Total Time
Prep: 20 min. Cook: 1-3/4 hours
This fuss-free steak soup recipe needs just 20 minutes of prep time to make a delicious, nutrient-dense meal. You'll also have plenty of leftovers to last through the week.

Updated: Jun. 27, 2024

There’s nothing quite like the aroma wafting through the house every time you have a big pot of steak soup simmering on the stove. This hearty, contest-winning steak soup recipe is packed with tender cubes of beef, potatoes, carrots and celery in a tangy herb-infused broth.

The best part? It needs just 20 minutes of prep time, making it a fuss-free meal to make any night of the week. Whether you’re craving a warm and comforting soup with steak and potato or looking for a delicious one-pot recipe, this dish has you covered.

Ingredients for Steak Soup Recipe

  • Butter and canola oil: This combination of fats creates the perfect base for searing the beef and building the soup’s rich flavor base.
  • Beef: This recipe uses an eye-round roast as the soup’s main protein. Cutting the roast into cubes ensures tender pieces of beef in every bite.
  • Onion: Chopped onion adds sweetness and depth to the steak soup.
  • All-purpose flour: Flour forms part of a seasoning blend that’s used to coat the beef and help thicken the broth as it simmers.
  • Paprika: Paprika adds a warm, smoky flavor to the broth. For even more smokiness, use smoked paprika instead.
  • Beef Stock: Four cups of beef stock provide a rich and savory base for the soup. Here’s how to make your own beef broth at home.
  • Bay leaf: One bay leaf adds a subtle, aromatic flavor to the soup as it simmers.
  • Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley lends a fresh and bright note to the soup.
  • Celery leaves: Chopped celery leaves add an earthy, herbal flavor.
  • Marjoram: Dried marjoram adds a sharp, citrusy flavor to the soup.
  • Vegetables: Potatoes, carrots and celery help bulk up the soup and add heartiness to each bite.
  • Tomato paste: Canned tomato paste adds richness and a slight tang and contributes to the soup’s characteristic red hue.

Directions

Step 1: Brown the beef and onion

In a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat, then add oil. Brown the beef cubes and onion until the beef has a nice sear and the onion is fragrant and tender.

Editor’s Tip: Browning the beef in batches helps to get an even sear and prevents overcrowding, which is one of the main reasons why meat steams instead of browns when cooking.

Step 2: Add the seasonings and broth

In a small bowl, combine the flour, paprika, salt and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture over the seared beef and onions, stirring evenly to coat. Slowly pour in the beef stock and water, stirring frequently to prevent lumps.

Editor’s Tip: For an even richer base use beef stock instead of a combination of stock and water.

Step 3: Simmer the soup

Add the bay leaf, fresh parsley, celery leaves and dried marjoram. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about an hour or until the beef is fork-tender.

Step 4: Add the vegetables

Add the potatoes, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cover and continue simmering for another 30 to 45 minutes or until the veggies are tender and the soup thickens.

Step 5: Finish with tomato paste

Stir in the tomato paste and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Discard the bay leaf before serving.

Recipe Variations for Steak Soup

  • Add some heat: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few splashes of hot sauce for a spicy kick to this steak soup recipe.
  • Double the protein: Add a can of kidney beans or black beans for extra protein and fiber.
  • Add fresh greens: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking to boost the nutrients in this steak soup.
  • Use different potatoes: Swap out the russet potatoes for sweet potatoes or fingerlings for a different flavor profile.
  • Make it creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut cream just before serving to give the soup a creamier texture.

How to Store Steak Soup

Any leftovers of this steak soup recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Can you freeze steak soup?

You can also freeze steak soup leftovers if you don’t plan to eat it within the week. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Store in the freezer for up to three months.

Steak Soup Tips

Can you use different cuts of beef for steak soup?

Any lean cut of beef like rump roast or chuck roast will work as a great substitute for eye round roast in this steak soup recipe. You may need to adjust the cooking time as needed for tenderness.

How can you thicken steak soup?

If your steak soup is too watery, add a cornstarch slurry, made with equal parts cornflour and water to the simmering soup. Whisk it into the pot and cook until the soup has thickened.

What sides go well with steak soup?

Serve this steak soup in bread bowls to soak up the flavorful broth. You can also pair it with a fresh green salad, buttery cornbread, sauteed spinach or a platter of roasted vegetables on the side.

Steak Soup

Prep Time 20 min
Cook Time 105 min
Yield 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1-1/2 to 2 pounds beef eye round roast, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 4 cups beef stock or broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 sprigs fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 sprigs celery leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1-1/2 cups cubed peeled potatoes
  • 1-1/2 cups sliced carrots
  • 1-1/2 cups chopped celery
  • 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste

Directions

  1. In a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat; add oil. Brown beef and onion. Combine flour, paprika, salt and pepper; sprinkle over beef and mix well. Stir in stock and water. Add bay leaf, parsley, celery leaves and marjoram. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, about 1 hour or until tender.
  2. Add the potatoes, carrots and celery. Simmer, covered, for 30-45 minutes or until vegetables are tender and soup begins to thicken. Stir in tomato paste; simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes or until heated through. Discard bay leaf.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 319 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1112mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein.

Meet the Cook: One of the nice things about this thick soup is you can make it in an afternoon without too much fuss. I've found that it's good for soccer-practice evenings - with our sons 18, 17 and 9, we have gotten accustomed to many of those! -Mary Dice, Chemainus, British Columbia
Recipe Creator