Hearty Beef and Bean Soup Recipe
The ultimate comfort food is hearty beef and bean soup, which is full of flavorful and healthy ingredients. This flavorful soup, which combines tender bits of beef, substantial beans, and a variety of veggies, is ideal for cold nights or any time you need a filling, hot dinner. This soup is perfect for hectic weeknights or leisurely weekends since it is not only satisfying but also simple to prepare and makes excellent leftovers. You’ll feel completely at home with only one spoonful.
Ingredients:
1 lb (450g) stew beef or beef chuck, cut into small cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) cannellini or white beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) chopped tomatoes (optional for tomato-based)
4 cups beef broth
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Veggies: In the same pot, add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
Simmer It Up: Return the beef to the pot. Add beans, tomatoes (if using), beef broth, paprika, oregano, and cumin. Stir well.
Cook Until Tender: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until beef is tender and flavors are well combined.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips for Best Results:
Use well-marbled beef like chuck or stew meat for maximum tenderness and flavor.
Sear the beef properly before simmering—it adds depth and richness to the broth.
Simmer low and slow to let the flavors develop and the beef become fork-tender.
If you’re short on time, you can use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot to reduce cook time drastically.
Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end for a bright, balanced finish.
Tasty Variations:
Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños, a dash of cayenne, or a spoon of chipotle in adobo for a smoky heat.
Tex-Mex Twist: Stir in corn, black beans, chili powder, and a touch of cumin for a southwestern vibe.
More Veggies: Add diced potatoes, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients and texture.
Tomato-Free Version: Skip the chopped tomatoes for a clearer broth and let the beef flavor shine.
Herb Upgrade: Swap parsley with fresh thyme, rosemary, or even basil for a different flavor profile.
Creamy Style: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream for a velvety touch.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 310, Protein: 24g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 3.5g, Carbohydrates: 28g, Fiber: 8g, Sugars: 4g. Cholesterol: 45mg, Sodium: 620mg. Iron: 3mg (17% DV), Potassium: 780mg (22% DV), Vitamin C: 10% DV. Calcium: 6% DV
Note: Depending on the type of meat, beans, broth, and additional veggies used, values may change. Choose canned beans and broth that don’t have salt added for decreased sodium levels. Do you want a version with less fat? Try lean beef slices or ground turkey.