Beef and Vegetable Soup

### Instructions for Making Beef and Vegetable Soup

#### 1. **Brown the Beef**
Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef stew meat and brown it on all sides. This step adds a lot of flavor to the soup, so be sure to let the beef get nice and browned. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

#### 2. **Sauté the Vegetables**
In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if necessary. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onions become soft and translucent. This is when the flavor base of your soup starts to develop.

#### 3. **Add the Remaining Vegetables**
Next, add the sliced carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 5 minutes. The vegetables will begin to soften, adding more flavor to the broth.

#### 4. **Add the Broth and Seasonings**
Pour in the beef broth and add the diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes. This allows the beef to tenderize and the flavors to blend.

#### 5. **Add the Green Beans and Zucchini**
After the soup has simmered for about 45 minutes, add the green beans and zucchini. Continue to cook for another 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fully cooked and tender.

#### 6. **Taste and Adjust Seasonings**
Once the soup is done, give it a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to suit your taste.

#### 7. **Serve and Garnish**
Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve with a slice of crusty bread or crackers on the side for an extra touch of comfort.

### Why This Recipe Works

– **Hearty and Satisfying**: The combination of tender beef, a variety of vegetables, and a savory broth makes this soup both filling and nourishing. It’s a well-rounded meal in a bowl, providing protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.

– **Full of Flavor**: The beef adds depth and richness, while the herbs and Worcestershire sauce enhance the overall flavor of the broth. The long simmering time ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor.

– **Packed with Veggies**: This soup is a great way to sneak in a variety of vegetables like carrots, celery, potatoes, zucchini, and green beans. Each vegetable brings its unique taste and texture, contributing to a balanced and colorful dish.

– **Easy and Versatile**: Beef and Vegetable Soup is a one-pot dish that’s simple to prepare. It’s also highly customizable—you can add any vegetables you like or have on hand. Try adding corn, peas, or parsnips, depending on your preferences.

– **Make-Ahead Friendly**: This soup is even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld together. It also freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. You can store it in airtight containers and freeze it for up to three months.

### Tips and Variations

– **Use Different Cuts of Beef**: If you don’t have beef stew meat on hand, you can use other cuts of beef, such as chuck roast or brisket. Just make sure to cut the meat into small, bite-sized pieces and slow-cook it to achieve that tender texture.

– **Make It Spicy**: If you like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño, or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.

– **Vegetarian Version**: For a meatless version, simply skip the beef and replace the beef broth with vegetable broth. You can add more beans, lentils, or tofu for protein and texture.

– **Thicken the Soup**: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes in the soup to create a creamier base. Alternatively, you can blend a portion of the soup in a blender or use an immersion blender to achieve the desired consistency.

### Conclusion

Beef and Vegetable Soup is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and full of nutrients. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold day, feed your family a wholesome meal, or have leftovers for the week, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. With its tender beef, a mix of hearty vegetables, and savory broth, it’s a perfect meal that’s both delicious and nourishing.

The best part is that it’s incredibly customizable to suit your taste preferences or whatever you have on hand in your pantry. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and a meal that everyone will love. So the next time you’re craving a warm, comforting soup, give this Beef and Vegetable Soup a try—you’ll be glad you did!