Hearty Homestyle Beef Soup

Recipe Introduction: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Fancy a proper, stick-to-your ribs meal? you know, the kind that makes you want to curl up on the sofa with a good book? then you absolutely need this beef soup recipe in your life.
Honestly, is there anything more comforting?
This isn't just any beef soup , mind you. we're talking a hearty, flavourful broth packed with tender beef and all the classic veggies.
Think of it as a hug in a bowl! it's like a sunday roast, but in soup form!
A Bowlful of History and Goodness
Beef soup has been around for ages, warming hearts and bellies across the globe. it's a staple in so many cultures, each with its own twist.
This version is a bit of a classic, home style affair, perfect for a beginner cook. you'll only need about 2 hours and 20 minutes, and the recipe yields 6-8 servings.
So, plenty to share... or not!
Why You'll Love This Beef Soup
Apart from being utterly delicious, beef soup is loaded with goodness. it's packed with protein and nutrients, making it the perfect immune boosting meal, especially during those grim winter months.
Serve it up on a chilly evening, or even for a satisfying lunch. what makes this recipe special? it's the perfect balance of hearty, flavorful, and easy.
Plus, who doesn't love a good, classic beef soup ?
Now that we've got you hooked, let's dive into the ingredients! We'll keep it simple, I promise.
Alright, let's dive into what you need for this beef soup . i'm gonna break it down like we're prepping for sunday lunch, yeah? it's easier than you think.
This soup is a winner, especially when the weather is a bit pants. trust me. it's also great when you're feeling like a noodle dish .
Ingredients & Equipment
Right, let's get stuck in with the bits and bobs you'll need.
Main Ingredients
Okay, listen up, here's the shopping list. Get your pen ready.
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . Any old oil will do, but extra virgin is best.
- Beef chuck: 1.5 lbs (680g) , cubed. Look for some good marbling, makes all the difference!
- Yellow onion: 1 large size, chopped.
- Carrots: 2 medium , peeled and chopped. I actually use a bag of baby carrots sometimes. No shame.
- Celery: 2 stalks , chopped.
- Garlic: 3 cloves , minced.
- Beef broth: 8 cups (1.9L) . Low sodium, if you're watching your salt intake. You can make your own if you are bougie.
- Diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz) can (411g) , undrained.
- Russet potatoes: 2 medium , peeled and cubed.
- Frozen peas: 1 cup (120g) .
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp (2.5 ml) .
- Bay leaf: 1 , just one.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Optional: Parsley, chopped, for garnish.
For the beef, look for a good cut. Not the cheapest, not the most expensive. That's the sweet spot.
Seasoning Notes
This is where the magic happens, innit? It's like making my own version of Drunken Noodle Sauce without the noodles.
- Thyme and bay leaf are your base. Don't skip them!
- Garlic is key to give your tastebuds that kick.
- Salt and pepper are obvious.
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of kick, if you fancy yourself like a bit of Pad Kee Mao
- My secret? A dash of Worcestershire sauce. Don't tell anyone.
The goal here is to build layers of flavour. So, taste as you go.
Equipment Needed
Simple stuff, nothing crazy.
- Dutch oven or big pot. This is absolutely essential.
- Chopping board.
- Chef's knife.
- Measuring spoons and cups.
- Don't have a Dutch oven? A heavy bottomed pot will do in a pinch.
Honestly, that's it. it's all about the ingredients and letting them do their thing. no need to overcomplicate things, yeah? if you were to imagine, this beef soup is a bit like a lighter version of homemade drunken noodles , but without the noodles obviously.
So, there you have it. Go get those ingredients!
Alright, let’s dive into making some proper comfort food: hearty homestyle beef soup . this isn't your basic, watery soup. oh no, this is the kind of soup that warms your soul.
Think proper sunday roast flavours simmered down into a bowl.
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place for Beef Soup
First things first, mise en place is key, yeah? Get everything chopped and ready. This makes the whole cooking process so much easier. Honestly, it's a game changer .
- Cube 1.5 lbs of beef chuck into 1 inch pieces. Trust me, chuck is the way to go.
- Chop 1 large yellow onion , 2 medium carrots , and 2 celery stalks . We're going for roughly the same size.
- Mince 3 cloves of garlic . Nobody wants big chunks of garlic.
- Cube 2 medium russet potatoes . And get 1 cup of frozen peas ready.
- Grab your dried thyme , bay leaf , and canned diced tomatoes .
Time saving tip: Chop the veggies the day before. It will save some time if you are on the run. A bit of prep goes a long way, you know?
Let's Get Cooking: Beef Soup step-by-step
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium high heat.
- Sear the beef in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pot! Brown it on all sides. This is where the flavour magic happens . Take your time. Remove beef and set aside.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5- 7 minutes , until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more .
- Return beef to the pot. Add 8 cups beef broth , 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes , 1 tsp dried thyme , and 1 bay leaf .
