Beef Vegetable Soup

### How to Make Beef Vegetable Soup

#### Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by **browning the beef stew meat**. Heat **2 tablespoons of olive oil** in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides until it’s nicely seared, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

#### Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if necessary. **Sauté the chopped onion** and **minced garlic** over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This will infuse the base of the soup with rich flavors.

#### Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Once the onions and garlic are softened, add the **carrots**, **celery**, and **potatoes** to the pot. Stir the vegetables for a couple of minutes to combine with the onions and garlic. Then, add the **green beans** and **peas** to the mix, continuing to stir everything together.

#### Step 4: Add the Beef and Broth
Return the browned beef to the pot. Then, pour in the **beef broth** (or stock) and bring the soup to a boil. Add the **diced tomatoes** (with their juices), and toss in the **dried thyme**, **dried oregano**, **salt**, **black pepper**, and the **bay leaf**. Stir everything together to combine.

#### Step 5: Simmer the Soup
Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about **45 minutes to 1 hour**. This will give the beef time to tenderize and allow the flavors of the vegetables and broth to meld together. You can simmer the soup longer if you like a richer flavor or if you prefer the vegetables to be extra soft. Stir occasionally, and check the seasoning toward the end of cooking, adding more salt or pepper if necessary.

#### Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once the soup is ready, remove the **bay leaf** and discard it. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped **parsley** or **basil** if desired. Serve the soup with crusty bread or crackers on the side for a complete meal.

### Tips for the Best Beef Vegetable Soup

– **Choose the Right Beef**: For a tender and flavorful soup, use **beef stew meat** or **chuck roast** that’s been cubed. These cuts of beef become melt-in-your-mouth tender when simmered in a broth-based soup.
– **Customize the Vegetables**: Feel free to swap out any of the vegetables in the recipe based on what you have on hand or your preferences. You can add **zucchini**, **corn**, **parsnips**, or **spinach** to the mix for added flavor and nutrition.
– **Make It Ahead**: This soup actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld. Make it a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
– **Thicken the Soup**: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash a portion of the potatoes in the soup with a potato masher or blend a small amount of the soup in a blender and return it to the pot.
– **Slow Cooker Option**: If you prefer to make this in a slow cooker, you can brown the beef first, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on **low for 6-8 hours** or **high for 3-4 hours** until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

### Why Beef Vegetable Soup is So Loved

**Beef Vegetable Soup** is a staple in many households because it’s both comforting and nourishing. The combination of **tender beef**, **fresh vegetables**, and **rich broth** makes it the ultimate comfort food, especially on a cold day or when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s also a great way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your diet while still enjoying a hearty, meaty meal.

Not only is this soup filling and satisfying, but it’s also a great way to use up any leftover vegetables or beef you have in the fridge. It’s versatile, budget-friendly, and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

### Final Thoughts

**Beef Vegetable Soup** is the perfect recipe for anyone looking for a hearty, healthy, and delicious meal. It’s easy to prepare, requires simple ingredients, and is packed with flavor that will leave you feeling satisfied. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or serving it up at a family gathering, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

The combination of tender beef, nutritious vegetables, and savory broth makes this soup a go-to comfort food that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful. So grab a pot, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a bowl of this hearty soup today!