Dive into a bowl of comfort with Mary's Southern Vegetable Beef Soup, a soul-warming dish that embodies the heart of Southern cooking! This hearty recipe, brimming with tender beef and a medley of vibrant vegetables, promises to transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with the tantalizing aromas of home. Perfect for gatherings or a quiet evening in, this soup serves up to eight, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or meal prep. Ready to impress your taste buds and warm your soul? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 can green beans
- 1 can corn
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all vegetables: chop the onion, slice the carrots, and dice the potatoes into uniform bite-sized pieces.
- Season the beef stew meat generously with salt and pepper, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and brown the beef stew meat on all sides, creating a rich caramelized exterior. This process should take about 5-6 minutes.
- Remove the browned beef and set aside. In the same pot, sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Return the beef to the pot and add beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for about 45 minutes, allowing the meat to become tender.
- Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, green beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Continue simmering the soup for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the meat is fork-tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. The soup should have a rich, hearty flavor characteristic of traditional Southern cooking.
- Let the soup rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together. Serve hot in deep bowls with optional cornbread on the side.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop all your vegetables and season the beef the night before. Store them in the fridge, so you can easily throw everything together the next day!
- Browning the Beef: Don’t rush the browning process! A good sear on the beef adds depth and flavor to the soup, so take your time to get that rich caramelization.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables. Adding bell peppers, zucchini, or even some leafy greens can elevate the flavor and nutrition of your soup.
- Let It Simmer: The longer you let the soup simmer, the more the flavors will meld together. If time allows, let it simmer for an extra 30 minutes for an even richer taste.
- Serve with a Twist: For a Southern twist, serve your soup with a side of cornbread or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an added burst of freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg
