Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup
Recipe Introduction: Hearty Beef & Vegetable Soup
Fancy a bowl of proper comfort food ? Ever crave something that warms you from the inside out? Well, get ready for my vegetable soup with stew meat .
It's a classic for a reason! Imagine tender beef and colorful veggies in a rich broth. You know? A total hug in a bowl!
A Classic With a Twist
This isn't just any soup. This vegetable beef soup is a tribute to simple home cooking. It’s based on generations of homemade vegetable soup recipes.
And it all started in someone's humble kitchen. It takes about 25 minutes to prep. Then it simmers for a good 2 and half hours.
The recipe will serve about 6-8 people.
Benefits Galore
Honestly, this hearty soup recipe is good for the soul. But it is also pretty healthy! It is packed with protein from the beef.
It is also loaded with vitamins and fiber from all those veggies. This winter soup recipe is ideal for a cold evening.
You know when you just want to curl up on the sofa? This is the perfect dish.
Why This Recipe is Special
What makes this recipe truly special is the depth of flavor. I sear the beef stew meat first. This creates an extra rich base.
Then, I slowly simmer it all to tender perfection. It’s a bit of a labor of love, yeah? But trust me, the results are worth it! You end up with an amazing beef barley soup that you will remember for a long time.
Now, let’s get to the ingredients. You will want to grab your apron and a big pot!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cooking!
Right, so before we even think about the amazing vegetable soup with stew meat we're about to make a proper, hearty soup recipes that'll warm you from the inside out let's make sure we've got all our bits and bobs sorted.
Honestly, there's nothing worse than getting halfway through a recipe and realising you're missing something!
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
Okay, first up, the meaty goodness! You'll need 1.5 lbs (680g) of beef stew . Make sure it's nice and marbled, you know? That's where the flavour is at! And always keep in mind, beef stew is a classic.
- Beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch cubes 1.5 lbs (680g)
- Olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml)
- Salt 1 teaspoon (5g)
- Black pepper 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g)
- Onion, chopped 1 large
- Garlic, minced 2 cloves
- Tomato paste 2 tablespoons (30ml)
- Beef broth 6 cups (1.4L)
- Water 1 cup (240ml)
- Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon (5ml)
- Bay leaf 1
- Dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g)
- Carrots, diced 2 medium
- Celery, diced 2 stalks
- Frozen peas 1 cup (150g)
- Frozen green beans 1 cup (150g)
- Diced tomatoes, undrained 1 (14.5 oz/411g) can
- Russet potato, diced 1 large
- Pearl barley, rinsed 1/2 cup (75g)
- Fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons (30ml)
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce (Well, Spices!)
Don't be shy with the seasoning! For this vegetable beef soup , we're aiming for warming and comforting. This simple blend gives depth, richness, and that classic winter soup recipes taste.
The Worcestershire sauce might seem like a curveball, but trust me, it adds a lovely umami kick.
If you fancy something a bit different, chuck in a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky depth. Or, if you like a bit of heat, a tiny pinch of chilli flakes is always welcome! Comfort food recipes are all about feeling cozy, so make it your own.
Equipment Needed: Keeping it Simple
Right, you don't need loads of fancy gadgets for this. This easy soup recipes is all about simplicity! This is just homemade vegetable soup at its finest. Here's the basics:
- Large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
If you don't have a Dutch oven, no worries! Just use the biggest pot you've got. It needs to be fairly heavy so it distributes the heat nicely.
Now you're equipped to bring that rich, hearty beef barley soup taste to your table.
So, there you have it! Sorted. Now let's get cooking this amazing vegetable soup with stew meat .
Hearty Beef & Vegetable Soup with Stew Meat : A Proper Comfort Feast
Honestly, who doesn't love a good beef stew ? But sometimes, you fancy something a bit lighter, a bit more soupy.
That's where this incredible vegetable beef soup comes in. This isn't your nan's watery soup, mind you. We're talking proper, comfort food recipes here.
It's the perfect winter soup recipes , trust me. Let's get started!
Prep Like a Pro: The Secret to Stress Free Soup
Before you even think about turning on the hob, get your mise en place sorted. It's chef speak for having everything prepped and ready.
Chop all your veggies and measure out your spices. This is an easy soup recipes , but this step will shave off so much time! For a hearty soup recipes , organization is key.
And remember, folks, always use a sharp knife. Safety first!
Simmer Your Way to Soup Nirvana: A step-by-step Guide
- First, season your 1.5 lbs of stew meat with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Get a nice sear on that beef in 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium high heat. This is crucial for flavour. Don't overcrowd the pot.
- Next, add your chopped onion and celery. Sauté them until softened. Then add garlic and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for 1 minute .
- Pour in 6 cups of beef broth and 1 cup of water, scraping up all those lovely browned bits from the bottom. Stir in 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, a bay leaf, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme.
- Return the beef to the pot. Add 1/2 cup of rinsed pearl barley. Simmer, covered, for 2 hours on low heat. We want that beef tender!
- Chuck in your carrots, diced tomatoes, and potatoes. Simmer for another 30 minutes , or until those veggies are tender too.
