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### Instructions to Make Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup
Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make your delicious vegetable beef soup.
#### Step 1: Sear the Beef
– Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
– If you’re using a chuck roast, cut it into bite-sized cubes. If using ground beef, you can skip the cutting and just add the beef directly.
– Add the beef to the pot and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
– Brown the beef on all sides, which should take about 6–8 minutes for cubes or 5–7 minutes for ground beef. Searing the beef caramelizes its surface, locking in the flavor and adding a nice color to the soup.
#### Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Aromatics
– Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
– In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil (if needed) and toss in the chopped onions, carrots, and celery.
– Sauté the vegetables for 4-5 minutes, until they start to soften and the onions become translucent.
– Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
#### Step 3: Add the Broth and Tomatoes
– Add the beef broth to the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to incorporate all the flavor.
– Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and bay leaves.
– Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
#### Step 4: Add the Potatoes, Green Beans, and Corn
– Add the diced potatoes, green beans, and corn to the pot. Stir to combine and bring everything back to a simmer.
– Continue cooking for another 25-30 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the vegetables are fully cooked.
#### Step 5: Season and Serve
– Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs to your liking.
– Remove the bay leaves before serving.
– Serve the soup hot, either with some crusty bread on the side or a sprinkle of grated cheese for extra flavor.
### Tips for the Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup
To make your vegetable beef soup even better, consider the following tips:
1. **For Extra Tender Beef:** If you’re using a chuck roast, consider simmering it for a longer period (about 1.5 to 2 hours) on low heat to break down the fibers and make the beef incredibly tender. You can shred it with a fork for a more rustic feel.
2. **Adding Herbs:** Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can elevate the flavor of the soup. You can tie them together in a bundle (bouquet garni) to remove them easily once the soup is done cooking.
3. **Use Frozen Vegetables:** If you’re in a pinch, feel free to use frozen vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn. They are just as nutritious and often more convenient, saving you time and effort.
4. **Make it Spicy:** If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup along with the garlic for a spicy kick.
5. **Make it a Slow Cooker Soup:** This recipe is also slow cooker-friendly. After browning the beef, add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours for a set-it-and-forget-it approach.
6. **Storing Leftovers:** Leftover vegetable beef soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months for a future meal.
### Nutritional Benefits of Vegetable Beef Soup
This vegetable beef soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients:
– **Protein:** The beef provides an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall health.
– **Vitamins and Minerals:** The carrots, celery, and green beans are full of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium.
– **Fiber:** The potatoes and vegetables offer fiber, which aids in digestion and helps to maintain a healthy gut.
– **Low in Calories:** If made with lean beef and plenty of vegetables, this soup is relatively low in calories, making it a great option for those watching their calorie intake.
– **Hydration:** The broth adds liquid, helping to keep you hydrated while you enjoy your meal.
### Variations of the Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup
While this recipe is delicious as written, you can easily customize it based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few variations you can try:
1. **Gluten-Free:** This soup is naturally gluten-free, but if you plan to serve it with bread, choose a gluten-free option to keep it gluten-free.
2. **Vegetarian or Vegan Version:** Replace the beef with plant-based protein such as lentils, tofu, or tempeh. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter, vegetarian version of the soup.
3. **Add More Veggies:** Feel free to add additional vegetables like zucchini, spinach, kale, or peas for extra nutrition and flavor. You can even sneak in some leafy greens at the end of cooking for a pop of color and extra vitamins.
4. **Beans or Pasta:** For a heartier soup, you can add beans like kidney beans or white beans, or even some small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or orzo.
5. **Instant Pot Version:** If you’re looking to speed up the cooking time, you can use the Instant Pot. After browning the beef, add all the ingredients and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 20-30 minutes.
### Final Thoughts
The Best Ever Easy Vegetable Beef Soup is a timeless, comforting dish that anyone can enjoy. Its robust flavor, nutritional value, and flexibility make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you want a warm, satisfying bowl of soup. By following these simple steps, you’ll have a hearty, delicious soup that your whole family will love. Experiment with variations, customize it to your taste, and share it with others to spread the joy of this classic, heartwarming dish. Enjoy!
