Steak soup is one of those dishes that combines comfort and indulgence in every spoonful. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal that can be easily prepared with a few simple ingredients. Imagine the rich taste of tender steak, simmered alongside vegetables, herbs, and broth, creating a warm and satisfying dish that hits the spot on a chilly evening or when you just need something filling and comforting.
What’s even better? Steak soup is incredibly versatile! You can tweak it with your favorite ingredients, adjusting the seasonings and add-ins to make it your own. Whether you’re in the mood for a more traditional take, or you’re looking to experiment with flavors, this soup can be your perfect culinary canvas. Let’s dive into a delicious and straightforward easy steak soup recipe that anyone can make at home.
Easy Steak Soup Recipe
If you’re looking for an easy-to-follow, no-fuss recipe that gives you big flavors without taking up all your time, this easy steak soup is just what you need. The best part? It’s a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy the soup!
This recipe doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Just throw everything into a pot, let it cook, and before you know it, you’ll have a rich, delicious bowl of steak soup ready to be devoured. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, weekend meals, or even a hearty lunch.
Ingredients Needed
To make a truly mouthwatering steak soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Steak: About 1 lb (450g) of a tender cut like sirloin or flank steak. You’ll want to cut it into bite-sized cubes.
- Broth: 4 cups of beef broth, which forms the base of your soup and adds a rich, savory flavor.
- Onion: 1 medium onion, diced. This adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
- Carrots: 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds or half-moons. They add a natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery: 2 stalks of celery, chopped. Celery provides a subtle crunch and an aromatic flavor.
- Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic is essential for that savory punch and depth of flavor.
- Potatoes: 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed. These will help thicken the soup and make it extra hearty.
- Tomatoes: 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) or about 2-3 fresh tomatoes, chopped. Tomatoes add acidity and balance out the richness of the beef.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and a bay leaf. These classic seasonings will really bring out the flavors in the soup.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the steak and vegetables.
- Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for topping.
Cooking Instructions
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of how to prepare this easy steak soup:
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Prep The Ingredients
- Start by cutting the steak into bite-sized cubes. Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes into manageable pieces. Mince the garlic and set it aside.
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Brown The Steak
- Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the steak cubes in batches (don’t overcrowd the pot) and brown them on all sides. This will take about 5-6 minutes. Remove the steak from the pot and set it aside.
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Sauté The Vegetables
- In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the onions, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes until softened and aromatic. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
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Simmer The Soup
- Return the steak to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Add the diced tomatoes, potatoes, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, bring it to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low.
- Let the soup simmer, uncovered, for about 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
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Taste And Adjust
- Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or thyme depending on your preference.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting goodness!
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this steak soup serves a purpose, enhancing the final dish in unique ways:
- Steak: It’s the star of the show! Choosing a tender cut like sirloin or flank steak ensures the meat is juicy and flavorful. When cubed and browned, the steak gives the soup a rich, savory foundation.
- Beef Broth: The broth is the base of the soup and imparts a deep, savory richness. Opting for a high-quality beef broth (or even homemade if you’re feeling ambitious) will elevate the flavor. You can also use chicken broth for a lighter version, but it will lack the deep beefy flavor that makes steak soup so comforting.
- Potatoes: Potatoes act as both a thickener and a filler. As they cook, they break down slightly, giving the soup a creamier texture. Plus, they make the soup more substantial, turning it into a one-pot meal that’s perfect for dinner.
- Vegetables: The carrots, celery, and onions add sweetness, earthiness, and a bit of crunch. They balance the rich steak and beef broth, making the soup well-rounded.
- Tomatoes: The acidity of the tomatoes brightens up the soup, cutting through the richness of the beef and bringing a lovely pop of flavor.
- Seasonings: The thyme and bay leaf add aromatic depth, while the salt and pepper bring everything into balance. It’s simple but incredibly effective.
Expert Tips
- Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the steak before adding it to the broth is crucial. This step caramelizes the meat, adding a depth of flavor that you won’t get by just simmering it in the broth.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme can really elevate this soup. While dried thyme works, fresh thyme gives a fresher, more vibrant flavor. If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can substitute with 2-3 teaspoons of dried thyme.
- Simmer Slowly: The longer you let this soup simmer, the more flavorful it becomes. If you can, let it cook on low heat for an hour or more. The flavors will continue to develop and deepen.
- Add Some Heat: If you like a little kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
- Use Leftover Steak: This soup is a great way to use up leftover steak. Just chop it up and add it toward the end of cooking, simmering just long enough to heat it through.
Recipe Variations
Want to give your steak soup a twist? Here are a few fun variations to consider:
- Vegetarian Steak Soup: For a vegetarian version, you can skip the steak and use plant-based beef or simply load up on more hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or peas. You could also add beans like kidney beans or black beans for added protein.
- Spicy Steak Soup: Add a diced jalapeño or some chili powder for an extra layer of heat. The slight spiciness will enhance the savory depth of the beef and vegetables.
- Steak and Barley Soup: For a more filling soup, throw in some barley. It absorbs the flavors of the broth and gives the soup a chewy texture, making it even more hearty.
- Steak and Cheese Soup: Melt some shredded cheese (like cheddar or Swiss) into the soup for a creamy, cheesy twist. A bit of sour cream as a garnish would also work wonderfully!
Final Words
This easy steak soup recipe is a perfect way to enjoy the rich flavors of steak in a cozy, comforting bowl of soup. It’s simple to prepare, versatile, and packs a punch when it comes to flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a hearty meal, this recipe has got you covered.
From the first sizzling steak to the last spoonful of savory broth, each bite is a satisfying experience. And the best part? You don’t have to be a professional chef to make it; anyone can whip this up and impress their taste buds!