Beef Soup Recipe

Beef soup is the epitome of comfort food-warm, hearty, and nourishing. There’s something special about a steaming bowl of beef soup on a cold evening, with its rich flavors and tender pieces of beef that just melt in your mouth. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, with its aroma filling your kitchen and enticing everyone to gather around the table.

What makes beef soup so amazing is its versatility. You can make it as simple or as elaborate as you like, adjusting ingredients to suit your taste. Whether you like it packed with vegetables, spices, or herbs, this recipe is the perfect foundation to create a dish that is uniquely yours.

In this guide, we’ll cover a step-by-step breakdown of the ingredients and cooking methods. We’ll also explore expert tips and variations to elevate your soup and turn it into something truly special.

Beef Soup Recipe

A well-made beef soup features a tender beef base, a flavorful broth, and a variety of vegetables that complement the beef. The key to making a great beef soup lies in slow-cooking the beef to allow its flavors to fully develop, resulting in a rich, savory broth that is the perfect backdrop for vegetables and spices.

This recipe creates a balanced and comforting soup that’s perfect for any time of year-whether you’re craving a hearty dinner or preparing for a cold-weather meal.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need for a classic, flavorful beef soup:

For The Soup Base

• Beef stew meat (about 2 lbs) – You can use chuck roast, brisket, or any cut of beef meant for slow cooking. The fat content and connective tissue break down during cooking, making the beef incredibly tender.
• Beef broth or stock (4-5 cups) – This forms the base of the soup, so it’s important to use a rich, high-quality broth or stock. If you’re looking for more flavor, homemade broth is the way to go, but store-bought works fine too.
• Water (2 cups) – For adjusting the soup’s consistency and balancing out the richness of the beef broth.
• Tomato paste (2 tbsp) – Adds a bit of depth and slight sweetness to the soup.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced) – A fragrant base to elevate the flavors.
• Onions (1 large, chopped) – Adds sweetness and depth to the broth as it cooks.
• Bay leaves (2-3) – Essential for imparting a subtle, earthy flavor to the soup.
• Thyme (1 tbsp fresh, or 1 tsp dried) – This herb provides an aromatic note to the dish.

Vegetables

• Carrots (3 medium, sliced) – Sweet and tender once they’re cooked, they add a vibrant color to the soup.
• Celery (2 stalks, chopped) – Offers a slight crunch and fresh, earthy flavor.
• Potatoes (3 medium, diced) – Potatoes absorb the flavors of the broth and add heartiness to the soup.
• Green beans (1 cup, cut into 1-inch pieces) – Optional, but they add a nice color and texture contrast.

Seasoning

• Salt and pepper (to taste) – To bring out all the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp) – Adds umami richness.
• Parsley (fresh, for garnish) – A burst of fresh, green color to finish the soup.

Cooking Instructions

Making beef soup is simple, though it requires a bit of patience for the slow-cooking process. Here’s how you can create a savory and hearty soup from scratch:

1. Prepare The Beef

   • Cut your beef stew meat into 1-2 inch cubes (if not pre-cut).
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the beef cubes in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) and brown on all sides. This will take about 5-7 minutes. The browning process caramelizes the meat, giving it a deep flavor. Remove the beef and set aside.

2. Sauté The Aromatics

   • In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the tomato paste, stirring to combine. Let it cook for another minute to enhance its sweetness and depth.

3. Build The Soup Base

   • Return the beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and water, stirring to combine.
   • Add the bay leaves, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the beef becomes tender and the broth is rich and flavorful.

4. Add The Vegetables

   • After the beef has cooked and is tender, add the carrots, potatoes, and green beans (if using). Stir well.
   • Continue to simmer for another 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

5. Final Adjustments

   • Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. If you prefer a more concentrated flavor, let the soup simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.
   • Remove the bay leaves and discard them.

6. Serve

   • Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
   • Serve with crusty bread for dipping or over a bed of rice for a heartier meal.

Ingredient Insights

Beef Stew Meat

• Look for cuts like chuck roast, brisket, or round steak for the best results. These cuts have more collagen, which breaks down during cooking and helps to create a tender texture.
• Chuck roast is particularly ideal because it has both fat and muscle, adding richness to the soup.

Beef Broth Vs. Stock

• Broth is made from simmering meat and vegetables, while stock is made from bones, which gives it a richer, more gelatinous texture.
• Stock will create a thicker, fuller mouthfeel, but broth is perfectly fine if that’s what you have on hand.

Herbs And Spices

• Thyme and bay leaves are staples in any beef soup, but feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary, oregano, or marjoram. These all work beautifully with the beef base.
• If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick without overpowering the soup.

Expert Tips

• Brown the Meat Well: Don’t rush the browning process! The Maillard reaction (the browning) is where a lot of the deep flavors develop. It’s worth taking the time to get a good sear on your beef.
• Slow Cooking: Beef soup is all about low and slow. Simmering the beef for an extended period is what makes it tender and allows the flavors to meld. If you have time, consider using a slow cooker to do the work for you-just brown the meat first, and then cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Add Vinegar at the End: A small splash of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar at the end can really help balance the flavors, cutting through the richness of the beef and broth.
• Don’t Skip the Garnish: Fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top will bring freshness and an extra layer of flavor to the soup.

Recipe Variations

This beef soup recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas for customizing it to fit your taste or dietary needs:

1. Spicy Beef Soup: Add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of smoked paprika for some heat and smokiness.
2. Asian-Inspired Beef Soup: Swap the thyme for ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. Add mushrooms and bok choy for a completely different flavor profile.
3. Vegetarian Version: If you want to make a hearty vegetable soup, simply omit the beef and use vegetable broth. Add more hearty vegetables like squash, parsnips, and zucchini.
4. Add Grains: For extra texture, consider adding cooked quinoa, barley, or rice toward the end of cooking.

Final Words

Beef soup isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. The process of slowly simmering beef to perfection, infusing it with the flavors of vegetables and spices, makes for a dish that’s comforting in every sense of the word. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a gathering, this soup will undoubtedly warm everyone’s hearts (and stomachs).