Beef Vegetable Soup Paula Deen Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty meal that packs in flavor, warmth, and satisfaction, then Beef Vegetable Soup is your go-to recipe. This dish is a comforting classic that combines tender chunks of beef, an array of colorful vegetables, and a savory broth that ties everything together in a perfect, delicious harmony. Think of it as a bowl of pure comfort food – ideal for chilly nights, lazy weekends, or anytime you want to feel nurtured by something wholesome.

What makes this recipe stand out is its Paula Deen twist. Known for her Southern culinary flair, Paula Deen’s version of Beef Vegetable Soup is loaded with rich flavors, generous seasoning, and a balance of textures that make every spoonful satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or simply craving a dish that’s filling and easy to prepare, this recipe promises to hit the spot every single time. So, let’s dive into the ingredients, cooking steps, and some expert tips to help you make this classic soup at home!

Beef Vegetable Soup Paula Deen Recipe

Ingredients Needed

The ingredients list for this recipe might seem long, but don’t be intimidated! Most of them are pantry staples and vegetables you can easily find in your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Beef Stew Meat (about 2 pounds)

  • Opt for a good quality, well-marbled beef stew meat. This cut breaks down wonderfully while cooking, making the soup rich and flavorful.

• Olive Oil (for browning)

  • You’ll need a bit of oil to sear the beef and develop deep flavors.

• Onion (1 large, diced)

  • The onion adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.

• Carrots (2 medium, sliced)

  • Carrots bring a natural sweetness and bright color to the soup.

• Celery (2 stalks, chopped)

  • Celery is essential for that signature vegetable soup crunch and earthy taste.

• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)

  • Garlic gives a savory punch that makes the broth come alive.

• Beef Broth (6 cups)

  • Use a high-quality broth for a rich and flavorful base. If you prefer a lighter option, low-sodium broth works well too.

• Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz)

  • The tomatoes provide acidity and balance out the richness of the beef.

• Potatoes (2 medium, peeled and diced)

  • Potatoes give the soup heartiness and texture. Choose a waxy variety for better texture after simmering.

• Frozen Green Beans (1 cup)

  • Adding green beans at the end ensures they stay crisp and fresh.

• Frozen Corn (1 cup)

  • Corn provides a touch of sweetness and additional texture.

• Bay Leaves (2 leaves)

  • These leaves infuse the broth with an aromatic depth.

• Thyme (1 teaspoon dried)

  • A classic herb for soups, thyme adds a subtle earthy flavor.

• Salt and Pepper (to taste)

  • Essential for seasoning – don’t skimp on these!

• Parsley (for garnish)

  • Fresh parsley adds a touch of brightness and color when sprinkled over the soup before serving.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s get started on making this comforting soup. It’s simple, but the process brings out deep flavors that will leave your house smelling incredible.

1. Sear The Beef

   • Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil.
   • Once the oil is hot, add the beef stew meat in batches (to avoid overcrowding) and brown on all sides.
   • This step is crucial, as the caramelization of the meat brings out that deep, savory flavor that defines the soup.

2. Sauté Vegetables

   • Remove the browned beef and set it aside. In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if necessary.
   • Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions turn translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

3. Build The Broth

   • Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.
   • Stir everything together to combine. Bring the soup to a boil.

4. Simmer

   • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

5. Add The Green Beans And Corn

   • In the last 15 minutes of cooking, add the frozen green beans and corn.
   • These will cook quickly and retain their texture, adding vibrant color and extra nutrients to the soup.

6. Taste And Adjust

   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if necessary.

7. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup plays an important role in building layers of flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at why these ingredients are essential:

• Beef Stew Meat: This cut of beef is perfect for slow cooking, as the connective tissues break down and become tender, infusing the broth with rich flavor.
• Carrots and Celery: These two vegetables are the backbone of most hearty soups. They provide sweetness and crunch, creating a balanced flavor profile when cooked.
• Beef Broth: The base of the soup, beef broth offers the necessary depth. Using homemade broth, or a good quality store-bought option, will make all the difference in the soup’s flavor.
• Tomatoes: Adding diced tomatoes to the broth provides acidity, which helps cut through the richness of the beef and balances the flavors of the soup.
• Frozen Green Beans and Corn: These add color, texture, and nutrients, making the soup even more filling and vibrant.

Expert Tips

To take your Beef Vegetable Soup to the next level, consider these expert tips:

• Sear the Beef Well: Don’t rush the browning process. It’s key to developing rich, complex flavors. Pat the meat dry before searing to prevent it from steaming, which can cause it to become tough.
• Simmer Slowly: The longer the soup simmers, the more the flavors develop. Aim for at least 1 hour of simmering for the best results.
• Make Ahead: This soup actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together. If you can, make it a day ahead and reheat it for an even more delicious meal.
• Use Fresh Herbs: If you have access to fresh thyme or parsley, they can make a world of difference in the flavor and appearance of the soup.
• Adjust for Spice: If you like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño during the cooking process.

Recipe Variations

This Beef Vegetable Soup is a classic that’s easy to customize to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations you might enjoy:

• Add More Greens: Try adding spinach, kale, or even Swiss chard for extra greens.
• Swap the Protein: If you prefer something other than beef, you can easily substitute chicken, turkey, or even lamb stew meat.
• Add Pasta or Rice: For a heartier soup, toss in some small pasta like elbow macaroni or some cooked rice toward the end of the cooking time.
• Vegan or Vegetarian Version: Leave out the beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and add more beans, lentils, or extra vegetables like zucchini or squash for added texture.

Final Words

There’s something magical about a warm bowl of Beef Vegetable Soup that brings a feeling of comfort, especially when it’s made from scratch with care. Paula Deen’s version elevates this humble soup into a true Southern delight, perfect for family dinners, meal prepping for the week, or simply indulging in a satisfying, wholesome meal.

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, this dish is always a winner. It’s versatile, filling, and incredibly tasty – everything a good soup should be.