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There is nothing quite as satisfying on a cozy day as a steaming bowl of the Homemade Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe. This soup is a delicious blend of tender beef chuck, fresh vegetables, and rich beef broth simmered to perfection, resulting in a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside. With every spoonful, you get the perfect balance of meaty richness, vibrant veggies, and herbs that make it a true classic, ideal for sharing with family or enjoying on your own. Whether you’re coming in from a chilly day or just craving something wholesome, this soup promises nourishment and heartiness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly straightforward, yet each one plays an essential role in building the depth of flavor, texture, and beautiful color that make this soup so unforgettable. From the savory beef chunks to the crunchy carrots and tender potatoes, every component contributes to the ultimate satisfying experience.
- Beef Chuck Roast: 1.5 pounds cut into bite-sized cubes to provide rich, hearty meatiness that melts in your mouth after slow cooking.
- Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and diced for a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- Celery: 2 stalks diced, adding a refreshing crunch and aromatic base flavor.
- Onion: 1 large, chopped to create a fragrant foundation when sautéed.
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced for a punch of savory warmth.
- Potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and diced to bring heartiness and a creamy texture.
- Green Beans: 1 cup trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces, adding vibrant color and a crisp bite.
- Low-Sodium Beef Broth: 6 cups to infuse deep, savory richness without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 14.5-ounce can, undrained, for a subtle acidity and lovely tomato flavor.
- Bay Leaves: 2 leaves, to impart an earthy, herbal aroma (remember to remove before serving).
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon for a delicate herbal note that elevates the soup.
- Salt: To taste—season carefully to bring out all the flavors.
- Pepper: To taste, providing just the right amount of spice.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing, lending a rich mouthfeel and helping develop the flavor base.
How to Make Homemade Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by chopping the beef chuck roast into bite-sized cubes, making sure they’re roughly the same size for even cooking. Dice the carrots, celery, and potatoes into similarly sized pieces, chop the onion, mince the garlic, and trim the green beans into 1-inch segments. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until they turn translucent and start releasing their sweet aroma. Add the minced garlic next and cook for an additional minute to develop a fragrant and flavorful base for the soup.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the cubed beef to the pot. Sear the meat for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are nicely browned. This step is essential to lock in the beef’s flavor and create a rich depth for the soup.
Step 4: Add Root Vegetables
Stir in the diced carrots, celery, and potatoes, combining them with the seared beef. These veggies will soak up the flavors and contribute wonderful texture as they cook down.
Step 5: Pour In Liquids and Seasonings
Pour 6 cups of low-sodium beef broth into the pot, followed by the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Toss in the bay leaves and dried thyme, then stir everything to distribute the ingredients evenly. This is where the magic of slow-cooked flavor intensifies.
Step 6: Simmer Gently
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Allow it to simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking will tenderize the beef and help all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 7: Add Green Beans and Finish Cooking
Once the initial simmering is complete, add the trimmed green beans to the soup. Let it cook uncovered for another 20 to 30 minutes until the green beans are tender but still bright green, which adds a lovely freshness and slight crunch.
Step 8: Season and Serve
Remove the bay leaves, then taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as desired. Your Homemade Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe is now ready to be ladled into bowls and enjoyed!
How to Serve Homemade Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme on top adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that perfectly complements the savory, slow-cooked flavors of the soup. For a bit of richness, a dollop of sour cream or a shaving of Parmesan cheese can be a delicious addition.
Side Dishes
This soup shines when paired with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls that are perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth. A simple green salad can add a crisp, refreshing contrast, rounding out your meal beautifully without overwhelming the soup’s hearty character.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic look, serve the soup in wide-rimmed bowls or rustic bread bowls that soak up the broth. You can also make it a cozy meal by placing a cheese toast on the side or adding a swirl of pesto on top as a surprising flavor enhancer that brightens every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover soup to airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve after a few hours or overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, giving you a convenient, delicious meal ready whenever you need it.
Reheating
Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator or reheat directly from frozen in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the soup’s consistency if it thickens too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this soup?
Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for its flavor and tenderness after slow cooking, you can substitute with other stew beef cuts or even brisket. Just ensure the pieces are cut uniformly for even cooking.
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, definitely. After browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. Add green beans in the last 30 minutes for best texture.
Can I add other vegetables to the Homemade Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe?
Feel free to personalize it! Vegetables like peas, corn, or mushrooms can be great additions. Just adjust cooking times so everything is tender but not mushy.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use a gluten-free beef broth. Always check labels on canned tomatoes and broth to be sure there are no hidden gluten ingredients.
What do I do if my soup is too salty?
If the soup tastes too salty, try adding a peeled, diced potato and simmer for 10-15 minutes. The potato can absorb some of the excess salt. You can also add more broth or water to dilute it slightly.
Final Thoughts
Making the Homemade Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe is like creating a little bowl of love—full of robust flavors, nourishing ingredients, and a perfect balance of textures that warm both body and soul. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and let it become one of your favorite go-to comfort dishes. There’s something deeply rewarding about cooking this soup from scratch and sharing it around the table with people you care about. Enjoy every delicious moment!
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Homemade Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup is a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender beef chuck, a medley of fresh vegetables, and simmered in rich low-sodium beef broth, it offers deep, warming flavors with wholesome ingredients. Ideal for meal prep or family dinners, this soup combines the goodness of vegetables and protein in a slow-simmered broth that enhances every bite.
Ingredients
Beef and Broth
- 1.5 pounds Beef Chuck Roast (Cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 6 cups Low-Sodium Beef Broth
- 1 14.5-ounce can Diced Tomatoes (Undrained)
- 2 leaves Bay Leaves (Remove before serving)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme (Or a few sprigs of fresh thyme)
Vegetables
- 2 medium Carrots (Peeled and diced)
- 2 stalks Celery (Diced)
- 1 large Onion (Chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 2 medium Potatoes (Peeled and diced)
- 1 cup Green Beans (Trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
Seasonings and Oil
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (For sautéing)
- Salt (To taste)
- Pepper (To taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the beef into bite-sized cubes, dice the carrots, celery, and potatoes, chop the onion, mince the garlic, and trim plus cut the green beans into 1-inch pieces to have all your ingredients ready for cooking.
- Sauté Onion: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant, which builds the soup’s base flavor.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn but infuses the oil with aroma.
- Sear Beef: Increase heat to medium-high and add the cubed beef. Sear the meat for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are browned, locking in flavor and juiciness.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate the diced carrots, celery, and potatoes, stirring them well with the beef to combine all the flavors.
- Add Liquids and Herbs: Pour in the beef broth, then add the canned diced tomatoes with their juice, bay leaves, and thyme. Stir everything thoroughly to evenly distribute the herbs and vegetables.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef and root vegetables are tender and the flavors meld.
- Add Green Beans: Add the trimmed and cut green beans to the pot and cook uncovered for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the beans to soften but maintain some texture.
- Season and Finish: Adjust seasoning by adding salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves before serving to avoid bitterness.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy this hearty, nourishing meal fresh and warm.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash a few potatoes in the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- You can substitute beef chuck with stew meat or short ribs for variation.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during the simmering stage.
- Leftovers can be stored refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Adjust cooking times slightly if using fresh thyme instead of dried, as fresh herbs have a more delicate flavor.
