Beef and Veggie Soup with Corn, Carrots, Dumplings, and Green Onion
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can beat the wholesome warmth and satisfaction of a bowl of soup. Beef and Veggie Soup with Corn, Carrots, Dumplings, and Green Onion is a hearty, nourishing, and delicious soup that combines tender chunks of beef with a variety of vegetables and soft, fluffy dumplings. This soup is not only filling but also rich in flavors, making it a perfect meal for a cozy night in or as a nourishing lunch option.
Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this soup provides the ideal balance of textures and tastes, from the juicy beef to the crunchy vegetables and soft dumplings. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover beef or create a completely new, satisfying meal from scratch. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this comforting and delicious beef and veggie soup.
Ingredients for Beef and Veggie Soup
To make Beef and Veggie Soup with Corn, Carrots, Dumplings, and Green Onion, you’ll need a variety of fresh and pantry ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Soup Base:
- 1 lb Beef Stew Meat: Cut into bite-sized chunks. You can use chuck roast, brisket, or round steak for a tender and flavorful beef stew.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: For browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
- 1 medium Onion: Chopped finely to add sweetness and depth to the soup.
- 3 cloves Garlic: Minced garlic for added flavor.
- 4 cups Beef Broth: Provides a rich base for the soup. You can also use chicken broth for a lighter flavor.
- 1 cup Water: To dilute the broth slightly and achieve the perfect consistency.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme: Adds earthy, herbal notes to the soup.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary: Offers a fragrant, piney flavor that complements the beef and vegetables.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, to enhance the flavor of the soup.
For the Vegetables:
- 2 Carrots: Peeled and sliced into rounds or half-moons for a tender bite.
- 1 cup Corn Kernels: Fresh, frozen, or canned corn works well in this recipe.
- 2-3 Potatoes: Peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces for extra heartiness.
- 2 Green Onions: Sliced for garnish and a mild onion flavor.
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dumpling dough.
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder: To help the dumplings rise and become fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: For seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder: Adds a hint of savory flavor to the dumplings.
- 1/2 cup Milk: To create the dough and make the dumplings soft.
- 2 tablespoons Butter: For richness and flavor in the dumplings.
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley: Chopped for added freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Beef and Veggie Soup with Corn, Carrots, Dumplings, and Green Onion
Making this delicious and hearty beef and veggie soup is straightforward, and the result is a deeply satisfying meal. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Prepare the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef stew meat in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides, which will help to lock in flavor and create a rich base for the soup.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Once all the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Seasonings
- Pour in the Broth and Water: Add the beef broth and water to the pot. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (these bits are packed with flavor). Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the Seasonings: Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. These herbs and spices will infuse the soup with a delicious, aromatic flavor as it simmers.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
- Add the Vegetables: Once the broth is boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the carrots, corn, and diced potatoes to the pot. Stir everything together, then cover the pot and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Make the Dumplings
- Prepare the Dumpling Dough: While the soup is simmering, you can make the dumplings. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and fresh parsley. Add the milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 5: Add the Dumplings to the Soup
- Form the Dumplings: Using a spoon, scoop out small portions of the dumpling dough and drop them into the simmering soup. Make sure they’re spaced out evenly so they have room to cook and rise.
- Simmer the Dumplings: Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 10-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’ve puffed up and are cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid during this time, as the steam is necessary for the dumplings to cook properly.
Step 6: Final Touches
- Garnish the Soup: Once the dumplings are cooked, stir the soup gently to incorporate the dumplings without breaking them. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper, if necessary.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with sliced green onions for a burst of freshness. Serve the soup hot with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad if desired.
Tips for Perfect Beef and Veggie Soup with Dumplings
To make sure your soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Beef stew meat is ideal because it’s flavorful and becomes tender after slow cooking. If you prefer a leaner cut, you can opt for sirloin or round steak, but be aware that these cuts may not be as tender unless cooked for a longer time.
- Customize the Vegetables: While this recipe includes corn, carrots, and potatoes, you can customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Adding peas, green beans, or parsnips can introduce new textures and flavors to the soup.
- Make the Dumplings Extra Fluffy: For ultra-fluffy dumplings, make sure not to overmix the dough. Stir the ingredients until just combined to avoid dense dumplings.
- Simmer for Flavor: The longer you let the soup simmer, the more the flavors will meld together. Aim for at least 30 minutes of simmering to ensure the soup is rich and flavorful.
Variations of Beef and Veggie Soup with Corn, Carrots, Dumplings, and Green Onion
While this recipe is delicious as written, there are plenty of ways to change it up. Here are some variations to consider:
- Spicy Beef and Veggie Soup: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup base for an extra kick.
- Add More Herbs: You can add fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves to the soup during the simmering process for additional layers of flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian-friendly option, swap the beef for plant-based protein like lentils, chickpeas, or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’ll have a hearty, meat-free soup.
- Cheesy Dumplings: Add shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese to the dumpling dough for a cheesy twist.
Why Beef and Veggie Soup is a Great Meal Option
Beef and veggie soup is not just delicious—it’s also a great option for several reasons:
- Nutritious: Packed with protein from the beef, vitamins from the vegetables, and fiber from the potatoes and corn, this soup offers a balanced and wholesome meal.
- Comforting: There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s filled with tender beef and fluffy dumplings.
- One-Pot Meal: This recipe is easy to make and only requires one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Customizable: You can easily add or remove ingredients to suit your preferences, making it a versatile recipe that can be tailored to your taste.
Conclusion: A Delicious and Satisfying Soup
Beef and Veggie Soup with Corn, Carrots, Dumplings, and Green Onion is a comforting, flavorful, and filling dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. With its tender beef, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you make it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this soup is guaranteed to satisfy.
Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a bowl of warmth and flavor that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished!
Beef and Veggie Soup with Corn, Carrots, Dumplings, and Green Onion
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Soup ladle
- Mixing bowl for dumplings
Ingredients
- For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb beef stew meat cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 medium carrots sliced
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 egg
- For Garnishing:
- Fresh green onions sliced
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the Beef
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef stew meat and season with salt and black pepper. Brown the beef on all sides, working in batches if necessary, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
- Step 2: Cook the Veggies
- In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the garlic powder and cook for an additional minute.
- Step 3: Make the Soup Base
- Return the beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth and water. Add the bay leaves and dried thyme.
- Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Add the frozen corn kernels and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Step 4: Prepare the Dumplings
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and mix in the milk and melted butter.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
- Step 5: Add Dumplings to the Soup
- Once the soup is ready, use a spoon to drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough directly into the simmering soup. Try not to overcrowd the pot.
- Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 10-12 minutes. They will puff up and become light and fluffy.
- Once the dumplings are cooked through, remove the pot from the heat.
- Step 6: Serve the Soup
- Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each bowl has some of the beef, vegetables, and a couple of dumplings.
- Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, crisp touch.
- Step 7: Enjoy
- Serve the soup hot and enjoy the comforting combination of tender beef, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in every bite.
Notes
✔ Flavor boost: Add a bay leaf or rosemary sprigs while simmering the soup for extra depth of flavor.
✔ Dumplings variation: If you prefer savory dumplings, you can add cheese or herbs like parsley to the dough.
✔ Freezing: This soup freezes well without the dumplings. If you plan to freeze it, add the dumplings fresh when reheating.
✔ Vegetable options: Feel free to add other veggies, such as potatoes, green beans, or peas, to enhance the soup’s flavor.