Introduction:
Warm up with a comforting bowl of Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup. Packed with tender beef, a variety of colorful vegetables, and rich flavors, this soup is both nutritious and satisfying. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a wholesome family meal, this recipe is a timeless classic that brings everyone together around the table.
Recipe: Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or stew meat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using stew meat)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Meat:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. If using stew meat, heat olive oil in the pot and brown the meat on all sides. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Vegetables:
- Stir in the diced potatoes, carrots, green beans, corn, and peas. Mix well to combine.
- Add Liquid and Seasonings:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and water. Stir in thyme, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer:
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or crackers.
This hearty soup is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage. Enjoy!