1. **Brown the Beef:**
– In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and season with salt and pepper. Brown the beef on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. **Sauté the Aromatics:**
– In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. **Add Vegetables and Tomato Paste:**
– Stir in the carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, and diced tomatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the tomato paste and mix well to coat the vegetables.
4. **Add Broth and Seasonings:**
– Pour in the beef broth and add the browned beef back to the pot. Add the thyme, oregano, bay leaf, and more salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
5. **Simmer the Soup:**
– Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. **Adjust Seasonings:**
– Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
7. **Serve:**
– Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and enjoy!
### Tips:
– **Beef Choice:** For a more tender beef, consider using chuck roast or beef shank. These cuts become tender and flavorful when simmered for a long time.
– **Vegetable Variations:** You can add or substitute other vegetables like zucchini, corn, peas, or bell peppers based on your preference or what you have on hand.
– **Thickening the Soup:** If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash a few of the potatoes directly in the pot to add more body to the broth.
– **Make It Ahead:** This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. It also freezes well, so consider making a double batch for easy future meals.
Enjoy this hearty and comforting **Beef and Vegetable Soup** for a warm and satisfying meal!
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