This Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty and flavorful soup made with tender chunks of chuck roast, fresh vegetables, and a rich beef broth. Packed with nutrients and savory herbs, this soup is perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day. It’s a classic dish that can be made in large batches and enjoyed throughout the week.
Ingredients:
- 3 to 4 pounds chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2½ tablespoons olive oil
- 2 bay leaves
- 7 to 8 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
- 14½ ounces canned diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Step 1: Sear the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chuck roast pieces with salt and pepper. Sear the beef in batches, browning each side for 3-4 minutes until a crust forms. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Return the seared beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Add the bay leaves, black pepper, dried parsley, thyme, oregano, marjoram, and basil. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Cover the pot and let the soup simmer on low heat for 1½ to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have developed.
Step 5: Add the Vegetables
After the soup has simmered, add the diced Yukon Gold potatoes, green beans, canned diced tomatoes (with their juice), and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and continue simmering uncovered for an additional 25-30 minutes, until the potatoes and green beans are tender.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the bay leaves before serving. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy with crusty bread or a side salad.
Cooking Notes:
- Meat Choice: Chuck roast is ideal for this recipe due to its marbling and tenderness when slow-cooked. You can also use stew beef if you prefer.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, corn, or zucchini to the soup for extra flavor and texture.
- Leftovers: This soup keeps well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Variations:
1. Spicy Vegetable Beef Soup
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper to the soup for a spicy kick.
2. Hearty Barley Beef Soup
For extra heartiness, add 1/2 cup of pearl barley to the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The barley will absorb some of the broth, making the soup thicker.
3. Italian-Style Beef Soup
Swap out the marjoram and thyme for Italian seasoning, and add some Parmesan cheese to the finished soup for an Italian twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
A: Yes! After searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, adding the potatoes and green beans halfway through the cooking time.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Q: What other cuts of beef can I use?
A: You can use beef stew meat, short ribs, or even a bone-in roast for more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the beef becomes tender.
This Vegetable Beef Soup is a wholesome and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep. With tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a broth seasoned with aromatic herbs, it’s a comforting meal that’s both nourishing and delicious. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or freezing it for later, this soup is sure to please the whole family.
Try this recipe today and enjoy the comforting flavors of homemade vegetable beef soup!
