Hearty Fall Beef and Vegetable Soup
This flavorful Hearty Fall Beef and Vegetable Soup is a staple in our home during the colder months. Each fall, we dedicate a weekend to crafting a variety of soups that we can stash away in the freezer for those chilly evenings. This soup, brimming with tender stewing beef and a vibrant mix of vegetables, is one of our absolute favorites. The depth of flavor from homemade beef broth elevates it further, making it a comforting choice for family gatherings or a cozy night in. With each spoonful, you'll enjoy the warmth and nourishment that only a homemade soup can provide.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Stewing beef
2 lbs (cut into cubes)
Onions
2, chopped and divided (1 small for boiling, 1 remaining for soup)
Tomatoes
3 (14 ounce) cans (diced or crushed)
Tomato soup
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can
Carrots
1 1/2 cups, sliced
Corn
1 1/2 cups (fresh or frozen)
Green beans
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (drained)
Celery
1 1/2 cups, chopped
Potatoes
3-4, peeled and chopped
Beef bouillon cubes
3
Thyme
to taste
Oregano
to taste
Marjoram
to taste
Bay leaf
to taste
Salt
2 tablespoons (or to taste)
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven, add the stewing beef and cover with water. Bring to a rapid boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add 1 small chopped onion. Allow the beef to simmer gently for about 1 hour, or until it becomes tender.
2
After the beef is tender, incorporate the remaining chopped onion, tomatoes (including their juices), tomato soup, sliced carrots, corn, green beans, chopped celery, and potatoes into the pot. Stir the mixture well and bring it back to a gentle simmer. Cook for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3
Season the soup with thyme, oregano, marjoram, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to taste, stirring to combine. Continue to cook slowly on low heat for at least 2 hours, allowing the soup to develop rich flavors. For best results, let the soup sit overnight; it tastes even better the next day!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Fall Beef and Vegetable Soup?
Hearty Fall Beef and Vegetable Soup is a flavorful, comforting dish featuring tender stewing beef and a vibrant mix of vegetables, ideal for cold weather and freezer storage.
How much beef is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of stewing beef cut into cubes.
What type of beef is best to use?
Stewing beef is recommended for this soup because it becomes tender and flavorful during the slow simmering process.
How long should I simmer the beef initially?
The beef should be simmered gently for about 1 hour, or until it becomes tender, after an initial rapid boil.
When do I add the onions to the soup?
The onions are added in two parts: one small chopped onion is added when you start simmering the beef, and the remaining onion is added later with the other vegetables.
What kind of tomatoes are used in this beef soup?
The recipe uses 3 (14 ounce) cans of tomatoes, which can be diced or crushed depending on your preference.
Does this recipe include tomato soup?
Yes, 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can of tomato soup is added to provide extra body and flavor to the base.
Which vegetables are included in this soup?
The soup contains carrots, corn, green beans, celery, and potatoes.
How should the carrots be prepared?
You should use 1 1/2 cups of carrots that have been sliced.
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe allows for 1 1/2 cups of either fresh or frozen corn.
How are the green beans prepared for the soup?
You should use 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can of green beans and ensure they are drained before adding them to the pot.
How many potatoes do I need?
The recipe requires 3-4 potatoes that have been peeled and chopped.
What specific spices are used to season the soup?
The seasonings include thyme, oregano, marjoram, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
How much salt is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of salt, though you can adjust this to your personal taste.
What is the final simmering time for the soup?
After seasoning, the soup should continue to cook slowly on low heat for at least 2 hours to develop its rich flavors.
Can this beef and vegetable soup be frozen?
Yes, this soup is perfect for making in batches and stashing in the freezer for easy meals on chilly evenings.
Is it true the soup tastes better the next day?
Yes, letting the soup sit overnight allows the flavors to meld, often resulting in a better taste the following day.
What kind of cookware should I use?
A large Dutch oven is recommended for making this soup as it allows for even heat distribution.
How do I ensure the beef is tender?
By boiling the beef and then simmering it on low heat for an hour before adding other ingredients, you ensure it becomes tender.
Are beef bouillon cubes necessary?
The recipe uses 3 beef bouillon cubes to enhance the savory beef flavor of the broth.
How many cans of tomatoes are used in total?
The recipe requires 3 (14 ounce) cans of tomatoes.
Is this soup a healthy option?
Yes, it is filled with nutrient-dense vegetables and protein, and it is tagged as a healthy soup and low cholesterol option.
Can I substitute the dried herbs with fresh ones?
While the recipe lists herbs like thyme and oregano 'to taste,' you can use fresh versions, typically using three times the amount of fresh for dried.
What is the preparation method for the celery?
You should use 1 1/2 cups of celery that has been chopped.
Is this recipe suitable for large groups?
Yes, its hearty nature and depth of flavor make it a comforting choice for family gatherings.
What makes this soup particularly 'hearty'?
The combination of 2 lbs of beef cubes, potatoes, and a wide variety of vegetables creates a very filling and substantial meal.
How much tomato soup is used?
The recipe uses 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can of tomato soup.
What is the texture of the finished soup?
The soup has a thick, chunky texture due to the large amount of diced vegetables and cubed beef.
Does the recipe use homemade broth?
The description mentions that homemade beef broth elevates the flavor, though the ingredient list specifies water and bouillon cubes.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The main tags include beef soup, vegetable soup, comfort food, fall recipes, and freezer meal.