Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup

Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat (or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with liquid)
• 4 cups beef broth (or more for a thinner soup)
• 1 cup green beans (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1/2 cup peas (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
   • Add the beef, season with salt and pepper, and brown on all sides (about 5-6 minutes). You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
   • Remove the beef and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
   • Add the carrots and celery, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Simmer the Soup:
   • Add the browned beef back into the pot along with the diced tomatoes (with their liquid), potatoes, thyme, bay leaf, and beef broth.
   • Stir well and bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
4. Add the Vegetables:
   • After the soup has simmered, add the green beans, corn, and peas.
   • Continue to simmer the soup for another 15-20 minutes until all the vegetables are tender. Add more beef broth or water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
5. Season and Serve:
   • Remove the bay leaf and taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce.
   • Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers if desired.

Cooking Time:

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours (including simmering time)
• Total Time: 1.75 to 2.25 hours

Nutritional Information (per serving, about 8 servings):

• Calories: ~300 kcal
• Protein: ~25g
• Fat: ~12g
• Carbohydrates: ~25g
• Fiber: ~5g
• Sugars: ~6g
• Sodium: ~600mg

This vegetable beef soup is loaded with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth. It’s versatile, so you can add or substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand!