Description
A hearty, comforting soup featuring tender beef, a medley of fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This classic recipe is perfect for chilly evenings and offers a taste of traditional home-cooked goodness.
Ingredients
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1 lb beef stew meat or beef with bone
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4 cups water
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1 medium onion, chopped
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1 cup sliced carrots
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1 cup chopped celery (including leaves)
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1 (8 oz) can diced tomatoes
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3 sprigs fresh parsley, chopped
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½ bay leaf, crumbled
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3 whole peppercorns
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¼ teaspoon dried marjoram
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1 tablespoon salt
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¼ teaspoon dried thyme
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Additional vegetables (optional): potatoes, green beans, peas, corn
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Optional: ¼ cup long-grain rice
Instructions
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Prepare the Beef: Cut the beef into small chunks, removing any excess fat.
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Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the beef chunks and brown them on all sides.
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Simmer the Broth: Add the water to the pot with the browned beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours to develop a rich broth.
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Add Vegetables and Seasonings: To the pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, parsley, bay leaf, peppercorns, marjoram, salt, and thyme. If using, add additional vegetables and rice at this stage.
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Cook Until Tender: Continue to simmer the soup for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
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Final Adjustments: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaf and peppercorns before serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, consider using beef with bone, as it imparts more depth to the broth.
Feel free to customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or grains.
This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: beef soup, vegetable soup, hearty soup, comfort food