Award Winning Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

Have you ever stumbled upon a recipe so good that it feels like a warm embrace from the inside out? That’s exactly what an Award-Winning Vegetable Beef Soup brings to the table. Picture this: a hearty, savory broth packed with tender chunks of beef, vibrant vegetables, and a deep, comforting flavor profile that just makes you want to dive in. This soup is the perfect balance of filling, nutritious, and soul-soothing, all while being simple enough for a weeknight meal.

The beauty of this dish lies not just in its taste but also in the versatility and richness it brings to any dinner table. Whether it’s a cozy winter night, a gathering of family and friends, or just an easy go-to when you need something satisfying and delicious, this vegetable beef soup ticks all the boxes. Best of all? It’s award-winning, which means it’s tried, tested, and loved by many.

Let’s break down why this soup is so special, the ingredients that make it shine, and how you can recreate this flavorful dish right at home!

Award Winning Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

This is the kind of recipe that wins over even the toughest critics. What makes it "award-winning," you ask? It’s the perfect marriage of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly, creating a soup that’s more than just a meal – it’s an experience. Rich in flavor, with tender beef and vibrant vegetables swimming in a hearty broth, this soup is all about maximizing the depth of taste while maintaining simplicity.

From the first bite, you’ll notice the layers of flavor unfold: the beef gives the soup its richness, while the vegetables add freshness and a satisfying crunch. The seasonings bring everything to life, rounding out the dish with just the right amount of seasoning. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require hours of slaving over the stove.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting vegetable beef soup:

• Beef Stew Meat – The star of the dish. You’ll need about 1.5 lbs of beef stew meat, cubed. The beef needs to be hearty and full of flavor, so choose a good cut like chuck or brisket.
• Carrots – These are a must for sweetness and texture. About 2 medium-sized carrots, sliced or chopped.
• Celery – A crunchy addition that balances the sweetness of the carrots, giving the soup a mild earthy flavor. Use 2 celery stalks, chopped.
• Onions – A flavor base for the soup, one large onion, chopped, will do.
• Potatoes – Use 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced. They’ll add bulk and make the soup feel extra filling.
• Tomato Paste – About 2 tablespoons for a rich, tangy undertone.
• Beef Broth – 6 cups of beef broth for a hearty base that pulls everything together.
• Diced Tomatoes – One can (14.5 oz) adds sweetness and acidity, brightening up the flavor.
• Garlic – 3 cloves of garlic, minced, for that rich, aromatic undertone.
• Bay Leaves – 2 leaves for a subtle herbal note.
• Seasonings – Salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. The right seasoning balance is key to the flavor profile.
• Frozen Green Beans – Optional, but they add a lovely green crunch to the soup. About 1 cup.
• Frozen Corn – Optional, but it adds a pop of sweetness to balance the savory flavors. About 1 cup.

Cooking Instructions

Ready to make this delicious soup? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Brown The Beef

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the beef stew meat in batches (don’t overcrowd) and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This will help lock in the flavors.
   • Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • In the same pot, add a bit more oil if necessary, and sauté the chopped onions, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the garlic and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to develop.

3. Build The Soup

   • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes. This deepens the flavor.
   • Add the beef back into the pot, then pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with juices). Stir to combine.
   • Drop in the bay leaves and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Bring the soup to a boil.

4. Simmer To Perfection

   • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
   • Add the potatoes and continue simmering for another 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

5. Add The Greens

   • About 5 minutes before serving, stir in the green beans and corn (if using). Allow them to heat through.

6. Final Touches

   • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to your liking.
   • Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this vegetable beef soup plays a specific role in creating a balanced, flavorful dish. Let’s break down their importance:

• Beef Stew Meat: The cut of beef you choose will make or break this soup. Chuck or brisket is ideal because it’s marbled with fat, which adds richness to the broth as it cooks. Slow cooking helps the meat become incredibly tender.
• Carrots and Celery: Together, these two vegetables form the classic mirepoix, a foundation for countless soups and stews. They provide sweetness and depth while balancing the beef’s savory richness.
• Tomato Paste: This adds a concentrated, slightly tangy richness that enhances the soup’s flavor without being too acidic.
• Beef Broth: The choice of broth is crucial – use a high-quality, low-sodium beef broth to control the seasoning levels. Homemade is best, but store-bought will work just fine.
• Potatoes: They’re the unsung hero of this soup. As they cook, they absorb flavors from the broth, thickening the soup slightly and making it heartier.

Expert Tips

• Brown the Meat: Don’t rush the browning process. It adds a rich, caramelized flavor that will elevate the entire dish.
• Simmer Low and Slow: Patience is key. Letting the soup simmer on low heat for a long time allows the flavors to meld and the beef to tenderize properly.
• Season Gradually: Season the soup in stages. Start with the basics (salt, pepper, thyme) and adjust to taste as it cooks.
• Don’t Skip the Bay Leaves: Bay leaves may seem like a minor ingredient, but they infuse a subtle, complex aroma that makes the soup truly irresistible.
• Rest Before Serving: Letting the soup rest for 15 minutes after cooking allows the flavors to settle and intensify.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some tasty variations:

• Add More Veggies: Try adding other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for added complexity.
• Swap the Beef for Lamb: If you’re a fan of lamb, it makes a great substitute. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to complement its distinct flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Add a bit of crushed red pepper or a chopped jalapeño for a kick of heat.
• Make it Gluten-Free: This soup is naturally gluten-free, so feel free to enjoy it without any worries.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based protein like lentils or mushrooms instead of beef and vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a hearty vegan alternative.

Final Words

This vegetable beef soup recipe is nothing short of spectacular. It’s the type of dish that makes you feel at home no matter where you are. With the perfect balance of meat and veggies, combined with a savory, aromatic broth, it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone around the table smile. It’s easy to make, adaptable to your tastes, and can be served in so many different ways.