Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe

 

Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe: A Complete Guide to Comfort in a Bowl

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Introduction: Why Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup?

Few dishes evoke the feeling of warmth, comfort, and nourishment quite like a good, hearty soup. Among the pantheon of soups, beef vegetable soup stands out for its robust flavor, balanced nutrition, and versatility. This soup combines tender chunks of beef with a medley of fresh vegetables simmered in a rich broth that’s bursting with depth and savoriness.

Whether you’re recovering from a cold, feeding a hungry family, or simply craving something wholesome, this beef vegetable soup recipe delivers on all fronts. It's easy to prepare, adaptable to whatever vegetables you have on hand, and perfect for batch cooking or freezing for later.

In this recipe, I will guide you step-by-step through the process—explaining how to select your ingredients, create a flavorful broth, perfectly cook the beef, and balance the veggies to create a harmonious soup that’s as satisfying as it is healthy.

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Part 1: Ingredients and Their Role in the Soup

The key to a great beef vegetable soup is in the ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what you need and why:

Beef

• Choice of beef: Chuck roast, stew meat, or short ribs are excellent choices because they become tender and flavorful after slow simmering.

• Beef broth or stock: Using a good quality broth or stock as the soup base amplifies the flavor.

Vegetables

• Carrots: Sweet and earthy, they soften nicely and add color.

• Celery: Adds a subtle aromatic base flavor.

• Potatoes: Use Yukon gold or russets for a creamy texture once cooked.

• Onions: Yellow onions are best for their balance of sweetness and pungency.

• Garlic: Essential for depth and aroma.

• Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add acidity and umami.

• Green beans: For a fresh crunch and bright color.

• Corn: Adds sweetness and texture.

• Peas: Provide a pop of sweetness and vibrant green color.

• Bell peppers (optional): For added sweetness and crunch.

• Fresh herbs: Parsley, thyme, and bay leaves add complexity.

Seasonings

• Salt and pepper to taste.

• Dried or fresh thyme.

• Bay leaves.

• Optional chili flakes or smoked paprika for a slight kick.

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Part 2: Full Ingredient List for Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Beef chuck or stew meat	2 pounds (900g)	Cut into 1-inch cubes
Olive oil or vegetable oil	2 tablespoons	For browning beef
Yellow onion	1 large, diced
Garlic cloves	4, minced
Carrots	3 medium, sliced
Celery stalks	3, sliced
Potatoes	3 medium, peeled and diced	Yukon gold or russets
Green beans	1 cup, trimmed and cut
Corn kernels	1 cup (fresh or frozen)
Peas	1 cup (fresh or frozen)
Canned diced tomatoes	1 (14.5 oz) can
Beef broth or stock	6 cups	Homemade or store-bought
Tomato paste	2 tablespoons	Concentrated tomato flavor
Bay leaves	2
Fresh thyme or dried thyme	1 tsp fresh or 1/2 tsp dried
Salt	To taste
Black pepper	To taste	Freshly ground preferred
Fresh parsley	2 tablespoons, chopped	For garnish