Beef Bone Broth Soup Recipe

Introduction

Beef Bone Broth Soup is a nourishing and flavorful dish that brings together the goodness of slow-simmered beef bones and a medley of hearty vegetables. The rich, collagen-packed broth is filled with essential nutrients that support joint health, digestion, and overall wellness. This soul-warming soup is perfect for anyone seeking a comforting, nutrient-dense meal that’s as delicious as it is beneficial.

Bone broth has gained widespread attention in recent years for its impressive health benefits, and making your own at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring you get the highest quality broth. Whether you enjoy it on its own as a light meal, or serve it alongside a variety of dishes, Beef Bone Broth Soup is an ideal choice for anyone looking to nourish their body and enjoy a deeply flavorful, satisfying bowl of soup.

This guide will take you through the steps of preparing Beef Bone Broth Soup, offering tips and variations to customize the recipe to your taste, as well as suggestions for storage and serving.

Why You’ll Love Beef Bone Broth Soup

• Rich in Nutrients: Beef bone broth is a natural source of collagen, gelatin, amino acids, and minerals like calcium and magnesium, all of which contribute to better joint health, gut function, and overall vitality.
• Hearty and Filling: The combination of tender beef, vegetables, and a rich broth makes this soup both comforting and satisfying. It’s perfect for a filling lunch or dinner that keeps you energized throughout the day.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your preferences. Add more vegetables, use different herbs, or change the type of meat for a new take on this hearty soup.
• Good for Your Health: The slow-simmered bone broth offers digestive and immune-boosting benefits, making this soup a great addition to any wellness-focused diet.
• Easy to Make: Despite requiring a little bit of time, Beef Bone Broth Soup is simple to prepare. With a few basic ingredients and a slow simmering process, you can create a deeply flavorful, nourishing meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes (includes simmering time)
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (for simmering)
• Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 300-350 calories per serving, depending on specific ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g

Ingredients

For the Beef Bone Broth Soup:

• 2 lbs beef bones (preferably with marrow, such as marrow bones or knuckle bones)
• 1 lb beef stew meat (optional for added protein)
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 celery stalks, cut into chunks
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (helps draw out the nutrients from the bones)
• 8 cups water (or enough to cover the bones in the pot)
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed (optional for added texture)
• 1 cup green beans, cut into pieces (optional for added vegetables)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (optional for greens)
• Salt to taste (about 1 ½ teaspoons, or to taste)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Bones and Meat

Start by preparing the beef bones. If you’re using marrow bones or knuckle bones, you can roast them for 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to deepen the flavor before making the broth. This step is optional, but roasting the bones adds a rich, roasted flavor to the broth. If you’re using stew meat, you can add it directly to the pot along with the bones.

Once your bones are prepared, place them into a large stockpot. Add the optional stew meat if you want to make the soup heartier with extra protein.

2. Add the Vegetables and Aromatics

Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and bay leaf to the stockpot with the beef bones. These vegetables will contribute to the soup’s flavor and provide a balanced base for the broth. The garlic and onion, in particular, will add depth to the broth.

Next, add the dried thyme, rosemary, and peppercorns. These herbs and spices will infuse the broth with a fragrant, savory flavor.

3. Add Apple Cider Vinegar and Water

Add the tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the pot. This helps draw out the minerals and nutrients from the bones, enriching the broth. Then, pour in enough water to cover the bones and vegetables, about 8 cups. The water will absorb the flavors of the bones, vegetables, and herbs as it simmers.

4. Simmer the Bone Broth

Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. Skim off any foam or impurities that float to the surface during the first 30 minutes of simmering. This helps clarify the broth and improve the flavor.

Let the bone broth simmer for 2 ½ to 3 hours, uncovered, for the full depth of flavor. If you’re using stew meat, it will also become tender and flavorful during this simmering time. The broth will become rich and golden as it slowly extracts all the nutrients from the bones.

