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### **Instructions:**
#### 1. **Brown the Beef:**
Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. This step is crucial for developing the deep, rich flavor of the soup. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
#### 2. **Sauté the Vegetables:**
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This will create a flavorful base for your soup.
Next, add the carrots, celery, potatoes, and zucchini (if using). Cook the vegetables for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly. This step helps bring out their natural flavors and creates the perfect starting point for your broth.
#### 3. **Add the Broth and Seasonings:**
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), green beans, bay leaves, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, making sure the ingredients are well combined.
If you’re using Worcestershire sauce, add it to the mix now. It gives the soup a delicious depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the beef and vegetables.
#### 4. **Simmer to Perfection:**
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the soup simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. The longer you let the soup simmer, the more the flavors will meld together, so don’t rush it!
Check the seasoning halfway through and adjust the salt and pepper to taste.
#### 5. **Add the Final Touches:**
In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas (if using) to the soup. They’ll add a nice pop of color and a touch of sweetness to the hearty soup.
Once the soup is finished, remove the bay leaves before serving.
#### 6. **Serve and Garnish:**
Ladle the vegetable beef soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. The vibrant green color of the parsley will add a fresh and inviting touch to your warm, comforting soup.
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### **Why You’ll Love This Vegetable Beef Soup:**
– **Packed with Nutrients:** This soup is a powerhouse of vegetables—carrots, celery, green beans, zucchini, and potatoes—providing plenty of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. The beef adds a good source of protein and iron, making it a balanced and satisfying meal.
– **Full of Flavor:** The combination of tender beef, savory broth, and the aromatic herbs like thyme and basil makes for a rich, flavorful soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Adding Worcestershire sauce gives it a wonderful umami boost that makes the flavors even more complex.
– **Comfort in a Bowl:** There’s something about a steaming bowl of vegetable beef soup that’s so comforting. The tender beef, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth come together to create the ultimate cozy meal that will warm you up from the inside out.
– **Customizable:** The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap in or out any vegetables you prefer or have on hand. Throw in some spinach, kale, or corn for extra nutrients, or add some barley or pasta to make it even heartier. You can also adjust the seasonings to your personal taste.
– **Perfect for Leftovers:** Like most soups, this vegetable beef soup gets even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. It’s great for meal prepping, and you can easily store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for a later date.
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### **Tips for the Best Vegetable Beef Soup:**
– **Cut the Beef Uniformly:** Try to cut the beef stew meat into evenly-sized chunks so that they cook uniformly. This will ensure that every bite of beef is tender and cooked perfectly.
– **Low and Slow:** Don’t rush the simmering process. Allowing the soup to cook slowly helps break down the beef and vegetables, infusing the broth with maximum flavor. If you have extra time, consider letting it simmer for even longer for richer flavor.
– **Add Fresh Herbs:** Fresh thyme and basil can really elevate this soup. If you have fresh herbs available, feel free to use them instead of dried. Add them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking for the best flavor.
– **Make It a Meal:** This soup is filling enough to stand alone, but if you’re looking to make it even more substantial, serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a well-rounded meal.
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### **Conclusion:**
This **Vegetable Beef Soup** is the perfect recipe for when you need something hearty, comforting, and nutritious. It’s the kind of dish that satisfies both your taste buds and your body, providing warmth and nourishment with every spoonful. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold evening or preparing a batch for meal prep, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
So, grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and start simmering this amazing vegetable beef soup. It’s sure to become a go-to recipe for your family, and I’m sure you’ll agree—this is one bowl of soup that hits all the right notes. Enjoy!
