Vegetable Beef Soup

### **How to Make Vegetable Beef Soup:**

#### **1. Brown the Beef**
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the stew beef cubes. Brown the beef on all sides, about 6–8 minutes total. This step is important because it helps develop a rich, deep flavor for the soup.

Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

#### **2. Sauté the Vegetables**
In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and fragrant. This will create a nice base for the soup.

Next, add the chopped carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes to let the vegetables soften slightly.

#### **3. Add the Broth and Seasonings**
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, dried thyme, dried oregano, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together, making sure the beef and vegetables are well incorporated into the broth.

Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. This allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld together.

#### **4. Add the Remaining Vegetables**
After the soup has simmered, add the zucchini (if using), green beans, and peas. Continue to simmer for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the soup is full of flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

#### **5. Serve and Garnish**
Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaf and discard it. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve the soup hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side for dipping, and enjoy!

### **Tips for the Best Vegetable Beef Soup:**

– **Use a Chuck Roast**: If you prefer, you can use a chuck roast instead of stew beef. Cut it into cubes and brown it just the same. This cut of meat is particularly tender and flavorful after long simmering.
– **Add Your Favorite Veggies**: Feel free to customize the soup with other vegetables, such as parsnips, corn, or bell peppers. This is a great recipe to use up any leftover vegetables you have in your fridge.
– **Make It Even Heartier**: If you want a thicker soup, you can add a cup of small pasta (like elbow macaroni) or rice. Just make sure to adjust the broth to accommodate the extra ingredients.
– **Make It Ahead**: This soup actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
– **Spice It Up**: For a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the soup while cooking. It adds a nice kick without overpowering the flavors.

### **Why You’ll Love Vegetable Beef Soup**

– **Hearty and Filling**: This soup is packed with protein, fiber, and vegetables, making it a complete meal in one bowl. The tender beef combined with the wholesome vegetables makes it a satisfying dish.
– **Easy to Make**: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this soup is easy to prepare and doesn’t require a lot of attention while simmering.
– **Perfect for Cold Days**: There’s something incredibly comforting about a steaming bowl of vegetable beef soup on a chilly day. It warms you up from the inside out.
– **Customizable**: Feel free to adjust the vegetables and seasonings to suit your tastes. Whether you like it extra hearty or more on the light side, this recipe can be adapted to meet your preferences.

### **Conclusion: A Classic Comfort Food**

Vegetable Beef Soup is a classic, comforting dish that’s perfect for any season. Whether you’re looking for a warm meal on a cold day or a way to use up leftover veggies, this soup is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. The combination of tender beef, colorful vegetables, and rich, flavorful broth makes it a meal everyone will love.

Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the heartwarming flavors of homemade vegetable beef soup today!