Imagine a steaming bowl of hearty beef soup that promises to chase away the winter chills and transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with mouthwatering aromas. This classic American beef soup is more than just a meal—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, soul-warming experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With tender beef, perfectly cooked root vegetables, and a broth that sings with flavor, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort dish that proves home cooking is an art form.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef stew meat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables: slice carrots, dice potatoes, and chop onion. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Pat beef stew meat dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning.
- Season beef generously with salt and pepper. Carefully place meat in hot oil and brown on all sides, creating a deep golden crust. This should take approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Remove browned meat and set aside. In the same pot, add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Return beef to the pot and pour in beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for approximately 1 hour, allowing meat to become tender.
- Add sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the pot. Continue simmering for an additional 30 minutes or until vegetables are soft and meat is fork-tender.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. If the soup seems too thick, you can add a little water or additional broth.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld and soup to slightly thicken.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or crusty bread on the side.
Tips
- Pat your beef dry before browning to ensure a perfect golden crust that locks in flavor.
- Take your time when browning the meat—this step builds the foundational flavor of your soup.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for even heat distribution and better flavor development.
- Don't rush the simmering process; low and slow cooking makes the meat incredibly tender.
- Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to fully meld together.
- For extra depth, consider adding a splash of red wine during the browning stage.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon of flour when sautéing the onions.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the soup's flavor profile.
- Leftovers often taste even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make a large batch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 223kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg
