Steak Soup Recipe: A Hearty and Flavorful Meal
This recipe provides a detailed guide on how to make a delicious and comforting steak soup, perfect for a chilly evening or a weekend treat. It's packed with flavor and relatively easy to make, even for beginner cooks. Let's dive in!
Ingredients You'll Need:
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For the Steak:
- 1 lb beef steak (sirloin, chuck, or round are good choices), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
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For the Soup:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup chopped potatoes, added with the carrots and celery
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the cubed steak with salt and pepper. Sear the steak cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Remove the steak and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the Soup: Return the seared steak to the pot. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the steak is very tender. If using potatoes, add them along with the carrots and celery.
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Season and Serve: Stir in the fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, optionally garnished with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best Steak Soup:
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Choosing Your Steak: While sirloin, chuck, and round are great options, you can use any cut of beef that you prefer. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts will require longer cooking time.
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Slow and Low: Simmering the soup for a longer period allows the flavors to meld and the steak to become incredibly tender.
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Spice it Up: Feel free to add other herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your soup. A pinch of red pepper flakes could add a nice kick.
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Make it Thicker: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked carrots and potatoes before serving. Alternatively, you could stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, but you might need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
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Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes, you can! Brown the steak as instructed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
This hearty steak soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations using #SteakSoupRecipe on social media!