Melt-in-your-mouth chunks of beef and hearty vegetables come together in this Vegetable Beef Soup (Fall apart beef!). Perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings, this soup highlights the rich flavors of slow-cooked beef combined with fresh ingredients. The addition of wine or beer elevates the broth, making it a standout dish that warms the soul during colder months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With only 20 minutes of active cooking time, you can enjoy a homemade meal without spending all day in the kitchen.
- Rich and Flavorful: The secret ingredient—a splash of wine or beer—infuses the soup with depth and richness that will impress your family and friends.
- Versatile Meal: Serve this soup on its own or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and lean beef, this soup is nutritious while still being incredibly satisfying.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, it’s essential to gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large heavy-based pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and chopping board
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large heavy-based pot: This pot retains heat well, ensuring even cooking for the beef and vegetables.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients without scratching your pot’s surface.
- Ladle: Perfect for serving up generous portions of this hearty soup!
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this delicious Vegetable Beef Soup (Fall apart beef!):
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil, separated
- 500g/1 lb stewing beef, cut into 1.75cm / 2/3 cubes (Note 1)
- 1/2 tsp salt and pepper
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic, minced (1 tbsp)
- 2 celery, cut into 0.8 cm / 1/3 slices
- 3 carrots, cut into 0.5 cm / 1/5 thick slices (halve larger ones)
- 4 tbsp flour
- 2 1/2 cups (625ml) beef broth/stock, low sodium
- 1 1/2 cups (375ml) dry red wine, Guinness beer or stout (Note 2)
- 1.5 cups (375ml) water
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp thyme, dried
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 potatoes (any), cut into 1.5cm / 2/3 cubes
- 1 tbsp (15g) butter or oil
- 200g/6oz small mushrooms, quartered or halved
How to Make Vegetable Beef Soup (Fall apart beef!)
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil until very hot in a large heavy-based pot over high heat.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef
Pat the stewing beef dry with paper towels. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Brown the beef aggressively in batches of two or three, adding more oil if needed. Remove browned beef into a bowl.
Step 4: Cook Aromatics
If the pot looks dry after removing the beef, add a touch more oil. Then add garlic and onion; cook for about two minutes until fragrant.
Step 5: Add Vegetables
Add sliced carrots and celery; cook for an additional two minutes until the onion is translucent.
Step 6: Create the Broth Base
Stir in flour, then slowly pour in low-sodium beef broth while constantly stirring to avoid lumps.
Step 7: Add Liquid Ingredients
Add your choice of beer or wine, water, tomato paste, bay leaves, and thyme; stir well. Return the browned beef back into the pot.
Step 8: Simmer
Cover the pot and adjust heat to medium-low so it’s bubbling gently. Simmer for approximately one hour and fifteen minutes until the beef is tender.
Step 9: Incorporate Potatoes and Peas
Add cubed potatoes and frozen peas; simmer uncovered for another twenty minutes. Add cooked mushrooms in the last five minutes.
Step 10: Adjust Seasoning
Check if potatoes are cooked through and beef is very tender. Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Step 11: Serve
Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with parsley if desired, and serve with crusty bread like Cheesy Garlic Bread or Irish Soda Bread!
How to Serve Vegetable Beef Soup (Fall apart beef!)
Serving your Vegetable Beef Soup can elevate the dining experience. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, these suggestions will enhance the meal.
With Fresh Herbs
- Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme on top for added flavor and a pop of color.
Accompanied by Bread
- Serve with crusty bread or rolls to soak up the delicious broth. Try pairing it with Cheesy Garlic Bread for an extra treat.
In a Bread Bowl
- For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This adds a unique presentation and keeps the soup warm longer.
Topped with Cheese
- Add a sprinkle of grated cheese like cheddar or parmesan on top for richness and flavor.
With a Salad
- Pair with a light green salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance the hearty soup.
As Leftovers
- Store leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove for another delightful meal the next day.
How to Perfect Vegetable Beef Soup (Fall apart beef!)
To achieve the best version of your Vegetable Beef Soup, follow these helpful tips for perfecting flavors and textures.
- Sear the beef well: Get a nice brown crust on your beef cubes to deepen flavor.
- Use quality broth: Opt for low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels while keeping rich flavor.
- Let it simmer: Allow the soup to simmer slowly; this helps tenderize the meat and melds all flavors together beautifully.
- Adjust seasoning gradually: Taste as you go, adding salt and pepper incrementally for balanced seasoning.
- Add vegetables at different times: To keep some vegetables crisp, add heartier ones first, like carrots and potatoes, then softer vegetables later.
- Consider wine choices: Using dry red wine gives depth; however, feel free to experiment with different types of beer for varied taste profiles.
Best Side Dishes for Vegetable Beef Soup (Fall apart beef!)
Pairing side dishes with your Vegetable Beef Soup can create a satisfying meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: Crisp and buttery, garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and creaminess that complements the soup’s richness.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw offers a tangy contrast that balances hearty flavors.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting addition alongside a bowl of soup.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread provides a delightful contrast to savory soup flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted seasonal veggies enhance nutrition while adding vibrant colors.
- Stuffed Peppers: For something hearty, stuffed peppers filled with grains and cheese can be filling companions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Vegetable Beef Soup (Fall apart beef!) can be easy, but there are some common pitfalls to be aware of. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:
Ignoring the browning step: Failing to brown the beef properly can lead to a less flavorful soup. Always ensure the beef is well-browned before adding other ingredients.
Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning at each stage of cooking can result in bland soup. Season your beef and vegetables as you cook for maximum flavor.
Overcooking or undercooking the vegetables: If you overcook the vegetables, they may become mushy. Follow the timing closely, adding heartier vegetables first.
Using high-sodium broth: Using regular broth instead of low sodium can make your soup overly salty. Opt for low-sodium options to control salt levels.
Not allowing enough simmering time: Rushing through the simmering process can lead to tough meat. Let it simmer until the beef is tender for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Vegetable Beef Soup (Fall apart beef!)
- Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Vegetable Beef Soup (Fall apart beef!)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a pot, stirring occasionally until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Vegetable Beef Soup so special?
The secret ingredient is the addition of wine or beer, which enhances the broth’s flavor and makes it richer.
Can I customize my Vegetable Beef Soup?
Absolutely! You can add your favorite vegetables or substitute different meats depending on what you have available.
How do I know when the beef is tender?
The beef should easily fall apart when fork-tender. Simmering it long enough ensures this texture.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep as it stores well and flavors deepen after sitting for a day or two.
Final Thoughts
This Vegetable Beef Soup (Fall apart beef!) is not only comforting but also versatile. You can adapt it based on seasonal vegetables or personal preferences. Give it a try, and enjoy a bowl of warmth that feels like home!
Vegetable Beef Soup (Fall apart beef!)
Indulge in the heartwarming comfort of Vegetable Beef Soup (Fall apart beef!), where melt-in-your-mouth beef meets a medley of hearty vegetables. This nourishing soup is perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, showcasing the rich flavors of slow-cooked beef and fresh ingredients. With a splash of wine or beer to elevate the broth, this dish not only warms your body but also feeds your soul. Easy to prepare with just 20 minutes of active cooking time, it’s a delightful way to bring everyone together around the table.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil
- 500g stewing beef, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2.5 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1.5 cups dry red wine or stout
- 2 potatoes, cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over high heat.
- Season beef with salt and pepper; brown in batches until well-seared.
- Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, then add carrots and celery.
- Stir in flour before gradually pouring in beef broth.
- Add wine or stout, return beef to the pot, and simmer covered for about an hour.
- Incorporate potatoes and peas; simmer uncovered for an additional 20 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
