There’s something about a hearty bowl of beef soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s the kind of meal that brings comfort, nostalgia, and satisfaction all at once. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of trying The Pioneer Woman’s beef soup recipe, you know exactly what I mean. It’s rich, flavorful, and just the right balance of tender meat, vegetables, and seasonings. This recipe is a staple in Ree Drummond’s repertoire, and once you make it, you’ll understand why it’s such a favorite.
This soup is simple yet packed with layers of flavors, making it perfect for a family dinner or a cozy meal to enjoy by yourself. It’s incredibly filling, with every spoonful offering a comforting combination of savory beef and a delightful mix of vegetables. You don’t have to be a seasoned chef to pull off this delicious dish-it’s surprisingly easy to make and gives you a lot of room to play around with your own variations.
Let’s take a deep dive into how to make Pioneer Woman Beef Soup from scratch, along with some tips and tricks to make it even better!
Pioneer Woman Beef Soup Recipe
If you’re in the mood for something hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, look no further than The Pioneer Woman’s Beef Soup. It’s a one-pot wonder, combining tender beef with the earthy flavors of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions. Each bite brings together the richness of the meat, the sweetness of the vegetables, and a wonderfully seasoned broth that brings everything to life.
Let’s walk through this step-by-step, starting with the ingredients.
Ingredients Needed
This recipe doesn’t require any super fancy or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s all about fresh, wholesome ingredients that work together beautifully.
- Beef stew meat: About 2 pounds of beef stew meat (you can use chuck roast, cut into cubes). This provides the base of your soup and gives it that savory, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Olive oil: For browning the beef and creating a rich base.
- Onion: A large onion, diced. It adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the soup.
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced. Garlic brings a wonderful, aromatic punch to the dish.
- Carrots: 3-4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped into rounds. Carrots give a slight sweetness and a pop of color to the soup.
- Potatoes: About 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed. The potatoes will thicken the broth and absorb the flavors beautifully.
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons for richness and depth of flavor. It gives a slight tang and balances the savory elements.
- Beef broth: 6 cups. This is the liquid base of the soup, adding richness and flavor.
- Bay leaves: 2-3 leaves for a subtle herbal note.
- Thyme: 1-2 teaspoons of dried thyme (or a few sprigs of fresh thyme).
- Worcestershire sauce: A couple of dashes, which adds a nice umami undertone to the soup.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, these are essential for seasoning the broth and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Cooking Instructions
Now that we have everything prepped, it’s time to get cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make the best Pioneer Woman beef soup:
-
Brown The Beef
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, toss in the beef stew meat. Brown the beef on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot-if necessary, brown the beef in batches to get a nice sear on the meat.
-
Add The Aromatics
- Once the beef is browned, add in the diced onions and minced garlic. Stir it all together, allowing the onions to soften and become fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the tomato paste to the mix and stir it in well, allowing it to caramelize slightly. This deepens the flavor and adds richness.
-
Pour In The Broth
- Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any brown bits. These bits are packed with flavor and will infuse the soup.
- Add in the Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
-
Add The Veggies
- Once the soup is boiling, add the chopped carrots and potatoes. Stir everything together and return the soup to a simmer.
- Let the soup cook on low for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally.
-
Season And Serve
- Taste the soup and add salt and pepper to your liking. You might want to add a little extra Worcestershire sauce if you enjoy a deeper, savory flavor.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. It’s perfect on its own or with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
Ingredient Insights
- Beef Stew Meat: Opt for cuts like chuck roast or brisket, which are well-marbled and cook beautifully in soups. These cuts become tender after simmering for a long time, absorbing the broth and creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Potatoes: Russets work well because they’re starchy and will help thicken the soup as they break down. If you prefer potatoes that hold their shape better, you could substitute with Yukon Golds.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This is the secret ingredient in many of Ree Drummond’s dishes. It’s packed with umami and brings a richness that rounds out the soup perfectly.
- Herbs: Thyme and bay leaves are classic soup herbs, providing that comforting, earthy flavor. You could also experiment with rosemary or parsley if you like a more aromatic kick.
Expert Tips
- Brown the beef well: Don’t rush the browning step. A good sear on the meat builds flavor and makes the soup taste even richer. The browned bits on the bottom of the pot are gold-they’ll infuse the entire soup with depth.
- Low and slow: Let the soup simmer gently for at least an hour. The slow cooking process allows the beef to break down and become tender while letting all the flavors meld together.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste as you go. The salt and pepper at the end are crucial for bringing the soup together. If it’s tasting a little flat, a dash of Worcestershire sauce can bring it to life.
- Make it ahead: Like most soups, this one tastes even better the next day. You can make it ahead of time and let it rest in the fridge overnight. The flavors will continue to develop, and the soup will be even richer.
Recipe Variations
While The Pioneer Woman Beef Soup is already perfect as it is, there are a few ways you can customize it based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry:
- Add some greens: Throw in a handful of spinach or kale in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. It’ll add some color and nutrition to the soup without taking away from the rich, hearty flavors.
- Spicy twist: For a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. This pairs wonderfully with the savory broth and beef.
- Swap the meat: If you’re not a fan of beef, you can swap the stew meat for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just note that you may need to adjust cooking times to match the protein you choose.
- Vegetarian version: Skip the meat entirely and add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or parsnips. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly soup.
Final Words
Making beef soup from scratch doesn’t have to be intimidating. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can create a comforting, flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. The Pioneer Woman’s beef soup recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly special.
The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. You can adjust it to fit your tastes, and even make it your own. Whether you like it extra hearty or a bit lighter, there’s room to play with flavors, textures, and ingredients.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Pioneer Woman Beef Soup?
To make Pioneer Woman beef soup, you’ll need beef stew meat, carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, tomatoes, beef broth, flour, butter, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also include celery and peas for added flavor and texture.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Pioneer Woman Beef Soup?
The total cooking time for Pioneer Woman beef soup is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, including the time for simmering the beef until tender. This includes both prep and cooking time.
Can I Use A Slow Cooker For Pioneer Woman Beef Soup?
Yes, you can make Pioneer Woman beef soup in a slow cooker. Simply brown the beef, sauté the vegetables, and then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Can I Substitute The Beef Stew Meat In Pioneer Woman Beef Soup?
You can substitute beef stew meat with other cuts like chuck roast or round steak, which are also good for slow cooking. Just be sure to cut the meat into cubes or small pieces before cooking.
How Can I Thicken The Pioneer Woman Beef Soup?
If you want to thicken the soup, you can use a flour and butter roux. Mix flour with butter and cook until it’s golden, then stir it into the soup. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes in the soup to create a thicker texture.
Can I Freeze Pioneer Woman Beef Soup?
Yes, Pioneer Woman beef soup freezes well. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
What Can I Serve With Pioneer Woman Beef Soup?
Pioneer Woman beef soup is great when paired with crusty bread, biscuits, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a sandwich for a more filling meal.
Is Pioneer Woman Beef Soup Spicy?
No, Pioneer Woman beef soup is not typically spicy. It has a comforting, savory flavor with herbs like thyme and rosemary. If you prefer some heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your bowl.
Can I Make Pioneer Woman Beef Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, Pioneer Woman beef soup can be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had more time to develop. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How Can I Make Pioneer Woman Beef Soup More Flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of the soup, consider adding a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the broth. You can also increase the amount of herbs, or add a little Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.