### **Easiest Vegetable Beef Soup Ever Recipe**
#### **Introduction**
The **Easiest Vegetable Beef Soup Ever** is a hearty, comforting meal that delivers rich flavors with minimal effort. Packed with tender chunks of beef, a medley of vegetables, and a savory broth, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something nourishing. It’s a one-pot dish that’s both satisfying and flexible, allowing you to use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Whether served with a side of crusty bread or enjoyed on its own, this soup is a staple for cozy meals.
#### **Origin**
The origins of vegetable beef soup trace back to classic American comfort food, influenced by hearty European soups and stews. Its roots lie in the tradition of using simple ingredients, often leftovers or what’s readily available, to create a filling and nutritious meal. This dish has evolved across cultures but remains a beloved go-to for families looking for a nourishing and straightforward dinner. Variations exist in almost every culture, with different types of meat, vegetables, and seasonings reflecting regional preferences.
#### **Cultural Significance**
In many American households, vegetable beef soup is seen as the epitome of home-cooked comfort food. It’s a dish often passed down through generations and associated with family gatherings, especially in cooler months. The simplicity and versatility of the recipe make it an enduring favorite, offering warmth and nourishment to people from all walks of life. It’s also a reflection of the “waste-not” mentality in cooking, as it can easily incorporate whatever vegetables and meat are available.
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#### **Ingredients & Quantity**
– **1 lb beef stew meat** (or chuck roast, cut into cubes)
– **1 tablespoon olive oil**
– **1 medium onion**, chopped
– **2 cloves garlic**, minced
– **4 cups beef broth** (or water with bouillon cubes)
– **2 cups water**
– **2 medium potatoes**, diced
– **2 carrots**, peeled and sliced
– **1 celery stalk**, chopped
– **1 cup frozen peas**
– **1 cup corn kernels** (fresh, frozen, or canned)
– **1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes**, undrained
– **1 teaspoon dried thyme**
– **1 teaspoon dried basil**
– **Salt and pepper to taste**
– **1 bay leaf** (optional)
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#### **Optional Additions**
– **1 cup green beans**, cut into pieces
– **1 cup zucchini**, chopped
– **1 cup parsnips** or **sweet potatoes**, diced
– **1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce** for extra umami
– **1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika** for a smoky flavor
– **1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes** for a bit of heat
– **1/4 cup fresh parsley** or **basil**, chopped, for garnish
– **1/4 cup frozen spinach** for added greens
– **1 tablespoon tomato paste** for depth of flavor
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#### **Tips for Success**
1. **Brown the Beef First**: Browning the beef in olive oil before adding the broth gives the soup a rich, deep flavor. Don’t skip this step—it’s key to developing the soup’s base flavor.
2. **Use Quality Broth**: The broth is the foundation of your soup. Opt for a low-sodium beef broth to control the salt content, or use homemade broth for an even richer taste.
3. **Simmer Slowly**: Allow the soup to simmer for at least 30-45 minutes to ensure the beef becomes tender and the flavors meld together. You can also let it simmer longer for more depth.
4. **Cut Vegetables Uniformly**: For even cooking, make sure your vegetables are cut into similar-sized pieces.
5. **Adjust Seasonings**: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it needs more depth, add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
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#### **Instructions**
1. **Brown the Beef**: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the beef and set it aside.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables**: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
3. **Add Liquids and Seasonings**: Return the beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, water, diced tomatoes, thyme, basil, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
4. **Simmer**: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes to allow the beef to become tender.
5. **Add Vegetables**: Add the diced potatoes, carrots, celery, peas, and corn. Stir and continue to simmer for another 20-30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. **Taste and Adjust**: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. If you’d like a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes in the soup with a spoon.
7. **Serve**: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
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#### **Description**
This **Easiest Vegetable Beef Soup Ever** is a straightforward, nourishing dish that combines tender beef, a variety of vegetables, and a flavorful broth. The soup is hearty without being heavy, thanks to the balance of vegetables and lean beef. The slow simmering process ensures all the flavors meld together, resulting in a deeply satisfying, savory meal. Each spoonful offers a mix of beefy goodness, tender vegetables, and aromatic herbs. It’s the ideal dish for when you need something quick, easy, and filling.
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#### **Nutritional Information**
(Per serving, assuming 6 servings)
– **Calories**: 300
– **Fat**: 14g
– Saturated Fat: 5g
– **Carbohydrates**: 30g
– Fiber: 6g
– Sugar: 7g
– **Protein**: 20g
– **Cholesterol**: 60mg
– **Sodium**: 450mg
– **Potassium**: 950mg
– **Calcium**: 6% DV
– **Iron**: 20% DV
*Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredient brands and modifications to the recipe.*
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#### **Conclusion**
The **Easiest Vegetable Beef Soup Ever** is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s quick to make, nutritious, and filled with flavors that develop beautifully as the ingredients simmer together. This soup is a flexible recipe, allowing you to add or substitute ingredients based on what’s available in your pantry or what’s in season. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing for a week of easy meals, this soup is a satisfying and delicious option that won’t disappoint.
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#### **Recommendation & Embracing Healthful Indulgence**
While this vegetable beef soup is already a healthy option, you can make it even more nutritious by using lean cuts of beef like sirloin or round steak, or by incorporating more fiber-rich vegetables like spinach or kale. To cut down on sodium, use low-sodium broth and skip the added salt, relying on herbs and spices for flavor. If you prefer a lighter soup, swap out some of the potatoes for cauliflower or zucchini. Embrace the joy of simple, nourishing meals, and enjoy a bowl of this warming soup guilt-free!