Imagine a warm bowl of hearty soup that wraps you in comfort and nostalgia—Mama's Vegetable Beef Soup is just that! This American classic is not only a delightful blend of tender beef and vibrant vegetables, but it's also a dish that brings families together around the dinner table. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, this soup is perfect for chilly evenings or when you're simply craving a taste of home. Ready to uncover the secrets to making this soul-soothing recipe? Let's dive into the delicious details that will have you cooking up a storm in no time!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables into uniform bite-sized pieces: dice potatoes, chop carrots and celery, and set aside.
- Season beef stew meat generously with salt and pepper, ensuring even coating on all sides of the meat pieces.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, adding a small amount of cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Brown the seasoned beef stew meat in batches, searing each piece until golden brown on all sides to develop rich, deep flavor. Remove browned meat and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Return browned beef to the pot and add beef broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, carrots, potatoes, and celery.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 1 hour or until meat is tender and vegetables are soft.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Let soup rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or crusty bread on the side.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and season the beef the night before. This allows the flavors to meld and makes the cooking process smoother.
- Browning the Meat: Don't rush the browning step! Searing the beef until golden brown is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor that enhances the entire soup.
- Use Quality Broth: Opt for a high-quality beef broth or homemade stock if possible. This will elevate the taste of your soup significantly.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to mix and match your vegetables based on what you have on hand. Green beans, peas, or corn can add extra color and nutrition.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to rest for about 10 minutes after cooking helps the flavors to blend beautifully, making each spoonful even more delicious.
- Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a side of crusty bread can take your serving presentation to the next level, making it not just a meal but a dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 139kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg
