If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate cold-weather comfort food, this Hearty Beef Soup will warm you right down to your toes. Imagine thick chunks of succulent beef, earthy potatoes, and sweet carrots all simmered together in a rich, wine-kissed broth—this soup is a true labor of love that rewards you with deep, satisfying flavor. Whether you’re prepping for a cozy night in or feeding a hungry crowd, this is the kind of one-pot meal that gathers people around the table and turns dinner into an event to anticipate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Hearty Beef Soup is all about letting a handful of honest, uncomplicated ingredients shine. Each one does its job to contribute beautiful depth, color, and texture, so don’t skip or skimp—these aren’t just “nice to haves,” they’re essential to recreating that classic flavor we know and love.

Beef Chuck Roast: Good marbling brings succulence to the soup and gives each bite irresistible tenderness.
All-Purpose Flour: Just a light dusting helps develop that golden-brown sear on the beef and enriches the broth.
Paprika: Adds a gentle warmth and gives both color and background flavor to the dish.
Coarse Ground Black Pepper: Brings that subtle kick that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
Kosher Salt: Seasoning in stages seasons the beef through and balances flavors perfectly.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The foundation for developing rich flavor as you sear the beef.
Unsalted Butter: Adds both richness and a glow of silkiness to the broth.
Shallot: A little sweeter and milder than onion, it melts into the soup for delicate background taste.
Garlic: The aroma and flavor of freshly minced garlic infuse the base with cozy, familiar goodness.
Beef Stock: Use a good-quality stock for the robust backbone this soup deserves.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Wine deepens the broth and elevates the entire experience; no worries, it cooks down beautifully!
Worcestershire Sauce: Brings umami magic and a mysterious “something extra.”
Dried Italian Seasoning: An herby blend that rounds out every spoonful—customizable to your taste.
Red Potatoes: They hold their shape and have a buttery texture, perfect for soaking up broth.
Baby Carrots: Their natural sweetness balances the savory beef and herbs.
Fresh Parsley (optional): For an herbal lift and pop of fresh green at serving time.

How to Make Hearty Beef Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by trimming away any hard fat or silver skin from your chuck roast. Cube the beef into hearty, bite-sized 1 to 1½-inch pieces. This not only ensures even cooking but also means every spoonful will deliver that perfect tender chew.

Step 2: Coat the Beef

Combine flour, paprika, pepper, and the first teaspoon of kosher salt in a large resealable bag. Toss in your beef cubes, seal, and shake gently to coat. This step gives you that gorgeous crust on each piece and helps thicken the soup later on—don’t skip it!

Step 3: Sear the Beef in Batches

Heat the olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high until shimmering, then add butter. Working in batches, sear half of the coated beef, letting each side get a deep brown before turning. Transfer each batch to a plate as it finishes, and repeat with the rest—this patience pays off with major flavor in the finished soup.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

Lower the heat to medium and add your diced shallot and minced garlic. Sauté them in the flavorful drippings until they’re translucent and fragrant, about three minutes. The aroma will make your kitchen smell divine and form the flavor base for the entire Hearty Beef Soup.

Step 5: Deglaze the Pot

Pour in the Cabernet Sauvignon, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift up every precious browned bit (they’re gold for flavor!). Then stir in the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and the remaining salt. At this point, the soup is starting to look and smell like a cozy masterpiece.

Step 6: Simmer the Beef

Add your seared beef and any accumulated juices back into the pot. Give everything a good stir, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and bring to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat and let it quietly simmer for about 40 minutes—this is when the flavors start dancing together in harmony.

Step 7: Add the Vegetables

Once the beef has had a good head start, stir in your chopped red potatoes and baby carrots. Nestle them deep into the broth, re-cover, and simmer for another 40 to 50 minutes. By the end, your vegetables will be perfectly fork-tender and your beef will practically melt in your mouth. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon Hearty Beef Soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if you like. Get ready for the kind of satisfaction only a homemade soup can deliver—grab some crusty bread and dive in!

How to Serve Hearty Beef Soup

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is a simple, classic garnish that lightens the hearty bowl with a pop of green and a hint of herbal brightness. For an extra-special touch, try a little cracked black pepper, a dusting of grated Parmesan, or even crispy fried shallots.

Side Dishes

Few things taste better with Hearty Beef Soup than a hunk of rustic, crusty bread for dunking—try a sourdough or a warm baguette. A sharp green salad or simple roasted asparagus can add color, crunch, and contrast to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your soup in a wide, shallow bowl and float a slice of crusty bread on top, then sprinkle with cheese and broil for a French-onion-soup vibe. If you’ve got little ones at the table, try ladling the soup into mugs for easy, cozy sipping by the fireplace.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool your soup completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. Hearty Beef Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days, and the flavors actually deepen over time, making each reheat even more delicious.

Freezing

This soup is a dream for meal preppers—it freezes perfectly. Portion it into freezer-safe containers (leaving a little room at the top for expansion) and freeze for up to three months. Labeling the date makes grabbing a quick weeknight meal a snap.

Reheating

For a crowd, gently rewarm Hearty Beef Soup in a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. For solo servings, the microwave works well—just heat in 30-second bursts and stir in between until piping hot.

FAQs

Can I make Hearty Beef Soup without wine?

Absolutely! You can substitute the wine with extra beef stock, or try a splash of grape, cranberry, or pomegranate juice for similar depth without the alcohol.

What’s the best cut of beef for this soup?

Chuck roast is ideal thanks to its marbling and tenderness after a long simmer. Avoid pre-cut “stew beef,” as it’s often a mix of tougher cuts.

Can I use a slow cooker instead of the stovetop?

Yes! After searing the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 7–8 hours, adding the vegetables during the last 2–3 hours.

How do I make this soup gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or simply skip flouring the beef and use a cornstarch slurry at the end to thicken if needed.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Parsnips, celery, peas, or even green beans work wonderfully in Hearty Beef Soup—just adjust the simmer time so all veggies are tender.

Final Thoughts

This is the kind of recipe that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and your bowl with pure comfort. If there’s ever a time to treat yourself and your loved ones to a homemade classic, Hearty Beef Soup is it. Gather your ingredients, take your time, and enjoy every comforting spoonful—you’ll want to make this heartwarming staple again and again!