- Finally, stir in your frozen peas and green beans. Cook for 5 minutes , just until heated through.
- Take out the bay leaf, season to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley. Ta-da!
Pro Tips for Soup Success
Ever tried making slow cooker beef soup ? It's another level of beef stew awesomeness. Just brown the beef beforehand, then chuck everything into the slow cooker.
A common mistake? Overcooking the veggies. No one wants mushy soup! Add the quicker cooking ones at the end. Want to make it ahead? Absolutely! This homemade vegetable soup tastes even better the next day.
It's a great way to get your daily dose of veggies, honestly. So there you have it, your family will love this stew meat recipes .
Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Hearty Beef and Vegetable Soup
Right, so you're about to dive into making this amazing vegetable soup with stew meat . Honestly, it's easier than you think! Here are a few things to keep in mind to really nail it.
I mean, this is proper comfort food recipes stuff, perfect for those chilly evenings.
Plating Like a Pro...Or Not!
Forget fancy! Just ladle a generous portion into a bowl. A sprinkle of fresh parsley really brightens things up. Serve it with some crusty bread you know, the type you can dunk! A nice glass of red wine goes down a treat too, especially with this Beef stew .
How to Store Your Leftover Soup
Alright, if you've got leftovers (unlikely, but hey ho!), let it cool down completely first. Then, bung it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge.
It'll be good for 3-4 days . If you want to keep it longer, freezing is your best bet.
For freezing, portion it out into freezer safe containers or bags. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you're ready to eat, just defrost it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the hob or in the microwave.
Variations? Sorted!
Fancy a bit of a twist? Easy peasy. If you're watching the calories, you can load up on even more veggies and use leaner stew meat.
To make this vegetable beef soup gluten-free, ditch the pearl barley or use quinoa instead. Want a spicier kick? Throw in some red pepper flakes!
Little Bit of Knowledge: Nutrition Edition
Okay, let's be real, this homemade vegetable soup isn't exactly health food. But it's packed with goodness! You're getting protein from the beef, vitamins and fibre from the veggies, and that warm, fuzzy feeling that only easy soup recipes can deliver.
Plus, this winter soup recipes will certainly warm you up!
Right then, there you have it! Honestly, this recipe for Stew meat recipes is so straightforward that even I, who's been known to burn toast, can manage it! Just give it a go, have a bit of fun, and I promise you'll end up with a bowl of deliciousness.
Happy cooking! And trust me it's great option other than the classic Beef barley soup .
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to store leftover vegetable soup with stew meat? I'm hoping to enjoy it for lunch all week!
Storing your leftover soup is easy peasy! Allow the vegetable soup with stew meat to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
You can also freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months; just be aware that the texture of the vegetables may change slightly upon thawing a bit like when you accidentally leave a bag of peas in the freezer a little too long!
Can I make this vegetable soup with stew meat in a slow cooker or Instant Pot? What adjustments do I need to make?
Absolutely, you can! For a slow cooker, sear the beef as directed, then add all ingredients (except the frozen peas and green beans) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the frozen peas and green beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
For the Instant Pot, sear the beef using the sauté function, then add all ingredients (except the frozen peas and green beans) and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Stir in the peas and green beans after releasing pressure.
This is a game changer for those with a busy schedule!
My family isn't keen on certain vegetables. Can I substitute or omit some from this vegetable soup with stew meat recipe?
Of course, you can customise the vegetable soup with stew meat to suit your family's taste! Feel free to swap out any vegetables they don't like for ones they do. For example, you could substitute zucchini or butternut squash for the carrots.
If you're omitting vegetables entirely, you might want to add a bit more of another vegetable or a can of beans to maintain the soup's heartiness. Remember, cooking is all about making it your own!
I'm trying to watch my sodium intake. What can I do to reduce the sodium in this vegetable soup with stew meat?
That's a great question! The main sources of sodium in vegetable soup with stew meat are the beef broth and canned diced tomatoes. Opt for low-sodium beef broth, or even better, make your own. Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned, and be mindful of how much salt you add during cooking.
Taste as you go, and remember that you can always add more salt, but you can't take it away a bit like accidentally adding too much mustard to your Sunday roast!
What kind of stew meat is best for this vegetable soup? Does it really matter?
While you can use pretty much any cut labelled as "stew meat," chuck roast is generally considered the best choice for vegetable soup with stew meat. It has a good amount of marbling (fat), which renders down during the long cooking time, making the beef incredibly tender and flavorful.
Other options include round roast or brisket trimmings. Ultimately, the long, slow simmer will do most of the work in tenderizing the meat, so don't stress too much about getting the perfect cut just make sure it's good quality!
How can I make my vegetable soup with stew meat even more flavorful? It's a bit bland at the moment.
Aha, you're looking to crank up the flavour dial, are you? A few tricks can take your vegetable soup with stew meat from good to great. Firstly, ensure you're browning the beef properly when searing; that's flavour gold! Secondly, don't be shy with the herbs and spices.
Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth. A splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice at the end can also brighten the flavors. And finally, remember that seasoning is key; taste and adjust throughout the cooking process!
Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |
