Vegetable beef soup is a hearty dish that’s perfect for cold nights. It has tender beef, fresh veggies, and a rich tomato broth. This classic soup is loved by many and can be a main course. It’s easy to make and always a hit.
Key Takeaways
- Vegetable beef soup is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make at home.
- The soup combines tender beef, a variety of fresh vegetables, and a rich tomato-based broth.
- Vegetable beef soup is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for chilly nights.
- This soup can be customized to your taste preferences by adjusting the vegetables or seasonings.
- Vegetable beef soup can be a great option for meal prep, as it can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later enjoyment.
What is vegetable beef soup?
Vegetable beef soup is a classic dish that warms the heart. It has tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth. It’s perfect for cold weather and fills you up.
A Flavorful Fusion of Ingredients
The soup starts with beef, like stew meat or ground beef. It’s seared to keep its juices and flavor. Then, a mix of vegetables like onions, carrots, and potatoes are added.
The broth is made from beef and tomatoes. This gives the soup a deep, beefy flavor. Herbs and spices like parsley and thyme add more taste.
“Vegetable beef soup is a timeless favorite, merging tender beef with the nutritious crunch of fresh vegetables, all simmered in a flavorful, tomato-rich broth.”
This hearty and comforting soup is great for cold days. It’s perfect served as a hearty main dish or a satisfying side. You can make it your own by changing the vegetables and spices.
Ingredients for vegetable beef soup
To make a tasty vegetable beef soup, you’ll need some important ingredients. The soup starts with beef, fresh veggies, and a rich tomato-beef broth. Here’s what you’ll need for this comforting soup:
- Beef – Choose stew meat or ground beef for this soup.
- Onions, carrots, and celery – These veggies, known as the mirepoix, add flavor.
- Potatoes – Cubed potatoes make the soup hearty.
- Canned diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes – They give the soup a tangy tomato taste.
- Beef broth – A good beef broth or stock is key for the soup’s flavor.
- Garlic, herbs (like oregano and rosemary), and seasonings – These add amazing flavors.
- Olive oil or butter – Use them to sauté the veggies and start the soup.
- Parmesan cheese (for garnish) – A sprinkle of Parmesan adds richness and flavor.
With these vegetable beef soup ingredients, you’re ready to make a comforting bowl of vegetable beef soup.
| Ingredient | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Vegetables | 75% |
| Beef | 25% |
| Carrots | 30% |
| Potatoes | 25% |
| Celery | 20% |
| Onions | 15% |
| Tomatoes | 40% |
| Salt and Pepper | 80% |
| Homemade Beef Broth | 60% |
With these vegetable beef soup ingredients, you’re set to make a delicious vegetable beef soup.
vegetable beef soup recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Delicious Homemade Soup
Making a tasty vegetable beef soup from scratch is simple. Just follow these easy steps to create a warm, hearty soup that everyone will love.
- Begin by searing the beef in olive oil or butter. This step locks in juices and adds a rich flavor.
- Then, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until they’re soft and smell great. These veggies are key to a good soup.
- After the veggies are tender, add garlic and spices like oregano and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute to bring out the flavors.
- Next, add beef broth and canned diced tomatoes. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. This lets the flavors mix well.
- Just before serving, add grated Parmesan cheese. It makes the soup creamy and savory.
This vegetable beef soup recipe is easy to change up. Add your favorite veggies, herbs, and spices to make it your own. Enjoy!
“This vegetable beef soup is the ultimate comfort food. The rich, beefy broth and tender chunks of meat paired with all the veggies make for a truly satisfying meal.”
Serving and pairing suggestions
Vegetable beef soup is great as a main dish. It goes well with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or roasted veggies. It’s also good as a starter or appetizer. The soup pairs well with many sides, making for a complete meal.
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth
- A simple green salad pairs well to balance the soup’s richness
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans for an additional dose of vegetables
- Cornbread or biscuits for a classic and comforting pairing
- A glass of red wine to complement the savory flavors of the vegetable beef soup
Whether you’re serving vegetable beef soup as a main course or as a starter, it’s sure to be a hit. The right sides make it even better. You can mix and match to find the perfect combination for everyone.
“Vegetable beef soup is the ultimate comfort food, and it’s even better when paired with the right sides. The possibilities are endless, but the key is to find the perfect balance of flavors and textures to create a truly memorable meal.”
| Side Dish | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| Baked Stuffed Potatoes | Potatoes, cheese, bacon |
| Black Rice Salad | Black rice, vegetables, herbs |
| Baked Lemon Chicken | Chicken, lemon, herbs |
| Yellow Squash Casserole | Squash, cheese, breadcrumbs |
| Oven-Fried Zucchini | Zucchini, breadcrumbs, Parmesan |
Storing and reheating leftovers
Vegetable beef soup makes delicious leftovers that can be easily stored and reheated. To keep your leftover soup tasty and safe, just follow these simple steps:
Storing Leftover Vegetable Beef Soup
- Let the soup cool down completely before putting it in an airtight container.
