A comforting and hearty soup filled with tender beef and a medley of vegetables, perfect for a cozy meal.
Cut the beef into small, bite-sized pieces.
Cutting the beef into uniform pieces ensures even cooking.
Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add half the olive oil. Brown the beef on all sides, then remove and set aside.
Brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
Chop the onion, celery, potatoes, and carrots into bite-sized pieces.
Uniformly chopped vegetables cook evenly and look appealing.
In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the onion and celery until softened.
Sautéing the aromatics enhances their flavor.
Return the beef to the pot and add the potatoes, carrots, diced tomatoes, beef broth, water, bay leaves, and garlic powder. Bring to a boil.
Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Add the frozen peas and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Adding peas at the end keeps them vibrant and tender.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.