When the chill sets in, I always crave a meal that warms me to my bones.
This Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe for Cold Nights offers that perfect embrace, with its rich aroma filling my kitchen and tender beef swimming in a savory broth. It’s my go-to for those busy evenings when my family needs a nourishing and easy dinner idea, ensuring everyone gets a wholesome meal without fuss. It’s truly a quintessential Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe for Cold Nights.
Ingredient Guide with Flavor & Function
Making a truly satisfying Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe for Cold Nights starts with understanding each component.
- Beef stew meat (1.5 lbs / 680g): High-protein, tender chunks. (My pick: grass-fed beef for superior flavor).
- Olive oil (2 Tbsp / 30ml): For browning and sautéing, adding subtle richness.
- Aromatics: Yellow onion (1 medium), Carrots (3 medium), Celery (2 stalks), Garlic (4 cloves, minced). (Adds foundational flavor and essential vitamins).
- Flavor Boosters: Tomato paste (2 Tbsp / 30g), Dried thyme (1 tsp), Bay leaf (1). (Deepens umami and provides classic aroma).
- Beef broth (6 cups / 1.4 L): The soup’s rich liquid base. (Swap: low-sodium chicken broth if that’s what’s in your pantry).
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz / 411g, undrained): Bright tang, balancing richness.
- Potatoes (2 large, cubed / 450g): For hearty texture and satisfying fullness. (Swap: sweet potatoes for added fiber and vitamins).
- Frozen peas (1 cup / 140g): Adds a pop of fresh color and natural sweetness.
- Fresh parsley (0.25 cup / 10g, chopped): Herbaceous finishing touch for brightness.
- Salt & Black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
Cooking Instructions Made Simple
Crafting this Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe for Cold Nights is straightforward with these simple steps.
- Brown Beef (5-7 min): Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high. Sear beef chunks until deeply browned, building flavor. Avoid overcrowding; brown in batches for best sear.
- Sauté Aromatics (5 min): Add onion, carrots, celery to pot; cook until softened and fragrant. The vegetables should look slightly translucent.
- Build Broth Base (1 min): Stir in garlic, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf; cook until fragrant. Deglaze pot with a splash of beef broth, scraping up bits.
- Simmer (60-90 min): Return beef; add remaining broth, tomatoes, potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low, cover. Simmer until beef is fork-tender. This simmering stage is where the magic happens for our Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe for Cold Nights.
- Final Touches (10 min): Stir in frozen peas. Taste, season generously with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf. I often add fresh spinach here, letting it wilt into the hot soup.
- Serve Warm: Ladle the hot Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe for Cold Nights into bowls, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley.
Perfect Moments to Serve Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe for Cold Nights
- Occasions: Perfect for family dinners, post-hike meals, or hearty lunches. Excellent for meal prep; I often make a double batch of this Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe for Cold Nights on Sundays for healthy lunches all week.
- Pairings & Toppings: Serve with crusty bread, cornbread, or green salad. Top with sour cream or shredded cheddar.
- Make-Ahead Tips: Tastes better next day! Stores 3-4 days in fridge. Freeze individual portions for quick meals.
Nutrition & Wellness Spotlight
This Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe for Cold Nights offers a balanced, nutrient-rich meal.
- Lean Protein: Beef provides high-quality protein for muscle repair and satiety.
- Fiber-Rich: Packed with vegetables, an excellent source of dietary fiber, supporting digestive health.
- Vitamins & Minerals: Loaded with A, C, iron, and B vitamins, contributing to overall well-being.
Everyday Benefits Beyond the Plate
- Time-Saving Comfort: One-pot wonder, minimizing cleanup for quick meals.
- Affordable & Nourishing: Economical ingredients for a satisfying, nutrient-dense family meal.
- Freezer-Friendly: Easily batch cook this Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe for Cold Nights for effortless meal planning.
Expert Tips & Adaptations for Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe for Cold Nights
Elevate your soup with these tips and dietary adjustments.
- Richer Flavor: Deglaze with red wine. A slow cooker yields more tender beef.
- Flavor Adjustments: Add Worcestershire or balsamic for depth. Fresh rosemary or bay leaves boost aroma.
- Dietary Adaptations:
- Vegan/Vegetarian: Substitute beef with mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based protein, using vegetable broth.
- Diabetic-Friendly: Focus on lean beef, limit potatoes, add non-starchy vegetables.
Questions Readers Often Ask
Can Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe for Cold Nights be prepped ahead for busy weeks?
Absolutely! Chop vegetables beforehand. The cooked soup reheats wonderfully, ideal for meal prep and an easy family dinner solution.
What are the healthiest substitutes for this soup?
For a lighter option, use lean ground beef or turkey. Swap potatoes for non-starchy vegetables like zucchini or green beans, and use low-sodium broth.
How long does this Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe for Cold Nights last in the fridge or freezer?
It keeps 3-4 days in the fridge. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown beef and sauté aromatics for flavor. Combine all in slow cooker; cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours until beef is tender.
What’s your go-to trick for maximizing soup flavor?
My trick is using quality beef broth and adding a Parmesan rind while simmering; it melts, adding incredible savory depth without extra salt.
Where can I order quality ingredients online?
For high-quality beef, try online butchers like ButcherBox or Crowd Cow. For organic vegetables, online grocery services or specialty stores offer premium options.
This Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe for Cold Nights is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl, perfect for sharing warmth and deliciousness with your loved ones. I always feel good knowing my family gets such a healthy, satisfying dinner. Ready to chase away the chill? Pin this recipe now and add it to your weekly meal plan – your family will thank you!
Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe for Cold Nights
- Total Time: 110 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This hearty beef vegetable soup is perfect for cold nights, offering a rich aroma and tender beef in a savory broth. It’s an easy, nourishing dinner idea for the family.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 3 medium carrots
- 2 stalks celery
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 large potatoes, cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown Beef: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high. Sear beef chunks until deeply browned, building flavor. Avoid overcrowding; brown in batches for best sear.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add onion, carrots, celery to pot; cook until softened and fragrant. The vegetables should look slightly translucent.
- Build Broth Base: Stir in garlic, tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf; cook until fragrant. Deglaze pot with a splash of beef broth, scraping up bits.
- Simmer Ingredients: Return beef; add remaining broth, tomatoes, potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low, cover. Simmer until beef is fork-tender.
- Add Final Touches: Stir in frozen peas. Taste, season generously with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf.
- Serve Warm: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
For best results, brown beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Consider using grass-fed beef for superior flavor. Low-sodium chicken broth can be swapped for beef broth if needed. Sweet potatoes can replace regular potatoes for added fiber and vitamins. Optionally, stir in fresh spinach at the end to wilt into the hot soup.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (360 g)
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: hearty soup, beef, vegetables, cold weather, easy dinner, comfort food, Dutch oven, weeknight meal, savory