Thick soup with vegetables and beef is a comforting dish that's perfect for any chilly day. It combines tender beef, colorful vegetables, and a savory broth, offering around 28 grams of protein per serving. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies like potatoes, carrots, and beans. This savory soup not only warms the heart but also brings back cherished memories of family gatherings. Keep going, and you might discover some helpful tips and ingredients to enhance your next bowl!
History
Thick vegetable beef soup has long been a comforting staple, especially during tough economic times when stretching limited ingredients was essential. Its roots trace back to ancient cultures, where simmering beef with vegetables created hearty stews that utilized tough cuts of meat and seasonal produce. Annuities, such as indexed annuities, can provide financial stability during such challenging times, ensuring that families can afford comfort foods like this soup. Additionally, the inclusion of chia seeds in the diet can enhance overall digestive health, further contributing to the nourishment provided by this dish.
Thick vegetable beef soup, a comforting staple, has deep historical roots in creating hearty meals from limited ingredients.
By the 19th century, commercialization transformed vegetable soup, making it widely accessible—think iconic brands like Campbell's Soup. As you explore this dish, you'll notice regional variations that showcase local ingredients, from barley in European recipes to unique spices in Southern Creole adaptations. Understanding the importance of planning ahead can enhance the experience of sharing this dish, as it brings families together to enjoy meals while discussing their future needs.
Today, thick vegetable beef soup remains a beloved comfort food, often tied to cherished family recipes. It continues to bring people together, especially during colder months when warmth and nourishment are needed most.
Recipe
Once the base flavors are established, a combination of canned tomatoes, beef broth, and seasonings transforms the mixture into a rich and savory experience. Simmering the soup for about 75 minutes allows the beef to become tender, while the flavors meld beautifully together. For added thickness, incorporating tomato paste and nutritious potatoes or beans can elevate both the texture and health benefits of the soup. Additionally, adding a variety of fresh vegetables boosts the nutritional value, ensuring that the soup isn't only filling but also vibrant and colorful. Performance chips can also enhance the overall richness of the dish by adding depth to the flavor profile. Including protein-rich ingredients like beans or beef further contributes to a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs stewing beef, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz) beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup corn
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat and add the stewing beef, browning it on all sides.
Once browned, remove the beef and sauté the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery in the same pot until the vegetables are tender.
Return the beef to the pot, then stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian herbs, and tomato paste.
If using, add the cubed potatoes and beans at this stage. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for approximately 75 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
Finally, stir in the green beans, peas, and corn, allowing them to heat through for about 10 minutes before serving.
Extra Tips:
For a more robust flavor, consider marinating the beef in seasonings or a bit of red wine before browning.
Additionally, this soup can be made ahead of time; it actually improves in flavor when stored overnight in the refrigerator.
Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on what you have on hand or prefer, making this soup both versatile and economical.
If you like a little heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor profile as well.
Cooking Steps
To create your thick soup, start by searing the beef until it's nicely browned. This process enhances the flavor through the Maillard reaction, which creates a rich, savory taste. Additionally, using appropriate seasonings can elevate the overall flavor profile of your soup.
Then, add in your diced vegetables and let them cook down before introducing the broth and spices.
Finally, stir in the Worcestershire sauce and finish with fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. For an added twist, consider serving it with Dirt Cups as a fun dessert option to complement your meal.
Step 1. Sear Beef Until Browned
Start by cutting the stewing beef into small, bite-sized pieces and seasoning them with salt, pepper, and a light dusting of flour.
Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat until hot.
Add the beef stew meat in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot.
Sear each batch for about 3-4 minutes, turning until you achieve well-browned beef on all sides.
This browning creates a rich flavor that enhances the soup's overall depth.
Once browned, use a slotted spoon to remove the beef from the pot, leaving the fond behind.
These dark bits will contribute to the deep flavor of your broth, setting the stage for a delicious thick soup. Incorporating energy-efficient options in your cooking methods can also help in reducing overall energy consumption while preparing your meals.
Step 2. Add Diced Vegetables
After searing the beef and removing it from the pot, it's time to add the diced vegetables.
Start by preparing uniform chunks of potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions, ensuring they're all the same size for even cooking.
Heat some oil over medium heat and sauté your diced vegetables until they soften and the onions turn translucent, usually about 5-6 minutes.
