Are you craving a comforting, flavorful soup that's also packed with nutrients? Look no further! This vegetable beef soup recipe, elevated with a splash of tomato juice, is the perfect easy recipe for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. It's a delicious dish, brimming with tender beef, colorful vegetables, and a bright, tangy tomato undertone that will leave you wanting more. This homemade cooking masterpiece is surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks, proving that healthy meals don't have to be complicated. Get ready to enjoy one of the best recipes you'll ever try!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato juice
- 1 cup chopped potatoes
- 1 cup chopped green beans
- 1 cup chopped corn (frozen is fine!)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a delicious base of flavor for your soup.
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Brown the beef: Add the beef cubes to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. This browning process adds depth and richness to the soup. Don't overcrowd the pot; work in batches if necessary.
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Simmer the soup: Pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato juice. Stir in the potatoes, green beans, corn, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the beef is very tender. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
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Taste and adjust: After an hour, taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs depending on your preference.
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Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. This hearty and flavorful soup is perfect on its own or served with crusty bread.
Cooking Tips for the Best Vegetable Beef Soup:
- For a richer flavor: Use bone-in beef stew meat. The bone marrow will add extra depth to the broth.
- Don't overcook the vegetables: Add the potatoes and green beans towards the beginning of the simmering time to prevent them from becoming mushy. Add the corn in the last 15-20 minutes.
- Make it your own: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as peas, zucchini, or mushrooms. Consider adding a bay leaf for an additional layer of flavor.
Variations:
- Spicy Vegetable Beef Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a little kick.
- Slow Cooker Vegetable Beef Soup: Brown the beef as directed, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Vegetarian Vegetable Beef Soup: Replace the beef with hearty vegetables like butternut squash or lentils for a vegetarian version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This vegetable beef soup recipe is a fantastic example of how delicious and easy healthy meals can be. It's a versatile recipe that you can easily adapt to your own taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy!