This filling vegetable beef soup features tender chunks of stew meat simmered alongside a colorful mix of fresh and frozen vegetables, all seasoned with classic herbs. It’s a cozy, satisfying soup that’s perfect for chilly days or anytime you want a comforting homemade meal.
Vegetable Beef Soup
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Beef stew meat | 1½ lbs |
| Olive oil, divided | 2½ tablespoons |
| Salt and freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
| Chopped yellow onion (1 large) | 1¾ cups |
| Peeled and chopped carrots (3 medium) | 1¼ cups |
| Chopped celery (3 medium) | 1 cup |
| Minced garlic (4 cloves) | 1½ tablespoons |
| Low-sodium beef or chicken broth | 8 cups |
| Diced tomatoes | 2 cans (14 oz each) |
| Dried basil | 1½ teaspoons |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried thyme | ½ teaspoon |
| Red or yellow potatoes, cut into ¾-inch cubes | 1 lb |
| Chopped green beans, trimmed | 1½ cups (5 oz) |
| Frozen corn | 1½ cups |
| Frozen peas | 1 cup |
| Chopped fresh parsley | ⅓ cup |
How to Make Vegetable Beef Soup
Step 1: Brown the First Batch of Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Pat the beef dry and season with salt and pepper. Add half of the beef and cook for about 4 minutes, turning once, until browned. Transfer to a plate.
Step 2: Brown the Remaining Beef
Add ½ tablespoon of olive oil to the pot and brown the remaining beef. Remove and set aside with the first batch.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for about 3 minutes, until slightly softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup Base
Pour in the broth and diced tomatoes, then add the browned beef, basil, oregano, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Add the Potatoes
Stir in the potatoes, cover, and continue simmering for 20 minutes. (If you like very soft green beans, you can add them at this stage.)
Step 6: Finish Cooking the Vegetables
Add the green beans and simmer for another 15 minutes, or until the beef and vegetables are tender.
Step 7: Add Frozen Vegetables and Serve
Stir in the corn and peas and simmer for about 5 minutes, just until heated through. Mix in the fresh parsley and serve hot.