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1. 5 hours , or until beef is tender. The longer it simmers, the better.
- Add potatoes and continue to simmer for 30 minutes , or until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Boom! Serve hot.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Beef Soup
Want to elevate your beef soup game? Listen up!
- Don't skip the searing step. It adds so much depth of flavour. Seriously, it's worth the extra effort .
- Low and slow is the way to go. Resist the urge to crank up the heat.
- Taste as you go. Adjust seasoning as needed. Get the balance right.
Common mistake: Not browning the beef properly! Or overcooking the vegetables.
Looking for something similar? have you ever tried homemade drunken noodles ? that dish is a taste sensation! we are talking about the pad kee mao recipe .
You can even add drunken noodle sauce to your dishes.
This asian noodle recipes , also known as drunken noodles thai will take you to a culinary paradise. the pad kee mao or the thai drunken noodles are a great twist to the common beef soup.
So there you have it! A hearty beef soup recipe that's sure to impress. It is a great option if you are looking for a great Noodle Dish . Happy cooking!
Alright, let's chat more about this amazing beef soup recipe. honestly, it's so good, it's practically a hug in a bowl.
I've got some notes that will make your life easier. trust me on this. you know?
Recipe Notes That'll Elevate Your Beef Soup
This isn't just about following the steps. It's about making the recipe your own. My best friend didn't like celery, but carrots are ok. What?
Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation
Plating matters, even for soup! a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it posh. i love serving my beef soup in rustic bowls.
You know, the ones that look like they came from a grandma's cupboard.
Consider serving your soup alongside some delicious homemade drunken noodles if you’re aiming for an asian inspired feast. this noodle dish , especially a well made pad kee mao recipe , can complement the heartiness of the soup perfectly.
And if you are feeling lazy you can use a good drunken noodle sauce .
Storage Tips: Keep That Goodness Fresh!
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This beef soup is even better the next day. It really is!
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Easy peasy.
- Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Make sure it's piping hot.
Variations: Let's Get Creative!
Honestly, I love playing around with recipes. Try swapping ingredients depending on the season. It is that simple!
- Dietary Adaptations: Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free broth. Sorted.
- Seasonal Swaps: In the autumn, add some butternut squash for a touch of sweetness. Oh my gosh, it's amazing!
What? you don't want the same dish? try an asian noodle recipes and more particularly a thai drunken noodles . the taste will be an explosion.
You know? drunken noodles thai or pad kee mao are amazing!
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bowl
This beef soup isn't just delicious; it's good for you too. It's packed with vitamins and protein.
- Simplified Nutrition: It's relatively low in fat and high in fiber, especially with all those veggies. Boom!
- Key Health Benefits: The protein helps keep you full and satisfied. The vegetables provide essential vitamins.
This beef soup is more than just a recipe; it's a memory waiting to happen. So get cooking and enjoy every slurp!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sure my beef is tender in this beef soup?
The key to tender beef in beef soup is a low and slow simmer. Searing the beef beforehand helps to lock in flavour, but it's the long cooking time that breaks down the tough connective tissues. Aim for at least 1.5 to 2 hours of simmering on low heat, or until the beef is easily pierced with a fork.
Think of it like a proper Sunday roast patience is key!
Can I use different vegetables in my beef soup?
Absolutely! This beef soup recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or what's in season. Green beans, corn, cabbage or even kale are fantastic additions.
Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly; tougher veggies like cabbage might need to go in earlier with the potatoes.
How can I thicken my beef soup if it's too watery?
If you fancy a thicker beef soup, there are a couple of tricks you can try. The easiest is to whisk together 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water to form a slurry. Stir this into the soup during the last 15 minutes of cooking and let it simmer until thickened.
Alternatively, you could blend a cup or two of the soup (potatoes included) with an immersion blender and then stir it back into the pot for a naturally thicker consistency. Just be careful when blending hot liquids - safety first!
How long does leftover beef soup last, and how should I store it?
Leftover beef soup is even better the next day, as the flavours have had time to meld! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the soup has cooled down completely before refrigerating it.
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup in freezer safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Remember to leave some headspace in the container as liquids expand when frozen, otherwise you'll have a right old mess to clear up!
Is beef soup healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
Beef soup can be a very nutritious meal, packed with protein from the beef and vitamins and fibre from the vegetables. It's a great way to get your five-a-day and feel properly full. To keep it on the healthier side, use lean beef, low-sodium broth, and load up on the veggies.
Remember to check the nutritional information and adjust ingredients to suit your individual needs and dietary requirements.
Can I make this beef soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely, a slow cooker is perfect for making a rich and tender beef soup with minimal effort! Sear the beef as per the instructions, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add all ingredients except the peas and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is very tender.
Stir in the peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It's a great 'set it and forget it' kind of meal perfect for busy weekdays!
Hearty Homestyle Beef Soup

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 4g |