01 -
First things first, let's get that beef beautifully browned. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or a big, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Pat your cubed stew beef dry with paper towels – this is super important for a good sear! Work in batches if you need to, so you don't overcrowd the pot. You want a nice, deep brown crust on all sides. This step builds so much flavor for your Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup, honestly, don't rush it like I did that one time. Remove the browned beef to a plate and set aside, leaving those delicious bits at the bottom of the pot.
02 -
Reduce the heat to medium. Add a little more olive oil if the pot looks dry. Toss in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Stir them around, scraping up all those browned bits from the beef – that's called "fond," and it's pure gold! Let them soften for about 5-7 minutes, until the onion is translucent and smells sweet. This is where the magic starts to happen, creating the base for our Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup. I always find myself taking a deep breath here, the smell is just heavenly.
03 -
Now, add your minced garlic to the pot. Stir it in and cook for just about a minute until it's fragrant – don't let it burn, that's a mistake I've made! Then, sprinkle in your dried thyme and rosemary. Give it another quick stir, letting the herbs release their oils and aromas. The kitchen will start smelling absolutely incredible, I promise! This is where you really start to feel that Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup coming together, building those layers of flavor.
04 -
Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (undrained!). Give everything a good stir, making sure to scrape up any remaining bits from the bottom of the pot. Return your browned beef to the pot, along with the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer. This long, slow simmer is key to tender beef. I usually let it go for at least an hour, sometimes two, just letting those flavors meld. This is where patience pays off for a truly Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup.
05 -
After the beef has had a good long simmer and is starting to get tender, it's time for the potatoes. Add them to the pot and continue to simmer, covered, for another 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are almost tender. Then, toss in your green beans and corn. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender but still have a little bite. I sometimes add a little extra broth here if it looks too thick, just to get it right for my taste. This Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup is all about customization!
06 -
Remove the bay leaf – don't forget it, like I always do! Taste the Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup and season generously with salt and black pepper. You might need more than you think, so keep tasting until it's just right. Ladle the warm, comforting soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. The steam rising from the bowl, the vibrant colors... it's just a sight to behold. This is the moment you've been waiting for, and honestly, it never disappoints. Enjoy your homemade goodness!