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Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup
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Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty and nourishing classic that combines tender beef chuck, fresh vegetables, and a rich beef broth into a soul-warming, comforting meal perfect for chilly days or family dinners. This adaptable, one-pot recipe offers wholesome flavors with minimal cleanup, making it an ideal, nourishing comfort food that is easy to prepare and customize.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1.5 pounds beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes

Vegetables

  • 2 large carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

Broth and Flavorings

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 6 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Finishing Touch

  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Cut the beef chuck into bite-sized cubes. Pat the pieces dry and season them generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and brown the beef in batches until deeply caramelized to develop rich flavor. Remove the beef and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes, building the aromatic base of the soup.
  3. Add Broth and Beef: Return the browned beef to the pot, stir in the tomato paste until evenly coated, then pour in the beef broth. Add bay leaves, bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender and flavors meld.
  4. Add Vegetables: Once the beef is fork-tender, add the cubed potatoes and green beans to the pot. Continue to simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender yet still hold their shape.
  5. Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before ladling the soup into bowls and serving warm.

Notes

  • Brown the beef well to lock in juices and intensify flavor.
  • Use homemade broth if possible for richer, authentic taste.
  • Don’t rush the simmering; slow cooking ensures tender beef and deep flavors.
  • Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking and appealing presentation.
  • Skim excess fat from the surface for a lighter soup.
  • For variations, swap beef for turkey, add grains like barley or rice, use different vegetables, or spice it up with red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegetable beef soup, hearty soup, comfort food, one-pot meal, gluten-free soup, old-fashioned soup, winter soup, easy beef soup

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/old-fashioned-vegetable-beef-soup/