Corned Beef Soup Recipe

Corned beef soup is one of those dishes that immediately invokes a sense of comfort, warmth, and nostalgia. Whether you’ve had it simmering away in your kitchen on a cold winter day or at a cozy family gathering, it’s a timeless classic that never seems to disappoint. The combination of savory corned beef, vegetables, and hearty broth is a perfect balance of flavors that will satisfy any craving. And, what’s better? It’s incredibly easy to make!

Corned beef soup offers versatility, too – it’s one of those recipes that can be adjusted based on what you have in your pantry or what flavors you prefer. It’s a great way to use up leftover corned beef, especially after St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, or to enjoy a rich, flavorful bowl of goodness any time of the year.

In this post, we’ll dive deep into the recipe, explore the ingredients, give you expert tips, and even suggest a few variations you can try. If you’ve never made corned beef soup before, this will be a great starting point, and if you’re a seasoned pro, you may just pick up a few new tricks to elevate your dish.

Corned Beef Soup Recipe

Here’s a simple, classic corned beef soup recipe that’s easy to follow. It’s perfect for beginners but hearty enough for experienced home cooks who want to enjoy the rich flavors of a well-crafted, comforting soup.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 lb. of corned beef (preferably cooked and shredded)
• 4 cups beef broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
• 1 cup of cabbage, shredded (optional but highly recommended)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken, optional)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for depth of flavor)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare The Vegetables

   • Begin by chopping your vegetables: dice the potatoes, slice the carrots, chop the onion, celery, and mince the garlic. Shred the cabbage if you’re using it. The goal here is to ensure everything is bite-sized and will cook evenly.

2. Sauté The Aromatics

   • In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent. This step helps to develop the base of your soup’s flavor.

3. Add Garlic And Seasonings

   • Add the minced garlic, thyme, parsley, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.

4. Add The Broth And Potatoes

   • Pour in the beef broth and add the diced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes start to soften.

5. Add The Corned Beef

   • Add the shredded corned beef to the pot. If you want a thicker soup, you can sprinkle in the flour at this point to create a roux (a flour-based thickener). Stir well and let it simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes. The corned beef should heat through, and the soup should begin to thicken slightly.

6. Finish And Adjust Seasoning

   • After the soup has thickened to your liking, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. If you’re using cabbage, stir it in at this point and let the soup cook for another 5-10 minutes until the cabbage is tender.

7. Serve

   • Serve the soup hot with a slice of crusty bread on the side. This meal is filling, hearty, and delicious.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the key ingredients in this recipe will help you appreciate the flavors even more:

• Corned Beef: This is the star of the dish. Corned beef is typically made by curing beef brisket in a brine with pickling spices. The result is a salty, tender meat that adds a distinct, savory richness to the soup.
• Beef Broth: The broth is your liquid base, and using high-quality broth-whether homemade or store-bought-helps bring everything together. Beef broth complements the salty corned beef and enhances the overall depth of flavor in the soup.
• Potatoes & Carrots: These vegetables add sweetness and texture to the soup. Potatoes absorb the savory flavors, while carrots provide a slightly sweet counterpoint to the salty beef.
• Cabbage: Optional, but cabbage brings a lovely crunch and subtle bitterness that helps balance the richness of the corned beef. It also adds a nice green element to the dish.
• Herbs and Seasonings: Thyme, parsley, and bay leaf contribute earthiness and freshness to the soup. Worcestershire sauce adds an umami depth, and garlic is always a must to round out the savory profile.

Expert Tips

• Use Leftover Corned Beef: This soup is an excellent way to use up leftover corned beef, especially after a big holiday feast. Just shred the leftover beef and toss it into the soup! It will add even more flavor.
• Make It Ahead: Like most soups, corned beef soup actually tastes better the next day. Letting the flavors meld overnight can deepen the taste and make for an even more flavorful meal.
• Adjust Thickness: If you like a thicker soup, use a bit of flour to make a roux, or you can mash some of the potatoes in the pot to naturally thicken the broth. Alternatively, for a brothier soup, you can reduce the amount of flour or skip it entirely.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the soup base. It will add a nice kick that contrasts well with the rich corned beef.
• Use Fresh Herbs: While dried thyme and parsley work great, fresh herbs can take the flavor to the next level. Throw in some fresh thyme, rosemary, or even a little parsley at the end of cooking for a burst of freshness.

Recipe Variations

• Corned Beef and Potato Chowder: For a creamy twist, you can blend part of the soup until smooth, then return it to the pot. Add in some cream or milk to make it a rich chowder-style soup.
• Vegetarian Version: While corned beef is the defining ingredient here, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the beef with plant-based protein or simply loading up on the vegetables. Add lentils, beans, or tempeh for added protein.
• Spicy Corned Beef Soup: Add a can of diced tomatoes, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, or smoked paprika to introduce some heat and a smoky flavor. This is especially good if you’re a fan of bold, spicy dishes.
• Corned Beef Soup with Dumplings: For a heartier, more filling version, you can top your soup with dumplings during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. The dumplings soak up the broth and make the meal even more satisfying.

Final Words

Corned beef soup is truly a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that combines hearty ingredients and satisfying flavors. Whether you’re making it from scratch, using leftovers, or experimenting with different seasonings, there’s no wrong way to enjoy it. The richness of the corned beef, the earthiness of the potatoes, and the fresh crunch of the vegetables all come together to create a soup that’s so much more than just the sum of its parts.