Are you craving a warm, comforting bowl of goodness on a chilly evening? Look no further! This recipe recreates the beloved heartiness of Bob Evans Beef Vegetable Soup, bringing that familiar deliciousness right to your kitchen. It’s a perfect blend of tender beef, a medley of fresh vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth – all made from scratch. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal. Get ready to experience homemade comfort food at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chopped potatoes
- 1 cup chopped green beans
- 1 cup chopped corn
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear on all sides until browned. This step adds incredible depth of flavor to your soup. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients: Return the seared beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), potatoes, green beans, corn, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
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Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is very tender. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become! Stir occasionally.
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Serve and Enjoy: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. This hearty soup is delicious on its own, or you can serve it with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips for the Best Beef Vegetable Soup:
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Use quality beef: The flavor of your soup will be significantly impacted by the quality of the beef you use. Look for stew meat that's well-marbled for maximum tenderness.
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Don't overcrowd the pot: When searing the beef, ensure you don't overcrowd the pot. Work in batches if necessary to allow for proper browning.
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Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your preference. A dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add extra depth of flavor.
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Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Variations:
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Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or zucchini.
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Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier kick.
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Make it a slow cooker recipe: For an even easier approach, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
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Use different broth: Chicken broth can be substituted for beef broth, although the flavor will be slightly different.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This hearty and delicious Bob Evans-inspired Beef Vegetable Soup is sure to become a family favorite. It’s a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!