Italian Beef Soup Recipe

Italian Beef Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish, simmered to perfection with tender beef, aromatic herbs, and wholesome vegetables. This hearty soup is inspired by traditional Italian flavors, combining a rich broth with slow-cooked beef, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and pasta or beans for added texture.

Perfect for cold nights or family gatherings, this dish brings warmth and nourishment in every spoonful. Whether served as a starter or a complete meal, Italian Beef Soup is an easy-to-make recipe that showcases the essence of Italian home cooking. With its deep, savory flavors and satisfying ingredients, it’s a timeless favorite that can be customized to suit different preferences.

Key Benefits

Italian Beef Soup is more than just a comforting meal—it offers several nutritional and practical benefits that make it a staple in home cooking. Here’s why this soup deserves a place in your recipe collection:

1. Packed with Nutrients

This soup is loaded with protein-rich beef, fiber-filled vegetables, and essential vitamins. The slow-simmering process helps extract collagen from the beef, creating a nutrient-dense broth that supports joint and immune health.

2. Rich, Deep Flavor

Slow-cooked beef, aromatic herbs, and a well-seasoned broth combine to create a bold, savory taste. The longer the soup simmers, the more intense and well-balanced the flavors become.

3. Versatile and Customizable

You can modify this recipe to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Add beans for extra protein, swap pasta for a low-carb alternative, or use different cuts of beef to adjust the texture.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

Italian Beef Soup stores well in the refrigerator and freezer, making it an excellent choice for batch cooking. Reheat it for a quick, nourishing meal without compromising on taste or quality.

5. Comforting and Satisfying

The combination of tender beef, soft vegetables, and warm broth creates a filling and satisfying meal. Whether served alone or with crusty bread, it’s perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients to create a rich and hearty Italian Beef Soup. Each component contributes to the depth of taste, ensuring a well-balanced and satisfying dish.

Beef and Broth:

• 2 pounds chuck roast or beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 cups beef broth (preferably homemade or low-sodium)
• 1 cup water (optional, for adjusting consistency)

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup zucchini, diced (optional)

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
• 2 bay leaves
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Additional Ingredients:

• ½ cup small pasta (such as ditalini or orzo)
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Follow these carefully crafted steps to create a robust, flavor-packed Italian Beef Soup with tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef and a rich, savory broth.

Step 1: Sear the Beef for Maximum Flavor

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
2. Pat the chuck roast (or stew meat) dry with paper towels, then season with salt and black pepper.
3. Place the beef in the pot and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned. This caramelization locks in flavor.
4. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate, keeping all the flavorful browned bits in the pot.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

5. In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed.
6. Stir in the diced onion, carrots, and celery (the classic soffritto) and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
7. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.

Step 3: Create a Rich, Hearty Broth

8. Deglaze the pot by pouring in ½ cup of red wine (optional), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to infuse the broth with depth.
9. Return the seared beef to the pot and add beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), bay leaves, dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
10. Stir in a Parmesan rind (if available) to give the broth a rich, umami boost.
11. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is fall-apart tender.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Pasta

12. Remove the beef, shred it into bite-sized pieces with two forks, and return it to the pot.
13. Stir in green beans, zucchini (if using), drained cannellini beans, and small pasta like ditalini or orzo.
14. Let simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the pasta is perfectly al dente and the vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serving

15. Adjust seasoning with more pepper, salt, and red if desired pepper flakes.
16. Remove and discard the bay leaves and Parmesan rind (if used).
17. Stir in fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish.
18. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an authentic Italian touch.

Pro Tips and Variations

Elevate your Italian Beef Soup with these expert tips and creative variations to customize it to your taste while enhancing its flavor and texture.

Pro Tips for the Best Italian Beef Soup

Choose the Right Cut of Beef
For the most tender and flavorful soup, use chuck roast, stew meat, or short ribs. These cuts break down beautifully when simmered, creating a rich broth. If using ground beef, brown it separately before adding to the soup.

Sear the Beef for Depth of Flavor
Don’t skip searing the beef. Browning the meat before simmering locks in juices and adds a deeper, more complex taste to the broth.

Let It Simmer Slowly
For the best results, simmer the soup for at least 1.5 to 2 hours. This ensures the beef becomes fall-apart tender while infusing the broth with intense, savory flavors.

Use a Parmesan Rind for Umami
Adding a Parmesan rind to the simmering broth enhances its depth, giving the soup a restaurant-quality taste. Just remove it before serving.

Balance the Acidity
If the broth tastes too tangy from the tomatoes, stir in a teaspoon of sugar or a splash of heavy cream to mellow the acidity.

Make It Ahead for Better Flavor
This soup tastes even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

Variations to Try

Tuscan-Style Italian Beef Soup

• Add white beans like cannellini or great northern beans for a heartier texture.
• Stir in chopped kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added nutrition.

Classic Italian Minestrone Twist

• Include diced potatoes, zucchini, green beans, and small pasta for a vegetable-packed soup.
• Swap beef broth for a mix of beef and vegetable stock for a balanced taste.

🔹 Spicy Italian Beef Soup

• Add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a mild heat.
• Use hot Italian sausage instead of beef for a bolder, spicier flavor.

🔹 Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly Version

• Skip the pasta and beans, replacing them with extra vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, or mushrooms.
• Use bone broth for added protein and nutrients.

🔹 Slow Cooker or Instant Pot Method

• For the slow cooker, sear the beef first, then transfer everything to the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• In an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the beef, then pressure cook for 35 minutes, followed by a natural release.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing your Italian Beef Soup with the right sides and garnishes enhances its flavor and makes for a satisfying meal. Here are the best ways to serve this hearty dish.

Best Accompaniments

Crusty Italian Bread
A warm, rustic Italian bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the rich, savory broth. Try a slice of ciabatta, focaccia, or sourdough for added texture.

Parmesan or Pecorino Romano
A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano right before serving adds a nutty, salty depth that enhances the soup’s umami flavor.

Fresh Herbs for a Finishing Touch
Garnish each bowl with chopped fresh basil, parsley, or thyme to brighten the flavors and add a pop of color.

Side Salad for a Refreshing Contrast
Balance the soup’s richness with a light Italian salad, such as:

• Classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine and homemade dressing
• Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan
• Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and balsamic glaze

Roasted or Grilled Vegetables
Serve with a side of roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for a healthy and flavorful addition.

Pasta or Rice for Extra Heartiness
While the soup already contains beef and vegetables, you can make it even more filling by serving it over:

• Cooked orzo, ditalini, or small pasta shells
• Steamed white or brown rice
• Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option

How to Serve Italian Beef Soup

 Family-Style
Ladle the soup into a large serving bowl and place it at the center of the table. Provide toppings like grated cheese, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs so everyone can customize their bowl.

 Single-Serving Bowls
Serve in deep soup bowls with a side of toasted bread or a small plate of antipasto for a complete meal.

 Meal Prep & Make-Ahead
Store the soup in individual containers for easy meal prep throughout the week.

Conclusion

Italian Beef Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings warmth and heartiness to any table. With its tender beef, rich broth, and vibrant vegetables, this soup is both nourishing and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving guests, this classic Italian recipe is sure to be a hit.

You can customize it with different vegetables, add pasta or rice for extra substance, or enhance the flavor with fresh herbs and cheese. The slow-simmered broth develops a deep, umami-rich taste that only gets better over time, making it ideal for leftovers.

With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this Italian Beef Soup is a must-have in your recipe collection. Try it once, and it may just become a staple in your kitchen.

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