Beef and Mushroom Soup Recipe

Introduction

Beef and Mushroom Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of tender beef and earthy mushrooms in a savory broth. This soup is a perfect meal for cold weather, offering warmth and nourishment with each spoonful. The combination of slow-cooked beef, vegetables, and savory seasonings makes it a satisfying dish that’s ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or simply indulging in a cozy bowl of comfort.

The tender chunks of beef and the earthy, meaty mushrooms create a deep, robust flavor that is complemented by the rich broth. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or pairing it with a side of crusty bread, Beef and Mushroom Soup will surely be a hit with anyone who tries it. With easy-to-follow steps and a variety of customizable ingredients, this recipe will help you make a soup that is both delicious and hearty.

Why You’ll Love Beef and Mushroom Soup

• Rich, Savory Flavor: The combination of beef, mushrooms, and vegetables creates a soup that’s packed with deep, umami flavor. The broth is flavorful and hearty, making each bite satisfying and comforting.
• Hearty and Filling: With tender beef, mushrooms, and vegetables, this soup provides a balanced meal that fills you up without being too heavy. It’s perfect for a family dinner or for meal prep.
• Simple and Versatile: Made with a few basic ingredients like beef, mushrooms, and seasonings, this soup is easy to prepare. Plus, you can customize it to your taste, adding more vegetables or adjusting the seasonings.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: Beef and Mushroom Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Its warm, hearty nature makes it the perfect dish for cozy nights at home or when you need a little pick-me-up on a chilly day.
• Great for Leftovers: This soup holds up well for leftovers. It’s even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld together, making it a great meal for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 250-300 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 10-12g
• Carbohydrates: 15-18g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 3-5g

Ingredients

For the Beef and Mushroom Soup:

• 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat (such as chuck roast or round steak), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the beef)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or a mix)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium for a healthier option)
• 2 cups water (adjust for preferred broth consistency)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for added umami)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
• 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening the soup)
• Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

To start, heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef stew meat in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the beef on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. This step is important for developing the flavor in the soup, as the searing process adds a rich, caramelized taste to the beef.

Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Don’t worry about any browned bits left in the pot—these will add even more flavor to the soup.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5-6 minutes. The onions should become translucent, and the carrots should start to soften.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. The garlic adds a fragrant aroma to the base of the soup, enhancing its flavor.

3. Cook the Mushrooms

Next, add the sliced mushrooms to the pot. Mushrooms have a high moisture content, so they’ll release some liquid as they cook. Stir the mushrooms occasionally and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they’ve reduced in size and become tender. The mushrooms will begin to brown and release their savory aroma.

If you’re using optional ingredients like tomato paste or soy sauce, add them now. Tomato paste adds depth to the broth, while soy sauce brings an extra umami boost to the soup.

4. Deglaze the Pot

Once the vegetables and mushrooms have cooked down, it’s time to deglaze the pot. Pour in a bit of the beef broth (about ½ cup) and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This step helps incorporate all of the flavorful caramelized bits into the soup, which is crucial for developing a rich and savory broth.

5. Add the Beef and Broth

Return the browned beef to the pot along with any juices that have accumulated. Add the remaining beef broth and water, making sure the ingredients are fully submerged in the liquid. Stir to combine.

Add the dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves to the pot, along with salt and pepper to taste. These seasonings will infuse the broth with their flavors, giving the soup its aromatic essence.

6. Simmer the Soup

Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low to allow the soup to simmer. Cover the pot and let the soup cook for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.

If the soup becomes too thick as it simmers, feel free to add more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.

7. Thicken the Soup (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can use a tablespoon of flour to help thicken the broth. To do this, take a small amount of the hot broth from the pot and whisk it with the flour in a separate bowl to create a slurry. Once smooth, stir the slurry back into the soup and let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the soup thickens to your liking.

8. Taste and Adjust Seasonings

Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste. If you’re using soy sauce, keep in mind that it can make the soup saltier, so adjust accordingly.

9. Serve and Garnish

Once the beef is tender and the soup has reached your desired thickness, remove the pot from the heat. Discard the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for Perfect Beef and Mushroom Soup

• Use a Tougher Cut of Beef: For the best results, use a tougher cut of beef like chuck roast or round steak. These cuts become tender and flavorful when simmered for a long time. Avoid using lean cuts of beef, as they may become tough when cooked for a long period.
• Sear the Beef Properly: Don’t skip the step of browning the beef. Searing the meat creates a rich, caramelized flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup.
• Add Extra Veggies: You can customize the soup by adding extra vegetables, such as potatoes, parsnips, or peas. These additions will make the soup even heartier and add more flavor.
• Adjust the Broth Consistency: Depending on how thick or thin you prefer your soup, feel free to adjust the amount of liquid. You can add more broth or water to thin it out, or use the flour slurry to thicken it if you want a richer, creamier texture.
• Let It Simmer: The longer the soup simmers, the more flavor it will develop. If you have the time, let it cook on low for a couple of hours to get the most out of the ingredients.

Variations of Beef and Mushroom Soup

• Creamy Beef and Mushroom Soup: For a creamier version, add ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the soup at the end of cooking. This will give the broth a rich, velvety texture.
• Beef and Mushroom Soup with Red Wine: Add a splash of red wine when you deglaze the pot for a deeper, more complex flavor. The wine will pair wonderfully with the beef and mushrooms.
• Spicy Beef and Mushroom Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. The heat will balance the rich, savory flavors of the soup.
• Beef and Mushroom Soup with Barley: Add ½ cup of barley to the soup along with the beef and broth. The barley will absorb the flavors of the soup and add a chewy texture to the dish.

Storage and Shelf Life

Beef and Mushroom Soup stores well for several days, making it perfect for leftovers. Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

To freeze the soup, let it cool completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove over low heat.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Beef and Mushroom Soup

Beef and Mushroom Soup is hearty and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with complementary side dishes can enhance the meal:

• Crusty Bread: A loaf of fresh, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup. Try sourdough or baguette for an extra touch of flavor.
• Salad: A light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, vinaigrette, and shaved Parmesan provides a nice contrast to the rich soup.
• Garlic Bread: For an extra indulgent meal, serve the soup with garlic bread on the side. The buttery, garlicky bread is a perfect accompaniment to the savory soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes provide a sweet and savory balance to the hearty soup.

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Conclusion

Beef and Mushroom Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering rich, savory flavors and a hearty texture that will warm you up on even the coldest days. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a soup that’s both delicious and satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying it for a family dinner, meal prep, or just because you love a good bowl of soup, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

With the tips, variations, and storage ideas provided, you’ll have everything you need to make the perfect Beef and Mushroom Soup every time. Enjoy the deep, rich flavors of this hearty dish—it’s sure to become a go-to comfort meal in your kitchen!