Once they're ready, return the browned beef to the pot along with the sautéed vegetables. This enhances the flavor profile of your soup.
Next, when adding beef broth and canned tomatoes, make sure the vegetables are submerged.
For an extra touch, you can add diced green beans or corn during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering—it's super easy!
Step 3. Simmer With Broth and Spices
Once you've added the beef back to the pot with the sautéed vegetables, pour in the beef broth and canned tomatoes, ensuring everything is well submerged. This is where your beef soup recipe starts to come together.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the rich broth to develop its flavors. Add in your choice of spices, like bay leaves and Italian seasoning, to enhance the taste further.
Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 75 minutes, which helps the chunks of beef become tender and the vegetables absorb the broth's goodness.
In the last few minutes, stir in the green beans and peas, simmering them just enough to heat through without losing their crispness. Enjoy!
Step 4. Add Worcestershire Sauce
With the soup simmering and the flavors melding beautifully, it's time to elevate the dish by adding Worcestershire sauce. This rich seasoning adds depth to your thick vegetable and beef soup, enhancing the umami profile of the broth.
After you've browned the beef, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce before adding the broth. This allows the flavors to meld during the simmering process. The sauce pairs perfectly with the richness of the beef and complements the sweetness of vegetables like carrots and onions.
Always taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning, including Worcestershire sauce, as needed. This final touch will ensure your soup is bursting with flavor and ready to enjoy!
Step 5. Add Fresh Herbs Last
To truly enhance the flavor of your thick soup, add fresh herbs just before serving. Incorporating fresh herbs like parsley or thyme during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking preserves their vibrant flavors and nutrients.
If you're including green beans or other veggies, this is the perfect time to elevate your veggie soup. Aim for about 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs per serving, adjusting to your taste preferences.
Not only do these herbs enrich the overall flavor, but they also boost your soup's nutritional profile with vitamins A and C. Experimenting with different fresh herbs can create unique flavor profiles, making your thick beef soup even more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
As you savor each bowl of thick vegetable beef soup, you'll appreciate not only its hearty flavor but also its versatility.
You can easily customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or even canned beans, making it a perfect way to use up leftovers. The simmering process melds flavors beautifully, resulting in tender beef and perfectly cooked vegetables.
Plus, with an impressive nutritional profile—offering around 28g of protein and significant vitamins—this soup is as nourishing as it's delicious.
Whether you enjoy a bowl fresh off the stove or let it sit overnight for even richer flavors, this thick soup is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Enjoy every savory spoonful!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the 5 Types of Thick Soups?
When you're exploring thick soups, you'll find five main types to enjoy.
First, there's bisque, a smooth, creamy delight often made with seafood.
Then, chowder, which is hearty and chunky, usually featuring potatoes and cream.
Don't forget about cream soups, blending vegetables or meats into a velvety texture.
Pureed soups, made from cooked and blended ingredients, offer a smooth consistency.
Lastly, stews, while technically not soups, provide a thick, satisfying meal.
How to Make Beef Vegetable Soup Thicker?
If you're looking to transform your soup into a thick, hearty masterpiece that could rival a brick wall, you've got options!
You can mix a cornstarch slurry and stir it in for instant thickness.
Or, why not mash some potatoes or pureed veggies into the mix?
A touch of tomato paste can work wonders too.
For a luxurious finish, whisk in a roux.
Just remember, cooking it uncovered helps too!
Your soup will be glorious!
What Are the 4 Thick Soups?
When exploring the four types of thick soups, you'll find cream soups, pureed soups, chowders, and bisques.
Cream soups, rich and velvety, use milk or cream for thickness.
Pureed soups achieve a smooth consistency by blending ingredients.
Chowders are hearty, packed with chunks of meat or seafood and vegetables, while bisques offer a luxurious texture, often made from pureed shellfish and enriched with cream.
Each type provides a unique flavor experience!
What Is a Thick Pureed Soup Called?
When you think of culinary elegance, a thick pureed soup often comes to mind, known as a bisque or cream soup.
These delightful dishes showcase the smooth transformation of soft, cooked vegetables into velvety creations that comfort your palate. By blending tender ingredients, you achieve that luxurious texture, enriching it with broth or cream.
Whether you savor it as a starter or a main course, it's a wholesome and satisfying choice that warms the soul.