5. Strain the Broth

Once the broth has simmered for 2 ½ to 3 hours, remove the pot from the heat. Carefully strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another large pot or bowl, discarding the bones, vegetables, and herbs. You should be left with a clear, flavorful broth.

If you want, you can allow the broth to cool, and then refrigerate it overnight. This will allow any fat to solidify at the top, making it easy to skim off before using the broth.

6. Return the Broth to the Pot and Add Additional Vegetables

After straining the broth, return it to the stove and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Add your cubed potatoes, green beans, and spinach (or any other vegetables of your choice). Let the soup simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

You can adjust the seasoning at this point, adding salt to taste. The broth should have a rich, savory flavor, with the vegetables adding both texture and depth.

7. Serve the Beef Bone Broth Soup

Once the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together, your Beef Bone Broth Soup is ready to serve. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve the soup hot, with crusty bread on the side for dipping, or enjoy it on its own for a filling and nutrient-rich meal.

Tips for Perfect Beef Bone Broth Soup

• Use Quality Bones: For the best flavor and nutritional benefits, use grass-fed beef bones or bones from pasture-raised animals. These will provide a richer, more nutrient-dense broth compared to conventionally raised beef.
• Add More Veggies: If you like your soup to be packed with vegetables, feel free to add more carrots, celery, zucchini, or even leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard. This will make the soup even more filling and nutritious.
• Skim the Foam: When simmering the broth, make sure to skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the first 30 minutes. This will result in a clearer, cleaner broth.
• Simmer Slowly: The key to a great bone broth is slow simmering. Do not rush the process—let the broth simmer for several hours to extract as much flavor and nutrients as possible.
• Make It a Complete Meal: If you want to turn this soup into a complete meal, add cooked rice, quinoa, or pasta during the final stages of simmering. This will add some extra carbs and texture to the soup.
• Save the Broth: If you have leftover broth, it’s perfect for making other soups, stews, or risottos. You can store the broth in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Variations of Beef Bone Broth Soup

• Spicy Beef Bone Broth Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño pepper to the soup for a spicy kick. You can also add some hot sauce for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Bone Broth Soup: If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, simply omit the beef bones and stew meat, and use vegetable broth instead. You can still add the vegetables and herbs for flavor.
• Beef Bone Broth Soup with Beans: For extra protein and fiber, add beans like kidney beans, white beans, or chickpeas. Let them cook along with the vegetables to add a hearty texture to the soup.
• Thai-Inspired Beef Bone Broth Soup: Add ginger, garlic, lemongrass, and a splash of fish sauce to the broth for a Thai-inspired twist. You can also top the soup with cilantro, lime juice, and chili peppers for extra flavor.

Storage and Shelf Life

Beef Bone Broth Soup stores well in the fridge and freezer, making it perfect for meal prep:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to let the soup cool completely before refrigerating it.
• Freezing: This soup freezes wonderfully. After cooling, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stovetop.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Beef Bone Broth Soup

While Beef Bone Broth Soup is satisfying on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes:

• Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with a warm, crusty baguette or a slice of homemade garlic bread for dipping.
• Salad: A light green salad with mixed greens, a lemon vinaigrette, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese complements the richness of the broth.
• Grilled Cheese: For a comforting twist, pair the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic, hearty meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes make a great side dish, providing a lovely contrast to the warm, savory soup.

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Conclusion

Beef Bone Broth Soup is a nourishing, flavorful, and hearty meal that’s perfect for cold days, meal prep, or simply enjoying a delicious and nutrient-packed dish. The rich, collagen-filled broth is not only great for your health but also offers an incredible depth of flavor that is sure to satisfy. Whether served on its own or with crusty bread and a side salad, this soup is sure to become a comforting staple in your kitchen.

With its simple ingredients, slow-simmering process, and customizable options, Beef Bone Broth Soup is a meal that you can tailor to your tastes and enjoy all year long.