recipes vegetable beef soup

 Here's a classic Vegetable Beef Soup recipe:

Yields: 6-8 servings

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 2-3 hours

Ingredients:

 * 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes

 * 1 tablespoon olive oil

 * 1 large onion, chopped

 * 3 carrots, peeled and chopped

 * 2 celery stalks, chopped

 * 4 cloves garlic, minced

 * 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained

 * 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce

 * 1 (14.5 ounce) can beef broth

 * 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (optional, for spiciness)

 * 1 teaspoon dried oregano

 * 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

 * 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

 * 1 bay leaf

 * 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed

 * 1 cup frozen corn

 * 1 cup frozen peas

 * Salt to taste

Instructions:

 * Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook until browned on all sides. Remove beef from pot and set aside.

 * Sauté vegetables: Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

 * Combine ingredients: Return beef to the pot. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes and green chilies (if using), oregano, thyme, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, or until beef is very tender.

 * Add potatoes and simmer: Add potatoes to the pot and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

 * Stir in corn and peas: Stir in corn and peas and cook for 5 minutes more, or until heated through.

 * Season and serve: Remove bay leaf. Season with salt to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

Tips:

 * For a richer flavor, use bone-in beef stew meat.

 * You can substitute vegetable broth for beef broth to make this soup vegetarian.

 * Add other vegetables to the soup, such as chopped zucchini, green beans, or mushrooms.

 * To thicken the soup, stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water.

 * This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated.

Enjoy your hearty and delicious Vegetable Beef Soup!