Introduction
Transform humble ingredients into a deeply satisfying, restaurant-quality beef soup in under an hour! This One-Pot Hearty Beef Soup recipe is your secret weapon for busy weeknights, proving that delicious doesn’t have to mean difficult. Say goodbye to complicated recipes and hello to flavorful comfort food, ready in a flash.
Why This Works
This recipe shines because of its simplicity and incredible flavor. Everything cooks together in one pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing your time. The rich beef broth, tender beef, and hearty vegetables create a perfectly balanced and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to what you have on hand!
Key Ingredients
🥩 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
🥕 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
🥔 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
🧅 1 large onion, chopped
🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
🍅 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
🥣 6 cups beef broth
🌿 1 teaspoon dried thyme
🌿 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
🍃 1 bay leaf
🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the beef cubes over medium-high heat. This step adds incredible depth of flavor!
2️⃣ Once browned, add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3️⃣ Stir in the carrots, potatoes, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
4️⃣ Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the beef is very tender. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor!
5️⃣ Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Handy Tips
- Use a good quality beef broth for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot when browning the beef; work in batches if necessary.
- For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the onions and garlic.
Heat Control
Maintaining a low simmer is crucial. A rolling boil will toughen the beef and may cause the vegetables to break down too quickly. Adjust your burner as needed to keep a gentle simmer.
Crunch Factor
While this soup is hearty and comforting, you can add a crunch factor by serving it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving. A crusty bread alongside the soup also creates a great textural contrast.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For even faster cooking, use a pressure cooker! Follow the same instructions, but adjust the cooking time according to your pressure cooker’s manual.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper, umami flavor.
- Make it a complete meal by adding a cup of cooked barley or lentils during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Storage Tips
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day!
Gift Packaging Ideas
This soup makes a wonderful and thoughtful gift! Package it in a beautiful mason jar or thermal container, adding a festive ribbon and perhaps a homemade bread to elevate the presentation.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
🌟 Hearty: Include 1 cup of chopped celery and 1/2 cup of pearl onions with the other vegetables.
🌟 Beefy: Use 1.5 lbs of beef stew meat for an even richer, beefier flavor.
🌟 Vegetable Boost: Add a cup of chopped mushrooms, green beans or butternut squash for extra nutrients and flavor.
Troubleshooting
- Soup too thin: Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Beef too tough: Ensure you simmer it for at least an hour, or longer, until it’s easily fork-tender.
- Soup too bland: Add more salt, pepper, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, but add them during the last 20 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes! Brown the beef as directed then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Can I substitute other types of meat? While beef stew meat is ideal, you can experiment with other cuts of beef or even substitute with chicken or pork. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- How long does this soup keep in the freezer? Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Hearty Beef Soup is the perfect recipe for busy weeknights. It’s simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite. Share this recipe with your friends and family, and enjoy the warm, comforting goodness! Don’t forget to rate and review this recipe on Ratemyrecipes.com!
30-Minute One-Pot Beef Soup: Busy Cook's Best Friend
A hearty and comforting beef soup that can be made in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the carrots and celery, cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, then add the thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the mixed vegetables and simmer for another 5-10 minutes until heated through.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.