Harrigan’s Prime Rib Soup Recipe

There are few things in life as comforting as a steaming bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with rich, hearty flavors. If you’re a fan of the robust taste of prime rib, you’re in for a treat. Harrigan’s Prime Rib Soup is a savory masterpiece that brings the best of a juicy steakhouse meal into a bowl. With tender, melt-in-your-mouth prime rib combined with savory vegetables and a rich broth, it’s a satisfying dish that can easily become your go-to winter meal.

Whether you’ve just come back from a long day or you’re entertaining friends and family, this recipe has everything: depth, flavor, and the kind of heartiness that only a prime rib can offer. But what sets Harrigan’s recipe apart? It’s a soup that doesn’t skimp on quality and takes the prime rib from a fancy dinner into the world of cozy comfort food. Let’s break it down step by step.

Harrigan’s Prime Rib Soup Recipe

This recipe is an ode to the classic flavors you expect from a prime rib dinner but in a more accessible, easy-to-make form. The beauty of Harrigan’s Prime Rib Soup lies in its simplicity. It makes use of tender prime rib that’s been perfectly cooked and paired with fresh, flavorful vegetables. The broth itself is an essential part of the dish, offering a balanced base of savory, meaty flavors that tie everything together.

Ingredients Needed

Before you dive into cooking, let’s talk about what you’ll need. The ingredients for Harrigan’s Prime Rib Soup are straightforward but carefully chosen to enhance the beef’s natural richness. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Prime Rib (about 1 lb.) – Choose a well-marbled cut of prime rib to get the best texture and flavor. Leftover prime rib works perfectly for this recipe!
• Beef Broth (6 cups) – A robust beef broth will infuse the soup with deep flavors. If you want to add extra richness, you can substitute part of the beef broth with some of the pan drippings from the prime rib.
• Potatoes (2 large) – Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this recipe. They absorb the flavors of the broth and become tender as they cook.
• Carrots (2 medium) – Sweet and earthy, carrots add a vibrant touch to the soup.
• Celery (2 stalks) – Celery adds a subtle crunch and flavor that complements the beef and other vegetables.
• Onion (1 large) – Onion brings sweetness and depth to the soup.
• Garlic (4 cloves) – Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch.
• Thyme (2 sprigs) – A herb that pairs beautifully with beef, bringing a hint of earthiness to the broth.
• Bay Leaves (2) – These are essential for building flavor in the broth.
• Salt & Pepper – You’ll need a generous amount to season the soup to your taste.
• Worcestershire Sauce (2 tablespoons) – This savory sauce adds a tangy depth to the broth.
• Heavy Cream (½ cup) – This optional addition creates a rich, velvety texture for the soup.

Cooking Instructions

The process of making Harrigan’s Prime Rib Soup isn’t overly complicated, but it’s all about layering flavors. Here’s how you can make it step by step:

1. Prepare The Prime Rib

   • Start by cutting the leftover prime rib into bite-sized chunks. If you’re cooking a fresh piece, you’ll want to first sear it in a hot pan until the outside is brown and crisp. Let it rest before slicing.

2. Cook The Vegetables

   • In a large pot, heat a little olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften and the onions become translucent.
   • Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add The Broth And Seasonings

   • Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the thyme, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook together for 15-20 minutes so the flavors meld.

4. Incorporate The Potatoes

   • Add the potatoes and continue to simmer until they become fork-tender, about 20 minutes.

5. Add The Prime Rib

   • Once the potatoes are soft, stir in the prime rib pieces. Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes, ensuring the meat heats through and takes on the flavor of the broth.

6. Finishing Touches

   • For a creamier texture, stir in the heavy cream and simmer for another 5 minutes. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed.

7. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, maybe with a side of crusty bread to dip. It’s perfect for a cozy evening.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the role of each ingredient in this soup is crucial to appreciating its depth of flavor. Here’s a deeper look:

• Prime Rib: The star of the show! It brings a level of richness that ground beef just can’t match. When you use leftover prime rib, you’re working with a piece of meat that’s already packed with flavor.
• Beef Broth: This is the foundation of your soup’s flavor. It provides the meaty depth that helps balance out the sweetness of the vegetables.
• Potatoes: Potatoes absorb all the savory goodness of the broth and become wonderfully tender. They also help thicken the soup slightly, giving it a satisfying texture.
• Vegetables (Carrots, Celery, Onion): These add a touch of sweetness, crunch, and complexity to the soup. They’re not just filler-they contribute to the overall flavor profile.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This ingredient is like the secret weapon. It adds that umami flavor that enhances the richness of the beef and rounds out the other ingredients.

Expert Tips

To make sure your Prime Rib Soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips to elevate the recipe:

• Use Homemade Beef Broth: If you have the time and resources, homemade broth is always a winner. It’ll make a huge difference in the richness of the soup.
• Don’t Skip the Searing: If you’re using fresh prime rib, make sure to sear it before adding it to the soup. This adds flavor through caramelization and ensures that you get those crispy, browned bits that contribute to the overall depth.
• Adjust Seasonings as You Go: Taste your broth and adjust salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce as needed. This can really transform the soup and make sure everything is perfectly balanced.
• Make it Ahead: Like most soups, this one gets better with time. If you have the opportunity, let the soup sit for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. This allows the flavors to marry together even more.

Recipe Variations

While Harrigan’s Prime Rib Soup is delicious as written, it’s also adaptable to various tastes. Here are some ideas for variations:

• Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when you cook the vegetables. This will give the soup a mild spiciness that complements the richness of the prime rib.
• Herb Variations: Try adding rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a different herbaceous flavor. These will give your soup a more rustic vibe.
• Vegetarian Option: You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the prime rib and beef broth, and instead using vegetable broth and a variety of mushrooms to replicate the earthy flavor of the beef.
• Cheesy Addition: A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top of your bowl can add an extra creamy, tangy element. Cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan all work beautifully.

Final Words

Harrigan’s Prime Rib Soup is the kind of dish that fills you up, satisfies your cravings, and feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s a wonderful way to repurpose leftover prime rib into something entirely new and equally delicious. Whether you’re making it for a family meal, a gathering, or just as a treat for yourself, this soup has that perfect balance of richness and comfort.

It’s a recipe that’s not just about following steps but about appreciating how the flavors come together. So, get ready to dig into a bowl of hearty, savory goodness-you won’t regret it.