Bob Evans Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe

Soup is a universal comfort food that can be tailored to just about any taste preference or dietary need, and there’s something about a hearty, flavorful beef and vegetable soup that makes it the perfect meal for almost any occasion. Bob Evans’ Beef Vegetable Soup is a beloved recipe known for its rich taste, satisfying texture, and ability to warm you from the inside out.

This soup, packed with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, is not only filling but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal to make on a busy weeknight or a dish to serve at a family gathering, this recipe fits the bill. Best of all, it doesn’t require a long list of hard-to-find ingredients or any complex techniques, making it accessible for both beginner and experienced cooks alike.

In this guide, we’ll break down the steps and ingredients needed to make this amazing soup, provide some expert tips, explore potential variations, and dive deep into the background of this crowd-pleasing dish.

Bob Evans Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe

Bob Evans’ Beef Vegetable Soup is the perfect balance of savory beef, fresh vegetables, and just the right amount of seasoning to bring it all together. Whether you’re serving it as a main course for dinner or enjoying it as a warm, comforting lunch, it always hits the spot. Here’s how you can make this delightful soup in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients Needed

Before you start, make sure you have all of these ingredients:

• Beef stew meat (1 lb): Cut into bite-sized cubes. The stew meat is perfect because it becomes tender during the simmering process.
• Potatoes (2 medium): Diced. These absorb all the delicious flavors of the broth and help to thicken the soup.
• Carrots (2 medium): Sliced. They add a bit of natural sweetness and texture.
• Celery (2 stalks): Chopped. Celery contributes a light crunch and fresh flavor.
• Onion (1 large): Chopped. Onions bring depth and umami to the base of the soup.
• Garlic (2 cloves): Minced. Fresh garlic provides an aromatic and zesty touch.
• Beef broth (4 cups): The heart of the soup’s rich, savory flavor.
• Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Adds a hint of sweetness and acidity, balancing the rich beef broth.
• Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): These bring tanginess and a slightly sweet, juicy texture.
• Frozen peas (1 cup): For added color and freshness.
• Green beans (1 cup): Fresh or frozen, they add a slight crunch and earthy flavor.
• Corn (1 cup): Adds some sweetness and a pop of color.
• Bay leaves (2): For a depth of flavor that simmers into the broth.
• Salt & pepper (to taste): Basic but crucial for bringing all the flavors together.
• Thyme (1 teaspoon): A little hint of herbiness.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the vegetables and browning the beef.

Cooking Instructions

Making Bob Evans Beef Vegetable Soup isn’t complicated, but it does require a bit of patience to let the flavors meld and the beef to get nice and tender. Follow these simple steps for a successful result:

1. Sear the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the stew meat and season with salt and pepper. Brown the beef on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions turn translucent.
3. Add the Liquid: Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and tomato paste. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to incorporate into the soup.
4. Simmer the Soup: Return the beef to the pot, add the bay leaves and thyme, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. The beef should become tender, and the flavors should blend beautifully.
5. Add the Frozen Veggies: Once the beef is tender, stir in the peas, corn, and green beans. Let the soup simmer for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the frozen vegetables to heat through.
6. Final Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. Discard the bay leaves before serving.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with some crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Ingredient Insights

• Beef Stew Meat: The cut of beef used here is typically from a tougher part of the animal, such as the chuck. When slow-cooked, the collagen in the meat breaks down, resulting in incredibly tender pieces. This cut is perfect for soups because it holds up to long cooking times without drying out.
• Potatoes: These root vegetables are not just fillers – they absorb the rich flavors of the broth and add a creamy texture as they break down slightly during cooking. They also help thicken the soup naturally.
• Frozen Vegetables: Frozen peas, corn, and green beans are great because they retain their flavor and texture even after being added to the soup. They’re convenient, and they provide that burst of color and nutrition.

Expert Tips

1. Brown the Beef Properly: Don’t rush the browning of the beef. It’s crucial for developing deep flavor in the soup, so take your time to get a nice sear on all sides.
2. Simmer Low and Slow: Don’t skip the simmering step. The longer you let the soup cook, the more intense and integrated the flavors become. If you have extra time, let it simmer for a couple of hours for the best results.
3. Use Homemade Broth: If possible, make your own beef broth or stock. Homemade broth tends to have more richness and depth, enhancing the overall flavor of the soup.
4. Storage: This soup actually gets better after sitting for a day or two! Let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Recipe Variations

• Add More Veggies: You can include other veggies like zucchini, parsnips, or turnips for a more diverse range of textures and flavors.
• Spicy Kick: For those who like a little heat, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to spice things up.
• Beef Alternatives: If you prefer, you could swap out the beef stew meat for turkey or chicken. This will give the soup a lighter flavor, but still make for a hearty meal.
• Herb Twist: Try experimenting with different herbs. Rosemary or oregano can give a different aromatic profile to the soup.

Final Words

Bob Evans Beef Vegetable Soup is a quintessential comfort food that brings together the best of savory, hearty flavors with a variety of textures that satisfy every bite. It’s a simple recipe that can easily be adapted to fit your taste, and it’s incredibly versatile for both casual weeknight dinners and more formal gatherings. The ingredients are familiar and the steps straightforward, making it a great choice for both seasoned cooks and beginners alike.