Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Meal
This substantial soup showcases succulent beef stew meat slow-cooked with a carefully selected combination of traditional herbs and a plentiful variety of fresh and frozen vegetables, creating an ideal warming dish for any occasion.
Essential Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef stew meat | 1½ pounds |
| Olive oil, divided | 2½ tablespoons |
| Salt and freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
| Yellow onion, chopped (1 large) | 1¾ cups |
| Carrots, peeled and chopped (3 medium) | 1¼ cups |
| Celery, chopped (3 medium stalks) | 1 cup |
| Garlic, minced (4 cloves) | 1½ tablespoons |
| Low-sodium beef broth or chicken broth | 8 cups |
| Diced tomatoes | 2 cans (14 ounces each) |
| Dried basil | 1½ teaspoons |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried thyme | ½ teaspoon |
| Red or yellow potatoes, chopped into ¾-inch cubes | 1 pound |
| Green beans, chopped (trim ends first) | 1½ cups (5 ounces) |
| Frozen corn kernels | 1½ cups |
| Frozen peas | 1 cup |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | ⅓ cup |
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Phase 1: Brown the First Portion of Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat setting. Pat the beef dry thoroughly using paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper. Place half of the beef pieces into the hot pot and brown for approximately 4 minutes total, rotating the pieces halfway through the cooking time.
Phase 2: Brown the Second Batch of Beef
Remove the first batch of browned beef to a clean plate. Add an additional ½ tablespoon of oil to the pot and repeat the browning procedure with the remaining beef pieces. Transfer this second batch to the plate alongside the first.
Phase 3: Cook the Aromatic Vegetables
Add the final tablespoon of oil to the now-empty pot. Incorporate the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, then sauté these vegetables for 3 minutes until they begin softening. Add the minced garlic and continue sautéing for an additional minute until fragrant.
Phase 4: Create the Base and Simmer
Pour in the entire amount of broth, both cans of diced tomatoes, all the browned beef, dried basil, oregano, thyme, and season with salt and pepper according to preference. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and allow to simmer gently, stirring occasionally once or twice during cooking, for 30 minutes.
Phase 5: Incorporate the Potatoes
Add the cubed potatoes to the pot, then continue simmering with the lid on for 20 minutes (alternatively, you may add the green beans at this stage if you prefer them with a very soft texture).
