Hearty Beef and Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Dried thyme (1 teaspoon)
• Bay leaf (1)
• Beef broth (6 cups)
• Canned diced tomatoes (1 (14.5-ounce) can)
• Green beans (1 cup, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
• Potatoes (2 medium, peeled and diced)
• Celery (2 stalks, chopped)
• Carrots (2 medium, sliced)
• Onion (1 large, chopped)
• Beef stew meat (1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the beef stew meat to the pot and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables start to soften.
4. Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 45 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
6. After 45 minutes, add the green beans and diced tomatoes to the pot. Continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes until the green beans are tender.
7. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the comforting flavors.