As the weather starts to cool down, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of soup to warm you up from the inside out. And when it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with a classic vegetable beef soup. Packed with flavor, nutrients, and wholesome ingredients, this soup is not only delicious, but also easy to make and perfect for meal prep.

Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. stewing beef, cut into small pieces
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 medium potato, chopped
  • 1 can (14 oz.) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent.
  3. Add the carrots, celery, and potato and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add the beef back to the pot and stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 1 hour.
  6. Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the pot and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
  7. Serve hot with your favorite bread or crackers.

Tips:

  • For a healthier version, use lean beef and low-sodium broth.
  • You can use any vegetables you like, such as green beans, corn, or peas.
  • If you have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Growing up, my grandma always made the best vegetable beef soup. Whenever I’d visit her, she’d have a big pot simmering on the stove, filling the house with its comforting aroma. As a child, I wasn’t a big fan of vegetables, but I loved the tender chunks of beef and the rich, savory broth.

Years later, when I moved away from home and started cooking for myself, I decided to try making my own version of grandma’s soup. I called her up for the recipe, but as it turned out, she didn’t really follow one. She just threw in whatever vegetables and seasonings she had on hand, and the result was always delicious.

So I started experimenting with different combinations of veggies and spices, until I finally found a recipe that came close to grandma’s. Now, whenever I make this soup, I’m transported back to her cozy kitchen, and I can almost hear her voice telling me to eat my vegetables. And even though I’m a grown-up now, there’s still something so comforting about a bowl of vegetable beef soup.

In conclusion, vegetable beef soup is a timeless classic that can be enjoyed any time of the year. With its hearty flavor and wholesome ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time. So why not try making a batch of your own today? You won’t be disappointed!