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Grandma's Favorite Beef Stew
I've gotta tell you about my mother's treasured Beef Vegetable Soup. It's that comforting dish that always reminds me of growing up. You'll love the juicy beef chunks, wholesome vegetables, and that wonderfully light tomato-based broth. I always cook up a huge pot to eat some right away and store the rest for future meals.
What Makes This Stew Special
This soup stands out from all others, trust me. It's a bowl full of warmth that comes together so quickly. I'm a big fan of using beef leftovers and those convenient frozen veggie mixes to whip this up. And you know what? The flavors really come alive when it sits overnight.
Your Ingredients List
- Main Protein: A soft, juicy beef roast brings everything together.
- Quick Vegetables: A bag of mixed frozen veggies works wonders.
- Added Substance: Cubed potatoes give it that filling quality.
- Flavorful Foundation: Tomato soup creates the perfect taste base.
- Savory Liquid: Beef broth enhances all the flavors.
- Perfect Balance: Water helps thin out the mixture.
- Basic Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and possibly a bay leaf for depth.
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Cooking Instructions
- Prepare Your Meat
- Cook your beef until it's perfectly tender - use your slow cooker, stovetop, or just grab leftovers, then dice it up.
- Combine Ingredients
- Throw your meat, vegetables, potatoes and all the liquids into your cooking pot.
- Simmering Period
- Let everything bubble gently for about 40 minutes on the stove or let it cook slowly all day in a crockpot.
- Time to Enjoy
- Adjust the taste with seasonings and ladle it up alongside some fresh bread.
Tricks For Perfect Results
I swear by those frozen veggies for getting just the right bite every single time. Need something heartier? Just toss in another tomato soup can. Want more depth? Try adding a bay leaf or a dash of Worcestershire. And don't forget to grab some hot biscuits to go with it.
Store The Extras
After it cools down, pack up your leftover soup for freezing. I prefer making single servings for grab-and-go meals. When hunger strikes, just thaw it overnight and heat it up. It's basically having a home-cooked dinner without any effort.
Family Food Memories
This isn't just soup - it's a family heirloom shared with care. I can't make a batch without thinking about all those family dinners from my childhood. It doesn't matter if you're eating it fresh or reheated from frozen storage, it always hits the spot.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can fresh produce replace frozen?
Of course! Just be sure to add fresh veggies at the right time so they don’t turn too soft.
- → Why cook the beef separately?
Cooking the beef on its own first makes it moist and easy to shred. It also brings out deeper flavors than just cooking it all together.
- → Will this soup freeze well?
Absolutely! It stores in the freezer for about 3 months. Let it cool completely and transfer to sealed containers before freezing.
- → What makes tomato soup a good choice?
It thickens the broth and gives a hint of sweetness that makes the flavor pop. It’s what makes it special!
- → Can everything be done in one pot?
You could, but cooking the beef slowly by itself gives the softest meat. A slow-cooked version for everything is another great option, though!