Delish Vegetable Beef Soup

Ingredients:

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

1.5 lbs stew meat

Montreal Steak Seasoning (to taste)

2 tbsp minced garlic

8 cups beef broth (low sodium, such as Swanson)

A big splash of Spicy V8 juice

2 cans stewed tomatoes

1 big tbsp Beef Better than Bouillon

1 large onion, chopped

3 large carrots, chopped

3 large celery stalks, chopped

6 red potatoes, quartered

1.5 tsp ground basil

1 tsp ground oregano

A few squirts of hot sauce (to taste)

Lots of cracked black pepper (to taste)

1 can corn, drained

Warm bread (for serving)

Instructions:

Brown the Meat:

Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat.

Season the stew meat with Montreal Steak Seasoning and add it to the pot. Brown the meat for about 5 minutes.

Add Garlic:

Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute.

Combine Ingredients:

Pour in the beef broth, a big splash of Spicy V8 juice, and add the stewed tomatoes.

Stir in the Beef Better than Bouillon, chopped onion, carrots, celery, and quartered potatoes.

Season:

Add the ground basil, ground oregano, a few squirts of hot sauce, and lots of cracked black pepper. Stir well.

Simmer:

Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for one hour, stirring every 20 minutes or so.

Add Corn:

Add the drained corn to the soup and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Serve:

Serve the soup hot with warm bread on the side.

Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Vegetable Beef Soup!

Notes:

Meat Selection: Use beef stew meat for its tenderness and flavor when slow-cooked. For even better results, you can sear the meat on all sides before adding it to the soup pot.

Broth: Opt for low sodium beef broth to control the salt content of the soup. You can adjust the seasoning as needed.

Spicy V8 Juice: This adds a zesty flavor and depth to the soup. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.

Beef Better than Bouillon: This ingredient enhances the beef flavor. Ensure it’s fully dissolved in the broth for an even taste.

Vegetable Preparation: Chop the vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Quartering the potatoes ensures they cook through in the time specified.

Seasoning: Adjust the Montreal Steak Seasoning, cracked black pepper, and hot sauce to taste. Add seasoning gradually to avoid over-flavoring.

Simmering Time: Allowing the soup to simmer for an hour helps the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Corn Addition: Adding the corn at the end preserves its texture and sweetness. If using frozen corn, add it with the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Storage: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Serving Suggestion: Pair with warm bread or a crusty roll to soak up the flavorful broth. Consider a side salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as chuck or brisket.

If you prefer a different type of meat, like chicken or pork, you can adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld.

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned stewed tomatoes?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just peel, seed, and chop them before adding them to the soup.

You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Is there a substitute for Beef Better than Bouillon?

You can use beef broth instead, but you may need to adjust the seasoning since the bouillon adds extra flavor.

Can I use a different type of pasta or add other vegetables?

You can customize the soup by adding different vegetables like peas or green beans.

If you want to add pasta, cook it separately and add it to the soup just before serving to avoid overcooking.

How spicy is the soup with the Spicy V8 juice and hot sauce?

The Spicy V8 juice and hot sauce add a mild to moderate spice level.

Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your taste preference if you want it spicier or milder.

Can I use regular beef broth instead of low sodium?

Yes, but be aware that the soup will be saltier.

You might need to adjust the amount of additional salt used.

What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs well with warm bread, crusty rolls, or crackers.

You can also serve it with a side salad for a complete meal.

How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

If the soup is too thin, you can thicken it by mashing some of the potatoes directly in the pot or by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water.

Let it simmer until the desired thickness is achieved.