There’s nothing quite like a bowl of old fashioned vegetable beef soup to warm your soul. This classic comfort dish blends tender beef, an array of colorful vegetables, and a rich broth to create a hearty meal perfect for any season. Whether you’re looking for something cozy on a chilly evening or just want a delicious meal that’s easy to make, this soup is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipments
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon
How to Make Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup – Step By Step
Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides.
Getting the beef just right means locking in those flavors you’ll savor in every spoonful. The browning adds a depth to the meat that melds beautifully with the vegetables later on.
Step 2: Remove the beef, add minced garlic and onion to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
The aroma of garlic and onion filling your kitchen is a hint of the deliciousness to come. Take care not to rush as sautéing these ingredients lays the flavorful foundation for your soup.
Step 3: Add carrots and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until slightly tender.
Stirring the carrots and celery with the aromatic mix lets their flavors blossom while preserving a lovely texture.
Step 4: Return the beef to the pot and stir in the potatoes, tomatoes, beef broth, and bay leaves.
The mix comes together now, with the potatoes adding body and the tomatoes infusing the soup with freshness as the beef broth unites every ingredient.
Step 5: Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 1 hour or until beef and vegetables are tender.
This slow simmering is what turns individual ingredients into one harmonious and richly flavorful dish. The heat softens and deepens each component, creating that homey taste.
Step 6: Add peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Remove the bay leaves, adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference, then serve.
Finishing with peas not only adds a splash of color but ensures they stay firm and sweet. By now, your home is filled with comforting scents, and it’s time to island a hearty serving to your loved ones.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
Serve this soup hot, accompanied by crusty bread or a simple green salad. A sprinkle of parsley on top can add just the right touch of freshness and color.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For a twist of sweetness, some like to add corn. Experiment with herbs like thyme for more aromatic flavors. The beauty of this soup lies in its adaptability.
Pump Up the Protein: Beef and Beans Delight
Switching up your traditional recipe to include more protein? You can easily incorporate beans or lentils alongside the beef to create a hearty, protein-rich version. They not only add substance but also extra layers of flavor and texture you’ve got to try!
Add your preferred beans during the last hour of simmering. Enjoy the nutty flavor they impart, making this soup a power-packed gem.
Low-Carb Loveliness: Keep It Light but Rich
For a lower-carb option that doesn’t skimp on satisfaction, swap potatoes for cauliflower florets. This twist retains the full-bodied taste you cherish while keeping it friendly for low-carb diets.
It remains heart-warming and rich, perfect for those mindful of carbohydrate intake but still seeking comfort from their soup bowl.
Storage Instructions
This soup saves beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’re planning to make it ahead or batch cook, placing it in the freezer extends its life for 2-3 months.
FAQs
- Can I freeze the old fashioned vegetable beef soup? Yes, freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for optimal results.
- How do I thicken my soup? If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can blend a portion of the soup or add a slurry made of flour or cornstarch.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? The basic recipe is gluten-free. Ensure all your broth and added ingredients are also certified gluten-free.
- Can I use different vegetables? Absolutely! This recipe embraces seasonal vegetables too.
Your Soup Adventure Awaits – Share and Savor!
Old fashioned vegetable beef soup is a timeless recipe that delivers warmth and comfort in every spoonful. It’s hearty and filling, making it a perfect family meal. We hope you loved bringing this dish to life in your kitchen. Share this recipe with your fellow food lovers and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- beef stew meat
- olive oil
- garlic
- large onion
- carrots
- celery
- potatoes
- diced tomatoes
- beef broth
- frozen peas
- bay leaves
- salt and pepper
Instructions
Steps
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides.
- Remove the beef, add minced garlic and onion to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add carrots and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until slightly tender.
- Return the beef to the pot and stir in the potatoes, tomatoes, beef broth, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 1 hour or until beef and vegetables are tender.
- Add peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Remove the bay leaves, adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference, then serve.