Hearty Beef Soup Recipe

When the cold weather sets in, nothing beats the warmth and comfort of a hearty, home-cooked soup. Beef soup, in particular, is a classic comfort food that offers rich flavors, satisfying textures, and the kind of nourishment that makes you feel good all over. The combination of tender beef, savory broth, and fresh vegetables is a timeless favorite. But what makes a beef soup truly hearty is the balance of all its ingredients, from the richness of the beef to the slight crunch of vegetables and the layers of seasoning that bring it all together.

In this guide, we’re going to break down an easy-to-follow, foolproof recipe for a hearty beef soup that you can whip up at home. Not only will you learn how to make this delightful dish, but we’ll also dive into ingredient insights, expert tips, and some variations to make the recipe your own. Whether you’re looking to make it your signature dish or just want a wholesome, filling meal, this beef soup recipe has you covered!

Hearty Beef Soup Recipe

Here’s a recipe for a beef soup that is perfect for a chilly evening. It’s got the right mix of rich flavors, tender beef, and hearty vegetables. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on what’s in your pantry or what your family enjoys.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 lb beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing the beef)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water (for extra liquid)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end for color and texture)
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. Sear The Beef

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the beef stew meat and sear it until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes).
   • Don’t crowd the beef; if necessary, do it in batches. Once seared, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.

2. Sauté The Aromatics

   • In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
   • Toss in the diced onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant (about 3 minutes).

3. Add The Vegetables

   • Add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, and cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine.

4. Simmer The Soup

   • Return the seared beef to the pot.
   • Pour in the beef broth, water, and diced tomatoes (with their juice).
   • Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil.
   • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 45-60 minutes. Stir occasionally and check that the beef is tender.

5. Add Peas And Adjust Seasoning

   • About 10 minutes before the soup is done, add the frozen peas.
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

6. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with warm bread or crackers on the side.

Ingredient Insights

• Beef stew meat: This cut of beef comes from the tougher parts of the cow (usually the chuck or round), making it perfect for slow-cooking in soups. As it simmers, the connective tissues break down, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.
• Beef broth: Using beef broth as the base gives the soup a rich, meaty flavor. You can opt for homemade broth for an even deeper taste or use store-bought for convenience.
• Root vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and celery are staples in beef soups because they provide both texture and nutrition. The carrots bring natural sweetness, the potatoes add substance, and the celery gives a subtle crunch.
• Herbs and spices: Thyme and rosemary are earthy herbs that complement beef wonderfully. The bay leaf enhances the overall depth of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Frozen peas: These are added at the end to retain their bright green color and fresh flavor, which contrasts beautifully with the richness of the broth.

Expert Tips

• Browning the beef: Don’t skip the step of browning the beef. It’s what builds the flavor foundation of your soup. The caramelized bits left in the pot after searing will get incorporated into the broth, adding a deep richness to the soup.
• Simmer time: Patience is key! Letting the soup simmer on low heat for an extended period will break down the beef and vegetables, making everything tender and flavorful. If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the process with a pressure cooker or slow cooker.
• Thickening the soup: If you like a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot or use a potato masher to break down a few. This will naturally thicken the broth without needing any extra flour or cornstarch.
• Seasoning: Taste your soup several times during cooking. Sometimes, adding an extra pinch of salt or a dash of pepper can make a big difference, especially if you’re using low-sodium broth.

Recipe Variations

• Add greens: For an extra nutritional boost, throw in some fresh spinach or kale in the last 10 minutes of cooking. These greens wilt nicely into the broth without overpowering the dish.
• Tomato-based twist: If you prefer a more tomato-forward flavor, add a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste when sautéing the onions and garlic. This will deepen the tomato flavor in the soup.
• Spicy version: Spice things up by adding a diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes when you add the garlic and onions. This will give the soup a gentle heat that contrasts with the beef’s richness.
• Herb variation: Try using fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil for a lighter, fresher version. You can also swap out rosemary for oregano if you want something a little more aromatic.

Final Words

This hearty beef soup is more than just a meal-it’s an experience. The process of simmering the beef and vegetables together is like creating an edible hug. The flavors meld over time, creating a comforting, hearty dish that feels like home in every bite. The best part is how customizable it is-whether you’re sticking with the classic ingredients or experimenting with variations, this soup is as versatile as it is delicious.