This hearty Vegetable Beef Soup is the perfect comfort meal, filled with tender chunks of beef, nutritious vegetables, and flavorful herbs. It’s a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to warm you up on a chilly day. The chuck roast becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the vegetables add texture and flavor to this wholesome soup.
Ingredients:
- 3 to 4 pounds chuck roast
- 2½ tablespoons olive oil
- 2 bay leaves
- 7 to 8 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 chopped onion
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 peeled, chopped carrots
- 2 chopped celery ribs
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ pound trimmed green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 diced Yukon Gold potatoes
- 14½ ounces canned diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Begin by trimming any excess fat from the chuck roast and cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding, and sear the pieces on all sides until browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Add the chopped onion, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Beef
Return the seared beef to the pot with the onions and garlic. Pour in the low-sodium beef broth (7 to 8 cups), then add the bay leaves. Stir in the black pepper, dried parsley, thyme, oregano, marjoram, and basil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 1½ to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Once the beef is tender, add the chopped carrots, celery, green beans, Yukon Gold potatoes, and diced tomatoes(including their juice) to the pot. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce for added depth of flavor. Bring the soup back to a simmer and let it cook for another 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Final Adjustments and Serve
After the vegetables are cooked through, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the Vegetable Beef Soup into bowls and serve hot, perhaps with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.
Cooking Notes:
- Chuck Roast: This cut of beef becomes tender after simmering and is ideal for soup. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use stew meat or sirloin tips.
- Broth: For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth to 6 cups, or if you prefer a more liquid consistency, use the full 8 cups.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as corn, peas, or even leafy greens like spinach to boost the nutrition and flavor.
Variations:
- Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Soup: After searing the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the broth, vegetables, and seasonings, then cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- Barley or Pasta Addition: For a heartier soup, stir in 1/2 cup of pearl barley or small pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Beef Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! In fact, this soup often tastes better the next day after the flavors have melded. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Absolutely. Let the soup cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
Q: How can I thicken the soup?
A: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot or add a slurry of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
This Vegetable Beef Soup is a classic comfort dish that’s packed with tender beef, healthy vegetables, and rich broth. It’s perfect for cold days or when you’re in the mood for something hearty and satisfying. With its robust flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with fresh bread for a complete meal, or enjoy leftovers the next day as the flavors deepen even more.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a warm, nourishing bowl of goodness!
