Are you craving a bowl of pure culinary comfort that will transport you to grandma's kitchen? Look no further than this mouthwatering Beef Vegetable Soup that promises to be your new go-to recipe for chilly evenings and family gatherings! Packed with tender beef cubes, colorful vegetables, and rich, savory broth, this soup is not just a meal—it's an experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef, cubed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp thyme
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cutting beef into uniform 1-inch cubes, chopping onion finely, and mincing garlic cloves.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and brown the beef cubes on all sides, working in batches to ensure proper caramelization. Remove browned beef and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté chopped onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return browned beef to the pot and add beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for approximately 45 minutes or until beef becomes tender.
- Add mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn), thyme, salt, and pepper. Continue simmering for an additional 15 minutes until vegetables are cooked but still retain their texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the soup appears too thick, add a little more beef broth to reach desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Ladle into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread if desired.
Tips
- Meat Matters: Always choose well-marbled beef cubes like chuck roast for maximum flavor and tenderness. Cutting them into uniform 1-inch pieces ensures even cooking.
- Browning is Key: Take time to properly brown your beef in batches. This crucial step develops deep, complex flavors through caramelization.
- Layer Your Flavors: Sauté onions and garlic before adding other ingredients to build a robust flavor foundation.
- Simmer Slowly: Low and slow cooking is the secret to tender meat and a rich, developed broth. Don't rush this process!
- Vegetable Timing: Add vegetables later in the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy and maintain their texture and nutrients.
- Season Gradually: Taste and adjust seasonings throughout cooking, remembering you can always add more salt and pepper, but can't take them away.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance and reheat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 70mg