Scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 45–65 minutes until beef is fork-tender.
• Add potatoes, carrots, and celery. Simmer 15 minutes more.
• Add green beans and corn. Simmer an additional 10 minutes. (For softer beans, add them earlier.)
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Serving and Storage Tips:

• Serve with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
• For added flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or a few drops of Worcestershire sauce before serving.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze soup in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations

1. Slow Cooker Version: Brown beef, then transfer to a slow cooker with all ingredients. Cook on low 6–8 hours.
2. Instant Pot Soup: Use the sauté function for beef and veggies, then pressure cook for 35 minutes.
3. Spicy Beef Soup: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
4. Barley Vegetable Beef Soup: Add ½ cup barley with potatoes for a heartier texture.
5. Mushroom Twist: Include 1 cup sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
6. Cabbage Variation: Add 2 cups chopped cabbage with carrots for added crunch.
7. Tomato Basil: Use fresh basil instead of Italian seasoning for a fresh herb flavor.
8. Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium beef broth and skip added salt.
9. Pea and Carrot Blend: Replace green beans with peas for a sweeter taste.
10. Root Vegetable Mix: Add parsnips or turnips with potatoes for extra depth.
11. Beef and Lentil Soup: Add ½ cup red lentils with broth for protein boost.
12. Cheesy Top: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the soup before serving.
13. Creamy Style: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream before serving for richness.
14. Herb Garden: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano for stronger flavors.
15. Asian Twist: Add soy sauce, ginger, and a splash of sesame oil for an Asian-inspired soup.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground beef instead of beef chuck?
   • Yes, but the texture will be different; add ground beef after sautéing onion and garlic.
2. How do I make this soup in a slow cooker?
   • Brown beef first, then add all ingredients to slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours.
3. Can I use frozen vegetables?
   • Yes, adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking. Add frozen beans and corn last.
4. How thick is the soup?
   • The broth is medium-thick; add more broth for a thinner soup or cook longer for thicker consistency.
5. Can I make this vegetarian?
   • Replace beef with lentils or beans and use vegetable broth.
6. How long does it take to cook?
   • Total time is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes, including prep and simmering.
7. Can I make this ahead of time?
   • Yes, soup flavors improve when made a day ahead.
8. How do I store leftovers?
   • Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months in airtight containers.
9. Can I add noodles or rice?
   • Yes, add cooked noodles or rice just before serving.
10. How do I enhance flavor?

• Brown beef well, add fresh herbs, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

This Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender beef with fresh vegetables for a satisfying meal. It’s easy to prepare, nutritious, and perfect for any season. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete, comforting meal your whole family will love.

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