Beef Soup Ina Garten Recipe

Beef soup is one of those comforting dishes that can warm you up from the inside out, making it the perfect meal for chilly days or when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. And when you add the expertise of Ina Garten, the beloved “Barefoot Contessa”, to the mix, you know you’re in for a treat. Ina Garten has a special way of making complex dishes feel approachable, and her Beef Soup recipe is no exception.

With rich, tender beef, a medley of fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth, this recipe is both simple to prepare and full of layers of deliciousness. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this Beef Soup is a perfect dish to add to your repertoire. It’s easy to customize, highly versatile, and can even be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe and explore how to make it, the ingredients you’ll need, and some pro tips that will make it even better!

Ina Garten’s Beef Soup is a celebration of savory beef, aromatic vegetables, and a deeply flavorful broth. What stands out in this recipe is the balance between the hearty meat and the bright, fresh vegetables, all tied together by a rich, seasoned broth. It’s a classic, yet comforting dish that’s perfect for all seasons.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to make it, along with the key ingredients and expert tips to make sure it turns out just as delicious as the one you’d find on Ina Garten’s show.

Ingredients Needed

Before you dive into cooking, here’s a quick overview of the ingredients you’ll need. Gather these first, and you’ll be well on your way to making a flavorful, wholesome Beef Soup.

Beef Chuck Roast – This cut of beef is the star of the dish. It’s ideal for braising and slow cooking because it’s well-marbled with fat, which results in tender, juicy meat after simmering in the soup.
Olive Oil – Used to sear the beef, helping to lock in those savory flavors and create a rich crust.
Yellow Onion – This will form the aromatic base for your soup, adding sweetness and depth.
Carrots – They bring a slight sweetness to balance out the richness of the beef, and they also add a lovely color and texture.
Celery – Celery adds a fresh, earthy flavor to the soup. It pairs well with the other vegetables and gives the broth a light undertone.
Garlic – You can’t go wrong with garlic in any savory dish, and it helps to elevate the overall flavor.
Tomato Paste – A little bit of tomato paste adds a subtle richness and depth to the broth.
Beef Broth – This is the backbone of your soup. Beef broth brings an intense, savory flavor that complements the beef.
Bay Leaves – These add a layer of earthy aroma and help deepen the broth’s flavor.
Fresh Thyme – Thyme brings a lovely herby note to the soup without overpowering the other ingredients.
Potatoes – A heartier addition, potatoes make the soup even more filling and provide a creamy texture when cooked in the broth.
Frozen Peas – For a pop of color and added sweetness, peas are a great finishing touch to your Beef Soup.
Salt and Pepper – For seasoning, always taste and adjust to your liking!

Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients lined up, it’s time to get cooking. Follow these easy-to-follow steps for a flawless Beef Soup.

Sear The Beef
- Begin by heating some olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- Season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper, and sear it in the hot oil until it’s brown on all sides (about 4-5 minutes per side). This step is essential for developing flavor, so don’t skip it! Once the beef is seared, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
Sauté Vegetables
- In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if necessary. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté them for about 6-8 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add Tomato Paste
- Stir in a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes. This helps deepen the flavor and gives the soup its rich, savory base.
Simmer The Soup
- Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits left from the beef and vegetables. Add the bay leaves and fresh thyme.
- Return the beef to the pot, making sure it’s fully submerged in the broth.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for about 2 to 2 ½ hours. The beef should become fork-tender and the broth rich and flavorful.
Add Potatoes And Peas
- Once the beef is tender, remove the meat from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the pot.
- Add the diced potatoes and continue to simmer for another 20 minutes until the potatoes are cooked through.
- Stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking to heat through.
Season And Serve
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Discard the bay leaves and thyme stems before serving.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in Ina Garten’s Beef Soup serves a specific purpose, contributing to the overall taste, texture, and aroma of the dish. Let’s break down a few key players:

Beef Chuck Roast: This is the perfect cut for a slow-cooked beef soup because of its rich marbling. When simmered for hours, the fat breaks down, making the beef melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Vegetables (Carrots, Celery, and Onion): These classic mirepoix vegetables build the foundation for your broth. They release natural sugars when cooked, adding sweetness and balancing out the rich beef flavor.
Beef Broth: Using high-quality beef broth is key. The deeper the flavor of your broth, the more flavorful your soup will be. If you can find homemade or low-sodium broth, even better!

Expert Tips

Let the Beef Rest After Searing: When you remove the beef from the pot after searing, allow it to rest for a few minutes. This helps retain the juices, making it more tender when shredded.
Add Extra Veggies: Don’t be afraid to add extra vegetables, such as parsnips, turnips, or green beans. These additions can add even more flavor and texture.
Let It Sit: Beef soup always tastes better the next day! Letting it sit in the fridge overnight allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Use a Slow Cooker or Instant Pot: If you’re in a time crunch, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker or Instant Pot. For the slow cooker, set it on low for 6-8 hours. In an Instant Pot, cook under pressure for 45 minutes.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Version: You can easily make a vegetarian version of this soup by using vegetable broth and replacing the beef with mushrooms, which will give it a meaty texture.
Spicy Kick: For those who like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the vegetables when sautéing them.
Herb Variations: Switch up the herbs! While thyme and bay leaves are classic, rosemary or oregano could work nicely too, adding new aromatic notes to the broth.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Beef Soup is the kind of dish that can easily become a staple in your cooking repertoire. It’s not only delicious and comforting but also simple enough to make for any occasion. From cozy winter nights to family gatherings, this soup checks all the boxes.

The best part? It’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying the meal. So, next time you’re looking for a meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table, give this recipe a try.

Beef Soup Ina Garten Recipe