Ah, nothing beats a big bowl of Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup on a chilly day! I remember the first time I made this soup; it was a particularly gray and dreary Saturday afternoon, and I had just returned from a brisk walk, my cheeks still rosy from the cold. I wanted something comforting and hearty that could warm not only my body but also my soul. That’s when this delectable soup made its debut in my kitchen, and oh, what a revelation it was!
This soup, with its tender chunks of beef melting in your mouth, vibrant veggies, and fresh herbs, captures the essence of home-cooked love. Whenever I have a bit of stew meat hanging around and an assortment of fresh (or frozen!) vegetables ready to go, making this soup becomes an absolute must. It’s not only a fantastic way to use up leftovers, but it also fills the house with the kind of aroma that makes your neighbors jealous!
What’s in Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?
Let me break down the wonderful ingredients that come together to make this cozy dish truly special:
Beef Stew Meat: The star of the show! I like using a good quality cut like chuck, as it becomes tender and flavorful after simmering for a while.
Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon is all you need to get that beef sizzling and add a bit of richness.
Onion: One medium onion, chopped up nicely adds a wonderful flavor base that every good soup needs.
Garlic: Three cloves of minced garlic introduce a flavorful kick that elevates the entire dish.
Beef Broth: Using four cups of beef broth adds depth to the soup. I prefer low-sodium broth to control the salt levels in my meal.
Water: It balances out the richness of the broth to create a vibrant soup consistency.
Potatoes: Two medium potatoes, diced into comforting bites. They not only add heartiness but also soak up all those delicious flavors.
Carrots: The sweetness of three sliced carrots adds a pop of color and nutrition.
Celery: The two stalks of celery offer a crunchy texture and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the beef.
Frozen Peas and Corn: A cup of each brings vibrant colors and a slight sweetness to the soup.
Green Beans: I love adding a cup of chopped fresh or frozen green beans for that delightful crunch.
Dried Thyme: Just two teaspoons! This herb adds a lovely earthy flavor, bringing all those ingredients together.
Bay Leaves: Two bay leaves give a subtle depth to the soup as it simmers away.
Salt and Pepper: These staples are essential for seasoning, adjusting to your taste.
Fresh Parsley (Optional): A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a touch of freshness and color when serving!
Is Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Good for You?
You bet it is! This soup not only warms you from the inside out, but it also comes packed with a variety of nutrients:
Beef Stew Meat: It’s loaded with protein which is essential for muscle repair and overall health.
Vegetables: The assortment of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and green beans provide fiber, vitamins A and C, and a host of other essential nutrients.
Of course, while it’s packed with wholesome ingredients, you might want to watch the portion sizes if you’re keeping an eye on calories. The richness of the beef can add up! But hey, that’s what makes it feel so comforting, right?
How to Make Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup?
Ready to get cooking? This recipe is as easy as pie (or should I say, soup?):
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the beef stew meat and brown it on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Trust me, you want that nice golden-brown sear!
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion turns translucent—this usually takes about 3 minutes.
3. Pour in the beef broth and water, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Those bits are gold!
4. Next, toss in the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, celery, frozen peas, corn, and green beans. It’s like a colorful garden in your pot!
5. Stir in the dried thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring your soup to a gentle boil.
6. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is deliciously tender and the veggies are cooked just right.
7. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaves; we want to keep this tasty, not chewy!
8. Serve hot, and for that extra touch, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like!
Serve It Up in Style!
You can pair this delightful soup with a crusty loaf of bread or a simple side salad for an even heartier meal. If you’d like to kick it up a notch, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or your favorite hot sauce for a little heat!
I truly hope you give this Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup a whirl. It’s not just food; it’s a taste of home and comfort. So, grab your favorite pot and get to simmering—your taste buds will thank you! Once you’ve tried it, come back and let me know how yours turned out! Happy cooking!
