This hearty soup features tender cubes of beef simmered slowly with a mix of root vegetables including carrots, celery, potatoes, and green beans. Aromatic herbs like thyme and parsley enhance the depth of flavor, while garlic and onion add a savory base. The slow cooking process melds all ingredients into a warm, satisfying dish ideal for colder weather. Optional steps like browning the beef and adding tomato paste deepen the richness. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal that comforts and nourishes.
Discovering this beef soup on a chilly autumn evening quickly turned it into my cozy go-to when the weather called for something hearty and soul-warming
I still remember the first time unexpected guests popped in and this soup was bubbling gently on the stove, ready to impress without any fuss
Ingredients
- Beef chuck: I reach for chuck because it becomes wonderfully tender and rich after slow cooking without falling apart
- Carrots and celery: These add a natural sweetness and crunch that brightens every spoonful
- Onion and garlic: Sautéed until fragrant, they build the deep flavor base that makes this soup cozy
- Potatoes: They soak up the broth's goodness, adding heartiness to every bite
- Green beans and peas: Added near the end for a fresh burst of color and texture
- Beef broth and herbs: Choosing a good-quality broth and dried herbs like thyme and parsley makes all the difference
- Tomato paste (optional): Just a spoonful enriches the broth with subtle acidity and depth
Instructions
- Browning the beef:
- Warm your oil until it shimmers, then let the beef cubes sizzle and brown on all sides, smelling that rich aroma that promises great flavor
- Sauté the aromatics:
- In the same cozy pot, soften onions and garlic until you catch their sweet scent filling the kitchen
- Build the broth base:
- Stir in tomato paste if using, then reunite beef, carrots, celery, potatoes, and green beans for a colorful mix
- Simmer to perfection:
- Pour in broth and sprinkle bay leaves and herbs; as the pot bubbles softly, the beef tenderizes and flavors meld beautifully
- Final flourish:
- Introduce peas in the last moments, then taste and tweak seasoning before ladling into bowls of comfort
This soup became more than dinner one winter when it brought my family together after a long day, wrapping us in comfort and conversation
Keeping It Fresh
To keep the veggies bright, add green beans and peas toward the end of cooking—they keep their color and snap, making the soup lively instead of heavy
Serving Ideas That Clicked
Pair this soup with crusty bread or a simple green salad to balance its richness; a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon brightens the whole dish
A Time This Recipe Saved the Day
When a last-minute dinner guest showed up, this soup was ready to shine—it’s a forgiving recipe that feels fancy but stays silly simple
- Don’t forget a splash of red wine to deglaze for a flavor boost
- If missing fresh herbs, dried thyme and parsley work beautifully
- Adjust salt at the end to suit your taste and broth saltiness
Thanks for cooking along—I hope this soup brings you the same cozy joy it’s brought me every time you stir the pot
Recipe FAQ
- → How can I make the beef more tender?
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Slow simmering the beef in broth for 1.5 to 2 hours breaks down tough fibers, resulting in tender, succulent pieces.
- → Can I substitute the vegetables?
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Yes, root vegetables like sweet potatoes or parsnips work well and add different flavors to the dish.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor best?
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Bay leaves, thyme, and parsley combine to give a fragrant and balanced herbal note throughout the cooking.
- → Is browning the beef necessary?
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Browning the meat adds a rich, caramelized flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
- → How should the soup be seasoned?
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Season with salt and black pepper to taste after simmering; adjust toward the end to avoid over-seasoning.