Hearty and comforting, this soup, which we last featured in 2022, is full of classic flavors that hit the spot as the weather cools. Smarts: This soup requires about 45 minutes of hands-off simmer time to tenderize the beef. If you are short on time, make the soup ahead. It tastes even better a day or two later.
Heat a Dutch oven with cooking oil over medium-high heat. Add beef and saute until beef is brown on the outside, 7 to 8 minutes (don’t worry if it’s not cooked through). Set beef aside and return pan to heat.
Add butter and then carrots, celery, onions, and bell peppers to melted butter. Saute until vegetables are tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more.
Add mushrooms, stock, and bay leaves to vegetables. Add beef back to pan. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until beef is tender, ~45 minutes.
Stir lemon juice into soup and season with some salt and pepper.
Right before serving, toss salad greens and cucumbers with vinaigrette until dressed to your liking. Finish with some black pepper.
Divide soup between bowls. Serve with salad on the side. Enjoy!