Clear Beef Soup Recipe

If you’re craving something comforting and hearty, there’s no better choice than a rich, flavorful beef soup. This dish brings together tender beef, savory broth, and a variety of ingredients that create layers of taste with every spoonful. Whether you’re seeking the ultimate cure for a cold winter day or just want to indulge in something wholesome, a good bowl of beef soup is an absolute winner.

Beef soups have been a staple in kitchens worldwide for centuries. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility-you can make it as simple or as complex as you like. From the most basic recipes using only a handful of ingredients, to rich, elaborate creations filled with a variety of vegetables, herbs, and seasonings, the possibilities are endless.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a clear, easy-to-follow beef soup recipe, dive deep into the ingredients, and even offer some expert tips and variations so you can customize your soup to your own taste. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, by the end of this, you’ll feel confident making the perfect beef soup every time.

This clear beef soup recipe is all about simplicity while allowing the beef’s natural flavors to shine through. It’s a clean, brothy soup that is full of flavor but light enough to be enjoyed year-round. The method of making it involves slowly simmering beef to extract maximum flavor, creating a perfectly clear, savory broth. So, let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients Needed

To make this delicious beef soup, here’s what you’ll need:

Beef Shank or Chuck Roast: 1.5 lbs (bone-in for richer flavor, or boneless for a leaner option)
Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and sliced
Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
Onion: 1 medium, quartered (leave the skin on for an extra touch of flavor and color)
Garlic: 3 cloves, smashed (adds a subtle earthy undertone)
Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons (this adds depth and richness)
Bay Leaves: 2 (for that aromatic touch)
Black Peppercorns: 1 teaspoon (a whole peppercorns will allow a gentler infusion of flavor)
Fresh Parsley: A small bunch, tied into a bundle with kitchen twine
Salt: 1-2 teaspoons, or to taste
Water: About 6 cups (this will become your soup’s broth)

Cooking Instructions

Making a clear beef soup is surprisingly simple. The key lies in slow-cooking the beef so that all the flavors can meld together into a beautiful, clear broth. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the perfect soup:

Prepare the Beef: If using bone-in beef shank or chuck, rinse it under cold water to remove any excess blood. If you have bones, make sure to blanch them briefly to remove impurities (place in boiling water for about 5 minutes, then drain and rinse).
Brown the Beef: In a large pot, add a splash of oil and brown the beef on all sides over medium-high heat. This step enhances the flavor of the broth and adds a lovely caramelized richness to the soup.
Add Aromatics: Once the beef is browned, add the onion (quartered, skin-on), smashed garlic cloves, carrots, and celery. Toss them into the pot and sauté for a few minutes until they begin to soften and become fragrant.
Add Tomato Paste and Water: Stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to cook for a minute or so. Then pour in the water. You want the water to cover the beef and vegetables by about 2 inches. Bring everything to a boil.
Simmer: Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low. Add the bay leaves, parsley bundle, and peppercorns. Let the soup simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours, uncovered, to develop the flavors and reduce slightly. If you see any foam or impurities rise to the top during simmering, skim it off with a spoon.
Strain and Season: Once the soup has simmered and you’ve achieved a lovely, clear broth, carefully remove the beef and vegetables. Use a fine strainer to strain the broth into a clean pot, discarding the solids. Taste your broth, then add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: You can either return the beef to the broth and serve immediately, or refrigerate the soup to skim off any fat that rises to the surface. Serve hot with fresh herbs or a side of crusty bread!

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup plays a crucial role in creating the depth of flavor and clarity of the broth:

Beef Shank or Chuck Roast: The bones in these cuts are rich in collagen and marrow, which break down during slow cooking and add that melt-in-your-mouth richness. They also contribute to the clarity and body of the broth.
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onion (known as the “holy trinity” in many cuisines) create the aromatic foundation of the soup. They infuse the broth with natural sweetness and earthiness.
Garlic: A staple in most savory dishes, garlic here lends a soft, mellow flavor that complements the richness of the beef.
Tomato Paste: This adds a subtle acidity and deep umami, helping to balance out the fattiness of the beef and round out the flavors.
Herbs and Spices: Bay leaves and peppercorns offer an aromatic background without overwhelming the clarity of the broth. Fresh parsley gives a touch of brightness and color when added at the end.

Expert Tips

Clarifying the Broth: If you want your broth to be crystal clear, consider using a process called “rafting”. After simmering the soup for a few hours, whisk some egg whites into the hot broth. They’ll bind to impurities, rising to the top where you can skim them off. This makes for an incredibly clean, golden broth.
Searing the Meat: Don’t skip the searing step! It adds a deeper flavor to the broth. If you skip this, you might end up with a less rich tasting soup.
Use Cold Water: Start with cold water and heat it slowly. This helps extract maximum flavor from the beef and vegetables, and ensures that the broth will be both clear and full of depth.
Beef Bones: If you’re looking to up the ante on flavor, adding beef bones (neck bones or oxtail, for example) will further enrich the broth with gelatin and a thicker texture.

Recipe Variations

Beef and Vegetable Soup: Add extra vegetables such as potatoes, parsnips, or turnips to make it a heartier meal. A handful of green beans or peas will add some freshness to the dish as well.
Spicy Beef Soup: For a bit of heat, throw in some chili flakes or fresh chilies during the simmering process. This gives the soup a surprising kick and a whole new dimension of flavor.
Herb Infusion: You can swap the parsley for thyme, rosemary, or even dill, depending on the flavor profile you’re after. A bouquet garni (a bundle of herbs) makes it easy to remove them later if you don’t want them floating around in your soup.

Final Words

This clear beef soup recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. The process of simmering the beef for hours, watching the broth develop its deep color and rich aroma, is something truly satisfying. The simplicity of the ingredients highlights the quality of the beef, while the fresh vegetables and herbs balance out the richness with subtlety.

It’s also incredibly adaptable-whether you’re feeding a crowd, making a batch for meal prep, or tweaking the flavor to suit your personal preferences, this soup can be as simple or as intricate as you like. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables, spices, or even adding grains like rice or barley to make it even heartier.

Clear Beef Soup Recipe