Are you looking for a meal that’s bursting with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for chilly days? Look no further than this Crock Pot Spicy Vegetable Beef Soup! This recipe combines tender chunks of beef, fresh vegetables, and a medley of spices to create a hearty soup that satisfies your cravings for warmth and bold taste. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing meals for the week, this slow-cooker soup is a delicious solution.
Why Crock Pot Spicy Vegetable Beef Soup?
Crock Pot cooking is perfect for busy schedules. It allows you to create wholesome meals with minimal effort, all while filling your home with mouthwatering aromas. This spicy vegetable beef soup, in particular, is a great balance of protein, fiber, and flavor. It’s loaded with nutritious vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers, alongside lean beef for a protein-packed punch.
The addition of spicy seasonings gives this classic dish a modern twist, elevating it from your typical vegetable beef soup. Whether you prefer a gentle warmth or fiery kick, this recipe can easily be adjusted to suit your spice level. Plus, the slow-cooking method ensures that all the flavors meld together for a rich and satisfying meal.
Health Benefits of Spicy Vegetable Beef Soup
This soup isn’t just comforting; it’s also loaded with health benefits. Here’s why:
- Lean Beef: A rich source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, beef helps build muscle and provides energy.
- Vegetables: Carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers, and celery are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. These nutrients help support your immune system, digestion, and overall health.
- Spices: Chili powder, paprika, and cumin not only add heat but also provide anti-inflammatory properties and can help boost metabolism.
- Low-Calorie Meal: Even though this soup is rich in flavor, it’s low in calories, making it an excellent option for those watching their calorie intake while still enjoying a filling meal.
Ingredients
For this delicious and hearty crock pot soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) lean beef chuck or stew meat, cubed
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red, green, or yellow)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 1 ½ cups (225g) potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 ½ cups (225g) green beans, trimmed and chopped
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning the beef)
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- A dollop of sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
- Prepare the beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef, season with salt and pepper, and brown the meat on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. This step helps lock in the flavor of the beef before it goes into the crock pot.
- Combine ingredients: Transfer the browned beef to your crock pot. Add the diced carrots, celery, bell pepper, onion, garlic, potatoes, and green beans. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water.
- Spice it up: Stir in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, red pepper flakes (if using), and bay leaves. Mix well to ensure that all the spices are evenly distributed.
- Cook: Set your crock pot to low and cook for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The soup is ready when the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or additional chili powder for extra heat.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or shredded cheese if desired. Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a heartier meal.
Tips for Making the Best Spicy Vegetable Beef Soup
- Brown the Beef: Don’t skip browning the beef before adding it to the crock pot. It enhances the flavor and helps the beef stay tender throughout the slow cooking process.
- Adjust the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less chili powder and red pepper flakes, then adjust to taste toward the end. Alternatively, if you’re a spice lover, you can increase the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh vegetables add more flavor and texture to the soup, but you can also use frozen vegetables in a pinch. Frozen green beans or peas can be added toward the end of the cooking time to keep their color and crunch.
- Storage and Reheating: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave for a quick meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crock Pot Spicy Vegetable Beef Soup is a true one-pot wonder. You can toss everything into the crock pot in the morning and return home to a hot, flavorful meal. It’s perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or freezing for later use. Plus, it’s easily customizable—swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand, or adjust the spice level to your preference.
It’s a great recipe for entertaining guests, feeding a large family, or simply enjoying leftovers throughout the week. The slow-cooked beef becomes incredibly tender, and the combination of hearty vegetables and zesty spices will have everyone asking for seconds!
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Crock Pot Spicy Vegetable Beef Soup offers a perfect balance of warmth, nutrition, and bold flavors. It’s easy to prepare, loaded with vegetables, and full of rich beefy goodness. With a customizable spice level, it can be tailored to suit every palate. The best part? The slow-cooker does all the work, making it ideal for busy days when you want to enjoy a comforting, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground beef instead of cubed beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef for cubed beef. Just be sure to brown the ground beef and drain excess fat before adding it to the crock pot.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini, corn, or spinach. Frozen vegetables can also be added during the last hour of cooking.
How can I make this soup less spicy?
If you prefer a milder version, reduce the chili powder and eliminate the red pepper flakes. You can also add a splash of cream or coconut milk at the end for a creamy, less spicy broth.
