Clair'S French Vegetable Beef Soup
Clair's French Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender beef, aromatic vegetables, and rich tomato and onion flavors. Ideal for comforting family dinners or cold days, this soup combines savory meat with fresh carrots, celery, and beans for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 5-quart Dutch oven, brown the stew meat in salad oil over medium-high heat, turning frequently.
- Stir in the undiluted condensed onion soup, minced garlic, tomato paste, water, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 hours.
- Add sliced carrots, sliced celery, undrained wax beans, and undrained kidney beans.
- Simmer for an additional 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the stew meat in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. If fresh vegetables are unavailable, frozen options can work well, especially for the carrots and celery. You can substitute the kidney beans with black beans for a different taste. Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the umami flavor of the soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Banana Freezer Pops for dessert, offering a refreshing contrast to the savory soup. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Clair'S French Vegetable Beef Soup contains roughly 1123 calories, with 54g protein, 176g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (212% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (209% of the Daily Value), and iron (114% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1987mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a slow cooker instead of a Dutch oven?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the meat first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender and flavors meld together.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup is filling on its own, but it pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread. For a festive touch, serve with a side of Ice Pickles, adding a tangy crunch to your meal.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, replace the stew meat with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add lentils for protein and a satisfying texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).