Vegetable beef soup

Here’s a simple, cheap, hearty Vegetable Beef Soup—great for stretching a little meat into many meals 🍲

Easy Vegetable Beef Soup

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef (stew meat, chuck, or any cheap cut)
• 1–2 tbsp oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic (optional)
• 4 cups water or beef broth
• 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables
  (carrots, potatoes, green beans, corn, peas—use what’s cheapest)
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika or Italian seasoning (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown beef in oil in a large pot.
2. Add onion (and garlic). Cook 2–3 minutes.
3. Add water/broth and tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
4. Lower heat, cover, and simmer 45–60 minutes until beef is tender.
5. Add vegetables and seasonings.
6. Simmer 20–30 more minutes until veggies are soft.

Serve with bread or crackers.

Super Budget Tips 💡

• Use bone-in beef or soup bones for more flavor.
• Stretch it by adding extra potatoes or cabbage.
• No canned tomatoes? Use a little ketchup or tomato paste + water.
• Freezes very well.

If you want:

• slow cooker version
• no tomatoes
• extra-thick stew
• or very low-cost pantry version

just say 👍