This Hearty Harvest Beef Vegetable Soup is your go-to comfort dish for chilly days. It's loaded with tender beef and fresh vegetables, making it a wholesome, satisfying meal that's perfect for warming up your family or impressing guests with minimal fuss.
Beef stew meat forms the hearty base of the soup, providing protein and richness. Browning it first enhances its flavor. Olive oil is used to sauté and brown, adding a subtle fruity note. Onion and garlic bring depth and aroma to the broth. Beef broth and a bit of water create the liquid base, while diced tomatoes with juice add acidity and balance. The vegetables—like carrot, celery, and potato—make the soup hearty and nutritious. Corn kernels and green beans bring a touch of sweetness and texture. Finally, dried thyme and oregano provide a warm, herbaceous flavor, with salt and pepper rounding everything out.
This soup pairs beautifully with a crusty loaf of sourdough bread. It also works well with a simple green salad dressed in olive oil and lemon to balance out the richness of the soup.
Start by heating up your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the beef stew meat. Let it brown on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for locking in those rich flavors.
Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside. In the same pot, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for a few minutes until they're nice and soft, releasing their aroma.
Now, return the beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, water, and diced tomatoes with juice. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about an hour. This will tenderize the beef and meld the flavors.
After the hour has passed, add in the carrots, celery, potato, corn, and green beans. Sprinkle with thyme, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cover and let it simmer for another 45 minutes until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Your soup is ready to be served hot!