Cube Steak Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever been on the hunt for a hearty, comforting, and absolutely satisfying meal that doesn’t require hours of preparation, then Cube Steak Soup is definitely one to add to your recipe box. Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth pieces of cube steak swimming in a rich, savory broth, alongside veggies that are tender but still hold their shape. This soup strikes the perfect balance between rustic and homey, making it the ideal dish for cold evenings, or any time you crave something comforting but not overly complicated.

Cube steak, often underappreciated, is a cut of beef that’s already tenderized, which is why it’s perfect for stews and soups where you want that melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s a cut that delivers both flavor and simplicity. In this recipe, we’re pairing it with a mix of vegetables and seasonings that’ll have your kitchen smelling incredible while it simmers.

Ready to learn how to make Cube Steak Soup from scratch? Let’s dive in.

Cube Steak Soup isn’t your average beef stew; it’s a cozy, flavorful meal that’s sure to please the whole family. With tender beef and a flavorful broth, this recipe can be a perfect weeknight meal or a dish you can make ahead and reheat for lunch or dinner. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, but it delivers a depth of flavor that you’ll savor spoonful by spoonful. So, let’s break down the ingredients and steps you need to create this masterpiece.

Ingredients Needed

To make Cube Steak Soup, the ingredients are simple, accessible, and easy to work with. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cube Steaks (about 1 ½ Lbs)

This is the star of the dish! Cube steak is already tenderized, which means you don’t have to worry about tough meat. It’s typically made from round steak that’s been mechanically tenderized, which makes it perfect for soups where you want your meat to fall apart into savory pieces.
Olive Oil (2 Tablespoons)

For searing the cube steaks and giving them that delicious browned exterior before they go into the broth. Olive oil adds richness and helps lock in the flavor.
Yellow Onion (1 Medium, Chopped)

Onions form the flavor base of many great soups, and they add that savory sweetness that balances out the richness of the beef.
Garlic (3 Cloves, Minced)

Garlic gives the soup an aromatic and slightly pungent undertone. Its subtle heat infuses the broth with flavor as it simmers.
Carrots (2 Medium, Peeled And Chopped)

Sweet carrots add a nice texture and color to the soup while bringing in natural sweetness that complements the savory notes of the beef.
Celery (2 Stalks, Chopped)

Celery’s crispness adds freshness, while its mild flavor blends perfectly with the other vegetables.
Beef Broth (4 Cups)

A rich beef broth is essential to form the base of the soup. It provides the deep, savory flavor that brings everything together.
Diced Tomatoes (1 Can, 14.5 Oz)

Tomatoes offer a subtle acidity and natural sweetness that balance the richness of the beef, plus they contribute to the beautiful color of the soup.
Potatoes (2 Medium, Diced)

Potatoes bring a hearty, filling element to the soup and soak up the delicious broth. You can use russet or Yukon gold potatoes.
Worcestershire Sauce (2 Tablespoons)

This adds umami, depth, and a slight tang that enhances the overall flavor of the broth.
Bay Leaves (2)

Bay leaves are an essential addition for their mild, earthy flavor. Just be sure to remove them before serving!
Salt And Black Pepper (to Taste)

Seasoning is key! Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust as you go.
Fresh Parsley (optional, For Garnish)

Fresh herbs bring a pop of color and freshness to the soup once it’s done. It’s an optional touch but can really elevate the presentation.

Cooking Instructions

The beauty of this soup lies in how easy it is to make. Here’s how to bring all those ingredients together:

Prepare The Cube Steaks

Cut the cube steaks into bite-sized pieces. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Once the oil is hot, sear the cube steak pieces in batches, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as it’ll prevent proper searing. Once browned, set the steak pieces aside.
Sauté The Vegetables

In the same pot, lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Add The Liquid

Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, making sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (they add flavor!). Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
Simmer The Soup

Return the seared cube steak pieces to the pot. Add the diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour. The potatoes should be tender, and the beef will be perfectly cooked, falling apart with every spoonful.
Final Touches

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Discard the bay leaves. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley, and enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup plays a specific role, not just in terms of flavor, but in texture and heartiness. Here’s a closer look at why each is important:

Cube Steak: As the central protein, cube steak provides a rich, beefy flavor. The tenderization process makes it an ideal candidate for slow cooking, allowing it to break down and become tender in the soup’s broth.
Vegetables (Onions, Carrots, Celery): These ingredients create a balanced flavor base, contributing savory sweetness (onions), freshness (celery), and earthy sweetness (carrots) to the dish.
Beef Broth: The base of the soup, beef broth adds richness and helps to carry the flavors of the other ingredients. Using a high-quality broth or even making your own will elevate the final taste.
Tomatoes: A subtle acidity from the tomatoes balances the richness of the beef, creating a harmonious flavor profile that keeps the soup from feeling too heavy.
Potatoes: These help to bulk up the soup, adding texture and heartiness. They absorb all the flavors of the broth and become a comforting part of every spoonful.

Expert Tips

Sear the Beef Properly: The caramelization that happens during searing adds a ton of flavor. Don’t rush this step! A good sear gives the soup a deeper, richer taste.
Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add or swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand. Turnips, parsnips, or peas are great alternatives to carrots and celery.
Let It Rest: Soups often taste even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make it a day ahead. The flavors meld and deepen as it sits.
Control the Thickness: If you want a thicker soup, you can mash a portion of the potatoes directly in the pot before serving to thicken the broth. Or, you can reduce the soup further by simmering it uncovered.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary can add a fragrant note to the soup when sprinkled on top just before serving.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Cube Steak Soup: Add some heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños. This will add a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the beef.
Vegetarian Version: For a meatless version, omit the cube steak and use a plant-based protein like lentils or mushrooms. The hearty vegetables and broth still make for an incredibly flavorful soup.
Tomato Paste Option: If you love a more tomato-forward flavor, add a tablespoon or two of tomato paste for extra richness and depth in the broth.
Slow Cooker Version: Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Set on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours for a hands-off version.

Final Words

Cube Steak Soup is the kind of meal that fills you up, warms your soul, and comforts you after a long day. It’s the perfect mix of rich, savory beef, tender vegetables, and a deeply flavorful broth. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or making a big batch to enjoy throughout the week, this soup will not disappoint. And because it’s so customizable, you can tweak it to suit your personal taste and preferences.

Cube Steak Soup Recipe