Beef Soup

As the winter chill creeps in, there’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a warm bowl of Beef Soup. This dish has been a staple in my family for generations. I can still recall the rich aroma wafting through our home as my mother simmered the pot all day long, coaxing flavors out of the tender meat and fresh herbs. Whenever the snow fell, she would gather us around the table to enjoy this hearty soup, each spoonful warming us from the inside out. Over the years, I’ve embraced this recipe, adding my own little twists while keeping the heart of the dish intact. The Beef Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of home, comfort, and warmth, perfect for gatherings with loved ones or a simple weeknight dinner.

What Goes Into Beef Soup

Every ingredient in this Beef Soup plays a vital role in crafting its delicious, comforting flavor. The harmony of these ingredients creates a robust and satisfying dish. Each component, from the rich beef to the aromatic herbs, works together to create a memorable meal.

• 3 lb beef stew meat: The star of the soup; this cuts down into tender pieces that infuse the broth with rich flavors.
• 3 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning the beef and enhancing the overall flavor of the soup.
• 4 tbsp light olive oil: Used for sautéing, this oil helps to brown the beef, adding depth to the broth.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and savory flavor that is fundamental to the soup.
• 2 celery ribs, finely chopped: Provides a refreshing crunch and subtle flavor to balance the richness of the beef.
• 4 cups beef broth + 4 cups filtered water: Creates a savory base that is essential for any great soup.
• 28 oz can diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and sweetness, brightening the overall flavor profile.
• 2 dry bay leaves: Infuses a subtle, herbal aroma during cooking.
• 1 tsp ground coriander seeds: Offers a unique depth of flavor with a hint of citrus.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a warm, smoky flavor that enhances the beef beautifully.
• 2 garlic cloves, pressed: Infuses the soup with delicious aromatic notes.
• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice: Provides heartiness and texture, making the soup more filling.
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Brightens the dish, cutting through the richness of the beef.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds freshness and color, perfect for garnishing.
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped: Complements the flavors of the soup with a fragrant touch.

How to Cook Beef Soup

Cooking Beef Soup is a delightful journey in itself. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll create a dish that fills your home with warmth and flavor. Let’s dive into the process!

1. Start by sprinkling 3 tsp salt over the beef stew meat and give it a good stir; this helps in seasoning the meat evenly. Choose a heavy-duty dutch oven or soup pot for the best results.
2. Next, heat up 4 tbsp light olive oil in the pot over medium/high heat. You’ll know it’s hot enough when the oil shimmers. Carefully add the beef in two batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Sauté until the beef is beautifully browned on all sides; this should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside on a plate. Don’t fret if it’s not fully cooked at this point; it will finish cooking later in the broth.
4. In the same pot, add your chopped onion and celery. If needed, drizzle in a bit more olive oil. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant, allowing their flavors to meld together.
5. Now, toss in the 28 oz can of diced tomatoes, along with their juice. This will add a rich, tangy dimension to the soup. Next, pour in the 4 cups of beef broth and 4 cups of filtered water, stirring well to combine.
6. Return the browned beef to the pot along with the 2 bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer. The soup needs to cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, so be patient while those flavors develop.
7. As the soup simmers, check the tenderness of the beef. It should be fork-tender and falling apart by the end. Stir occasionally, enjoying the wonderful smells filling your kitchen.
8. After the beef is tender, it’s time to add in the 1/2 cup uncooked white rice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 pressed garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground coriander seeds, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Give everything a good stir and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, until the rice is tender.
9. Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from heat and fold in 1/4 cup chopped parsley and 1/4 cup chopped dill. Cover the pot and let it rest off heat for an additional 10 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
10. Finally, taste your Beef Soup and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with more fresh herbs if desired. Each bowl is a warm hug on a cold day!

Tips and Variations

If you want to take your Beef Soup to the next level, here are some tips and variations to consider:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove until heated through.
• Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Pairing: Enjoy your Beef Soup with crusty bread or over rice for a more filling meal.
• Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or rosemary to change up the flavor profile.
• Vegetable add-ins: Feel free to add in other vegetables like carrots or potatoes for additional texture and nutrition.

What to Serve With Beef Soup

Serving your Beef Soup can be just as delightful as making it. Here are some pairing suggestions:

• Crusty bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread makes the perfect accompaniment to dip into your soup.
• Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette can be a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
• Rice: Serving the soup over a bed of rice adds a hearty touch to the meal.
• Cheese: For cheese lovers, sprinkle some grated cheese on top for an added layer of flavor.
• Seasonal sides: In winter, serve with roasted veggies, and in summer, consider a cold pasta salad for contrast.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Beef Soup is a heartwarming dish that captures the essence of comfort food. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for any chilly evening spent at home. I encourage you to gather your loved ones and try this recipe — the warmth it brings will create lasting memories around your dinner table.

Beef Soup

The ultimate comfort food during winter, this Beef Soup is rich, hearty, and perfect for warming you up. With tender chunks of beef simmered in a savory broth with fresh herbs, it's an easy weeknight dinner that your family will love. Make it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 lb beef stew meat
• 3 tsp salt
• 4 tbsp light olive oil or any cooking oil, divided
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
• 4 cups beef broth
• 4 cups filtered water
• 28 oz can diced tomatoes
• 2 dry bay leaves
• 1 tsp ground coriander seeds
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed
• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice I used Jasmine
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice from 1 medium lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped plus more to serve
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped plus more to serve

Equipment

• Oven
• Skillet
• Large Pot
• Saucepan
• Chef's Knife
• Cutting Board
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Sprinkle beef stew meat with 3 tsp salt and stir. Heat dutch oven or soup pot over medium/high heat and add 4 tbsp light olive oil. Once oil is hot, add beef in 2 batches, sautéing until browned on all sides. Remove from pot and set aside. Don't worry about cooking it through.
2. Add chopped onion and celery with more oil as needed. Sauté for 5 min until softened.
3. Add canned tomatoes with their juice, 4 cups beef broth, 4 cups filtered water, 2 bay leaves, and browned beef. Bring to a boil then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours or until beef is tender.
4. Add 1/2 cup uncooked white rice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 pressed garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Cover and simmer for 20 min or until rice is tender.
5. Remove from heat and add 1/4 cup fresh parsley and 1/4 cup fresh dill. Cover and let sit off heat for another 10 min before serving. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve with more fresh herbs as desired.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove until heated through.
• Tip 2: This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Tip 3: Enjoy your Beef Soup with crusty bread or over rice for a more filling meal.
• Tip 4: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or rosemary to change up the flavor profile.
• Tip 5: Feel free to add in other vegetables like carrots or potatoes for additional texture and nutrition.

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Meet Harper Dean

I love the creative challenge of making weeknight dinners feel special without the fuss. I work alongside the team to develop and test recipes that are reliable but never dull. I prepared this meal in my own kitchen, refining the steps to make sure your cooking experience is smooth, fun, and delicious.