The Perfect Comfort Food: Wholesome Beef & Potato Soup You Need to Try!

Photo byAngie Bright

As the temperature drops and cozy evenings become more frequent, nothing hits the spot quite like a bowl of Beef & Potato Soup. This dish isn't just another soup; it's a soul-warming classic that combines tender chunks of beef with hearty vegetables, creating the ultimate comfort food experience. Whether you're gathered with family or enjoying a quiet evening, the rich flavors of this stew-like soup are sure to bring warmth and satisfaction to your table.

A Soup That Packs a Punch

What sets this Beef & Potato Soup apart is the balance of flavors and textures that come together with each spoonful. The beef, browned to perfection, becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after simmering in a broth infused with garlic, onion, herbs, and your choice of red wine, Guinness, or stout for a deeper, richer flavor. Add to that the wholesome bite of potatoes, carrots, celery, and peas, and you've got a dish that’s equal parts hearty and healthy.

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. While it requires some time to simmer, the preparation is straightforward, and the result is worth every minute. The combination of vegetables, tender beef, and flavorful broth makes this soup the ultimate go-to meal for cold days or whenever you're craving a bowl of comfort.

Recipe: Beef & Potato Soup

Ingredients:

• 1.5 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb stewing beef, cut into cubes
• 1/2 tsp salt and pepper
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (1 tbsp)
• 2 celery stalks, cut
• 3 carrots, cut (halve larger ones)
• 4 tbsp flour
• 2 1/2 cups beef broth/stock
• 1 1/2 cups (375ml) dry red wine, Guinness beer, or stout
• 1.5 cups (375ml) water
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces

Instructions:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Pat the stewing beef dry with paper towels, then season it with salt and pepper. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring it sears well. Remove the beef and set it aside.
2. Add more oil if necessary, then sauté the garlic and onions for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the celery and carrots, cooking for another 2 minutes until the onions turn translucent.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Gradually add the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Pour in the wine or beer, water, tomato paste, bay leaves, and thyme. Mix everything together before returning the browned beef to the pot. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and cover.
5. Let the soup simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the beef is tender. Then, add the potatoes and peas. Simmer uncovered for an additional 20 minutes until the potatoes are fully cooked and the soup has thickened slightly.
6. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, with a side of crusty bread if desired.

This soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with warm bread or a simple green salad. The rich broth, tender beef, and hearty vegetables will have everyone coming back for seconds.

The Final Flavor

With its deeply flavorful broth and satisfying textures, Beef & Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food that never disappoints. It's perfect for those cold nights when all you want is something warm and hearty. This dish will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas as it simmers away, and every bite delivers a satisfying mix of tender beef and flavorful veggies. Whether you're serving it at a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup is sure to be a hit.

Here are some useful sources for your recipe:

• BBC Good Food - Beef Stew Recipe
• Serious Eats - Classic Beef Stew
• Food Network - Beef Stew Recipe