Hearty Beef Soup Bowl

Steaming bowl of beef soup with tender beef chunks and colorful vegetables. Save
Steaming bowl of beef soup with tender beef chunks and colorful vegetables. | dianerecipes.com

This hearty soup features tender cubes of beef simmered slowly with a mix of root vegetables including carrots, celery, potatoes, and green beans. Aromatic herbs like thyme and parsley enhance the depth of flavor, while garlic and onion add a savory base. The slow cooking process melds all ingredients into a warm, satisfying dish ideal for colder weather. Optional steps like browning the beef and adding tomato paste deepen the richness. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal that comforts and nourishes.

Discovering this beef soup on a chilly autumn evening quickly turned it into my cozy go-to when the weather called for something hearty and soul-warming

I still remember the first time unexpected guests popped in and this soup was bubbling gently on the stove, ready to impress without any fuss

Ingredients

  • Beef chuck: I reach for chuck because it becomes wonderfully tender and rich after slow cooking without falling apart
  • Carrots and celery: These add a natural sweetness and crunch that brightens every spoonful
  • Onion and garlic: Sautéed until fragrant, they build the deep flavor base that makes this soup cozy
  • Potatoes: They soak up the broth's goodness, adding heartiness to every bite
  • Green beans and peas: Added near the end for a fresh burst of color and texture
  • Beef broth and herbs: Choosing a good-quality broth and dried herbs like thyme and parsley makes all the difference
  • Tomato paste (optional): Just a spoonful enriches the broth with subtle acidity and depth

Instructions

Browning the beef:
Warm your oil until it shimmers, then let the beef cubes sizzle and brown on all sides, smelling that rich aroma that promises great flavor
Sauté the aromatics:
In the same cozy pot, soften onions and garlic until you catch their sweet scent filling the kitchen
Build the broth base:
Stir in tomato paste if using, then reunite beef, carrots, celery, potatoes, and green beans for a colorful mix
Simmer to perfection:
Pour in broth and sprinkle bay leaves and herbs; as the pot bubbles softly, the beef tenderizes and flavors meld beautifully
Final flourish:
Introduce peas in the last moments, then taste and tweak seasoning before ladling into bowls of comfort
Close-up of a rustic, savory beef soup, bubbling in a Dutch oven with herbs. Save
Close-up of a rustic, savory beef soup, bubbling in a Dutch oven with herbs. | dianerecipes.com

This soup became more than dinner one winter when it brought my family together after a long day, wrapping us in comfort and conversation

Keeping It Fresh

To keep the veggies bright, add green beans and peas toward the end of cooking—they keep their color and snap, making the soup lively instead of heavy

Serving Ideas That Clicked

Pair this soup with crusty bread or a simple green salad to balance its richness; a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon brightens the whole dish

A Time This Recipe Saved the Day

When a last-minute dinner guest showed up, this soup was ready to shine—it’s a forgiving recipe that feels fancy but stays silly simple

  • Don’t forget a splash of red wine to deglaze for a flavor boost
  • If missing fresh herbs, dried thyme and parsley work beautifully
  • Adjust salt at the end to suit your taste and broth saltiness
Hearty beef soup, served in a bowl, perfect for a cozy, comforting, home-cooked meal. Save
Hearty beef soup, served in a bowl, perfect for a cozy, comforting, home-cooked meal. | dianerecipes.com

Thanks for cooking along—I hope this soup brings you the same cozy joy it’s brought me every time you stir the pot

Recipe FAQ

Slow simmering the beef in broth for 1.5 to 2 hours breaks down tough fibers, resulting in tender, succulent pieces.

Yes, root vegetables like sweet potatoes or parsnips work well and add different flavors to the dish.

Bay leaves, thyme, and parsley combine to give a fragrant and balanced herbal note throughout the cooking.

Browning the meat adds a rich, caramelized flavor but can be skipped if short on time.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste after simmering; adjust toward the end to avoid over-seasoning.

Hearty Beef Soup Bowl

Tender beef and root vegetables simmered to create a comforting and flavorful bowl.

Prep 20m
Cook 120m
Total 140m
Servings 6
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Meat

  • 1.5 lbs beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into 1-inch cubes

Vegetables

  • 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Broth & Seasonings

  • 8 cups beef broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Optional

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for browning beef

Instructions

1
Brown the beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes in batches and brown evenly. Remove and set aside.
2
Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3
Incorporate tomato paste: Stir in tomato paste, if using, and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.
4
Combine beef and vegetables: Return browned beef to the pot. Add carrots, celery, potatoes, and green beans.
5
Add broth and seasonings: Pour in beef broth and add bay leaves, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
6
Simmer the soup: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender and flavors meld.
7
Add peas and finish cooking: In the last 10 minutes, stir in frozen peas. Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly. Remove bay leaves before serving.
Additional Information

Equipment Needed

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or ladle

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories 320
Protein 28g
Carbs 28g
Fat 11g

Allergy Information

  • Contains no common allergens. Verify store-bought beef broth for possible allergen presence.
Diane Patterson

Passionate home cook sharing easy, flavorful recipes, meal prep tips, and comfort food favorites for everyday kitchens.