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- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped – Adds a burst of freshness and color.
- Lemon wedges – A squeeze of lemon can brighten up the flavors of the dish.
How to Make Hearty Beef Broth with Vegetables
This recipe is relatively simple, but the key to its delicious depth of flavor is slow cooking the beef and vegetables to extract the maximum amount of taste. Here’s how you can make this hearty dish at home:
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil and brown the beef shank or stew meat on all sides. This step helps develop a deep, savory flavor that will infuse the broth.
Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Create the Broth Base
In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, and bay leaves, scraping up any browned bits left from the beef. These bits, known as fond, are packed with flavor and will enrich your broth.
Pour in 8 cups of water or beef stock, making sure the meat is covered. Stir in the peppercorns and soy sauce (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 2-3 hours. The longer you simmer, the richer and more flavorful your broth will be. Skim the surface occasionally to remove any impurities that may form.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
After the broth has simmered and the beef has become tender, add the carrots, potatoes, celery, and green beans (and any other vegetables you’re using). Continue to simmer the soup for another 30-40 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Step 4: Final Seasoning
Once the vegetables are cooked through, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a richer broth, you can also add a bit more soy sauce or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to deepen the flavor.
Step 5: Shred the Beef (Optional)
If you’re using larger cuts of beef like shank or short ribs, remove the meat from the pot and shred it with a fork once it’s tender. Return the shredded beef to the pot and stir it in. This adds extra texture and beefy goodness to the soup.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the hearty beef broth with vegetables into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. A squeeze of lemon on top adds a bright, zesty contrast to the rich broth.
Tips for Perfecting Hearty Beef Broth with Vegetables
- Use Bone-In Beef for Richer Flavor: If you have access to bone-in cuts like oxtail, short ribs, or beef shank, they are ideal for making a flavorful broth. The bones release collagen and marrow as they cook, which gives the broth its rich, velvety texture.
- Low and Slow Cooking: The secret to a flavorful broth is simmering it low and slow. The more time you give the beef and vegetables to cook, the more they will release their flavors into the broth.
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Leeks, parsnips, or turnips can all be great additions. For a bit of heat, try adding a sliced jalapeño or a pinch of chili flakes.
- Make it a Meal: To turn this soup into a more filling meal, serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping, or stir in some noodles or rice about 10-15 minutes before serving. This will add heartiness and make it even more satisfying.
- Freezer-Friendly: This recipe makes a large batch, making it perfect for meal prepping. Allow the broth to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers for freezing. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months, so you’ll have a comforting meal ready to go whenever you need it.
Why This Recipe Is So Great for You
- Rich in Protein: The beef provides a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, and it helps keep you feeling full longer.
- Packed with Vegetables: The variety of vegetables offers an array of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Carrots, potatoes, and green beans are all rich in nutrients that support your overall health.
- Bone Broth Benefits: If you use bone-in beef cuts, you’re essentially making a homemade bone broth, which is full of collagen, gelatin, and minerals. Bone broth is known to support joint health, digestion, and skin elasticity.
Final Thoughts
Hearty Beef Broth with Vegetables is the ultimate comfort food—warm, nutritious, and packed with flavor. It’s an easy, customizable recipe that can be made with whatever vegetables and seasonings you prefer, and it’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a family. Whether you enjoy it as a starter or a main course, this soup will fill you up and satisfy your cravings for something hearty and wholesome.
With the simple combination of tender beef, flavorful broth, and fresh vegetables, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, let the pot simmer away, and enjoy the delicious, comforting bowl of goodness!
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