9 Hearty Beef Soup Recipes

My love for soups is year-round. There’s no such thing as “soup season” for me — every season is soup season! Of course, the types of soups may vary by season to season, but the love does not!

I believe my love for soups stems from growing up in a Ukrainian household. If you know Slavic culture, you know soups are a staple. Growing up, my mom made soups almost everyday so there was always one in the fridge ready to eat. Having a soup at least once a day (or once every other day) has always been a part of my life!

9 Hearty Beef Soup Recipes

1. Beef Barley Soup

Barley is a Slavic favorite grain, so it’s no surprise that it’s in my first beef soup recipe. If you’ve never had barley, it has a really nice firm texture to it that makes it perfect for soup — especially as a contrast to the tender mushrooms. Remember to cut all the ingredients to at least bite-size pieces to get the best spoonful each time.

2. Classic Chili

There’s perhaps nothing that speaks of the changing fall season more than a good bowl of chili. This one is my classic version that’ll warm you right up. Don’t forget your toppings! And if you’re feeling generous, make a double batch and invite friends over for chili night!

3. Cabbage Roll Soup

This cabbage roll soup is the soup version of my favorite Ukrainian cabbage rolls (or holubtsi). It’s full of tender cabbage, carrots, ground beef, cream, and a mix of seasonings. You’ll want to have some sour cream and bread on the side to enjoy this soup in all its glory.

4. Classic Borscht

Borscht is the #1 Slavic soup most of the world knows by name. You won’t meet a Slav who didn’t eat it regularly. The beets and the cabbage are the stars of this show-stopping soup that you don’t want to pass up on.

5. Stuffed Peppers Soup

I have a really huge love for stuffed peppers (if you don’t believe me, check out the blog for all the stuffed pepper recipes!). So, I had to “marry” my love for soup with my love for stuffed peppers, and here it is! It’s the union of your dreams!

6. Shurpa Soup

Shurpa soup is a hearty vegetable beef soup that is popular in Central Asian countries. It is made with beef or lamb meat that cooked to almost melt-in-your-mouth tender. You can be a bit lenient with the vegetables by using your preferred amounts of tomatoes, yellow or red potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Or, try adding more of your favorite veggies like peas or parsnips.

7. Texas Chili

When I first heard there was a different kind of chili called “Texas chili”, I was intrigued. Instead of ground beef, you’ll use bite size pieces of beef stew meat, and there’s actually no beans in this version. Chili without beans? You’ve gotta try it to believe it.

8. Buckwheat Soup

This buckwheat soup is another childhood classic. It’s kind of like the Ukrainian version of chicken noodle soup, except with bone-in beef or pork, buckwheat, and potatoes as the prime ingredients. With a light broth, it’s one of my go-to’s when anyone is feeling a cold coming. Now don’t forget the herbs (fresh parsley or dill are great)!

9. Rice Noodle Soup

My family and I love pho, so naturally I wanted to make a homemade version. But — pho is known to take a long time and my goal is always to make things “crazy easy.” Thus, this rice noodle soup was born. Instead of taking hours and hours to cook, this soup cuts the time in more than half.

More Soups You Shouldn’t Miss

• Chicken Tortilla Soup – Chicken, corn, beans, tomatoes — all the good stuff in one bowl
• Easy Salmon Chowder – The chowder is so creamy and light
• Easy Vegetable Soup – Add any vegetables you want… Green beans included!
• Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana – My favorite zuppa soup with soft gnocchi morsels