- Put the leftover soup in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Or, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months for longer storage.
Reheating Vegetable Beef Soup
Ready to enjoy your leftover soup? Here’s how to reheat it safely and well:
- Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring now and then, until it’s hot.
- You can also heat up individual portions in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until it’s hot.
- The soup might get thicker as it sits, so add a bit of broth or water when reheating to get the right consistency.
It’s crucial to heat the soup to 165°F (74°C) to kill bacteria and keep it safe to eat.
| Food Item | Refrigerator (40°F or below) | Freezer (0°F or below) |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon, ham, hot dogs, cooked sausage | 1 week | 1 month |
| Butter | 1-2 months | 6-9 months |
| Cheese, hard (cheddar, swiss, parmesan) | 3-4 weeks | up to 6 months |
| Chicken nuggets or patties | 3-4 days | 1-3 months |
| Egg casseroles | 3-4 days | 2-3 months |
| Mashed potatoes | 3-4 days | 1-2 months |
| Soup | 3-4 days | 2-3 months |
| Quinoa | 1 week | 6-12 months |
| Vegetables | 3-4 days | 1-2 months |
By following these tips for storing and reheating your vegetable beef soup leftovers, you can enjoy it for days. It stays safe and delicious.
Variations and substitutions
Vegetable beef soup is very versatile. Customize it to your taste with a few simple tweaks. Swap out the protein or add unique flavors to customize it.
Protein Variations
Beef stew meat or chuck roast are traditional choices. But, you can use ground beef for a thicker soup. Sirloin or lean beef cuts keep it chunky.
Vegetable Swaps
Try different veggies to change the taste and texture. Add potatoes, green beans, corn, peas, or mushrooms. Roasting them first can make the flavors richer.
Seasoning Blends
Change the seasoning to alter the soup’s taste. Use Italian herbs, Cajun spices, or taco seasoning. Red wine or Worcestershire sauce can add depth.
Garnishes and Toppings
Garnishes can make your soup special. Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. Shredded cheese, sour cream, or crushed crackers add texture.
There are endless ways to vegetable beef soup variations and customizing the soup to your preferences. Experiment with ingredients and techniques to make it your own.
Nutritional benefits of vegetable beef soup
Vegetable beef soup is more than just a tasty meal. It’s packed with nutrients that support a healthy diet, especially when it’s cold outside. The mix of tender beef, various vegetables, and a rich broth makes it a balanced and wholesome option.
The beef in the soup is a great source of protein. This helps build and repair muscles. The vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The broth, rich in calcium and magnesium, boosts the soup’s nutritional value. Tomatoes in the broth also add antioxidants, protecting your body from harm.
This soup is a protein powerhouse, with 33 grams per serving. It also has 48 grams of carbs and 10 grams of fat. This makes it a complete meal that can fit into a balanced diet.
Looking for a meal that’s both comforting and nutritious? Vegetable beef soup is a top pick. Its rich flavor and hearty texture make it a great way to get essential nutrients and support your health.
Nutritional Breakdown of Vegetable Beef Soup
- Calories: 406 per serving
- Protein: 33 grams
- Carbohydrates: 48 grams
- Fat: 10 grams
- Fiber: 7 grams
- Vitamin A: 8,029 IU
- Vitamin C: 43 mg
- Calcium: 139 mg
- Iron: 8 mg
Vegetable beef soup is a healthy and flexible choice for any diet. It’s great for muscle recovery, boosting vitamins and minerals, or just enjoying a comforting meal. It’s a smart pick for anyone looking to eat well.
vegetable beef soup for meal prep
Vegetable beef soup is great for meal prep. It’s hearty and comforting. You can make it ahead and keep it in the fridge or freezer. This makes it easy for quick lunches or dinners all week.
- The soup can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To freeze, let it cool, then put it in airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it up gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- It might thicken up in storage. So, add a bit of broth or water when reheating to get the right consistency.
Vegetable beef soup is a hearty, nourishing meal that holds up well to reheating, making it perfect for busy weeks when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
“Vegetable beef soup makes meal prep a breeze, offering both simplicity and endless versatility.”
This recipe uses 85/15 lean ground beef for a healthy protein source. It includes onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for nutrients and flavors. The broth is made with beef broth and Pomi chopped tomatoes for a rich taste.
This recipe takes 3 hours and 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It makes 16 servings, each with 252 calories, 25 grams of carbs, 18 grams of protein, and 11 grams of fat. It’s full of vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron, making it a nutritious meal prep choice.
Conclusion
Vegetable beef soup is a classic dish perfect for cold weather. It combines tender beef, fresh veggies, and a rich broth. This makes for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
You can customize the soup to your liking. It’s also great for leftovers, making meal prep easy.
Vegetable beef soup is great as a main dish or a starter. It’s packed with protein, veggies, and carbs. This makes it a nutritious and filling meal.
If you haven’t tried vegetable beef soup, give it a go. The mix of tender beef, fresh veggies, and savory broth is delightful. Make a batch and enjoy it with your loved ones. It’s sure to become a favorite.