Easy Beef Vegetable Soup Recipe and Side Dishes Ideas for This Winter

Nothing beats a homemade beef vegetable soup recipe when it comes to comfort food. It’s rich, hearty, and full of delicious ingredients that make every spoonful satisfying.

Ingredients:

- 500 g beef chuck, cut into small cubes

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- 1 onion, chopped

- 2 garlic cloves, minced

- 3 carrots, sliced

- 2 potatoes, diced

- 2 celery stalks, sliced

- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut

- 1 can diced tomatoes (400 g)

- 6 cups beef broth

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- 1 teaspoon salt

- ½ teaspoon black pepper

- 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides.

2. Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot. Stir and cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

3. Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaf. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes until the beef is tender.

4. Once the beef is tender, add the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.

5. Add the diced tomatoes, green beans, thyme, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 15 minutes, letting all the flavors blend perfectly.

6. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

7. Serve your beef vegetable soup hot, ideally with bread or a light side dish.

If you want to elevate your beef vegetable soup recipe, here are some practical tips to help you make the best version possible:

1. Sear the Beef First: Always brown the beef before adding any liquid. This step adds a deep, rich flavor to the soup that you can’t get from boiling alone.

2. Use a Mix of Root and Leafy Vegetables: Combining root vegetables like carrots and potatoes with green beans or peas gives your soup a balanced flavor and texture.

3. Add Tomato Paste for Depth: A small spoon of tomato paste can give your soup a deeper, richer color and a slightly tangy flavor that enhances the broth.

4. Simmer Slowly: Cook your soup on low heat for at least an hour. This allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to blend perfectly.

5. Add Fresh Herbs at the End: Add parsley, dill, or thyme right before serving to make your soup more aromatic and refreshing.

6. Include a Splash of Worcestershire Sauce: A few drops can boost the overall flavor of your beef vegetable soup and add a savory note that pairs well with beef.

7. Let the Soup Rest Before Serving: After cooking, let the soup sit for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and become more pronounced.

If you have leftover beef vegetable soup, don’t worry, soup is one of the easiest meals to store and reheat. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop further.

To store your soup in the refrigerator, let it cool down to room temperature first. Transfer it into airtight containers and place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the soup on the stove over low heat or use a microwave.

If you want to keep your beef vegetable soup for longer, freeze it. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Label them with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

A warm bowl of beef vegetable soup becomes even more delightful with the right side dishes. Here are some tasty options to complete your meal:

1. Crusty Bread – Perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.

2. Garlic Bread – Adds a savory, buttery crunch to your soup.

3. Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Melty and crispy, a great comfort pairing.

4. Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and rich, complementing the hearty soup.

5. Simple Green Salad – A light and refreshing balance to the rich flavors.

6. Cornbread – Sweet and soft, it pairs beautifully with beef soup.

7. Roasted Vegetables – Adds extra texture and nutrition to your meal.

8. Buttered Rice – Soaks up the soup broth wonderfully.

9. Baked Potatoes – A filling and tasty side that complements the soup.

10. Pickles – Their tangy flavor adds contrast to the savory soup.

11. Cheese Biscuits – Soft, cheesy, and delicious.

12. Stuffed Bell Peppers – Adds a colorful and flavorful touch.

13. Bruschetta – Lightly toasted bread topped with tomatoes and herbs.

14. Couscous Salad – A light grain dish that pairs well with hearty soup.

15. Steamed Corn on the Cob – Sweet and simple, great with beef-based soups.

With these sides, your beef vegetable soup recipe will turn into a complete and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.