Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by prepping your vegetables. Peel and slice the carrots, dice the potatoes, and chop the celery and zucchini (if using). Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Having everything ready to go makes the cooking process much faster and smoother.
2. Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown it on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the beef and gives the soup a deeper, richer taste. Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant. This is where the base flavor for your soup develops.
4. Build the Soup Base
Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, chopped celery, and zucchini (if using) to the pot. Stir the vegetables together and let them cook for about 4-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to begin blending. This step will also help soften the vegetables slightly before adding the liquid.
5. Add the Broth and Seasoning
Return the browned beef to the pot, and then pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, including their juices. Stir in the dried basil, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. For added depth of flavor, you can also add Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce at this stage. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
6. Simmer the Soup
Let the soup simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the beef to become tender and the vegetables to soften. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop. Check the beef for tenderness—once the meat is easy to cut and the vegetables are cooked through, the soup is ready for the next step.
7. Add the Frozen Vegetables
Stir in the frozen peas and corn. Let the soup continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow the frozen vegetables to heat through. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a more robust flavor, feel free to add more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce.
8. Remove the Bay Leaf
Before serving, make sure to remove the bay leaf from the soup. This adds flavor while cooking but should not be consumed.
9. Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls, and if desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with warm crusty bread for a complete meal.
Why This Vegetable Beef Soup is a Must-Try
1. Packed with Protein and Nutrients
This soup is loaded with tender beef, which provides a rich source of protein and iron. The combination of vegetables, including carrots, potatoes, and peas, adds essential vitamins and minerals, while the broth infuses the dish with additional flavors and nutrients.
2. Comforting and Hearty
Vegetable beef soup is the perfect meal when you need something hearty and satisfying. The beef provides a rich, savory flavor, while the vegetables give the soup a fresh, wholesome feel. The result is a balanced, comforting dish that will fill you up without leaving you feeling too heavy.
3. Customizable
Feel free to customize the soup with your favorite vegetables. You can swap out the zucchini for green beans, add spinach or kale for extra greens, or even throw in some peas, corn, or bell peppers. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility—you can adjust it based on what you have in your pantry or your dietary preferences.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep
Vegetable beef soup is great for making ahead and storing. It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and the flavors only get better as they sit. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping. Simply thaw and reheat for a quick, nutritious meal.
5. A Complete Meal in One Bowl
This soup is a one-pot meal that doesn’t require any additional side dishes. The combination of beef and vegetables makes it filling and well-rounded. It’s perfect for a quick dinner after a busy day or a cozy weekend lunch.