Name: Beef Soup with Carrots and Radish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb beef stew meat (chuck roast or round), cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 4 cups beef broth (or water with beef bouillon cubes); 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds; 4-5 radishes, trimmed and sliced into thin rounds (or half-moons); 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; Salt to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Optional: 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for deeper flavor)

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If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty soup that’s packed with flavor and just the right amount of warmth, this Beef Soup with Carrots and Radish is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich, savory broth, with sweet carrots and peppery radishes adding a vibrant burst of flavor. It’s one of those soups that feels like a hug in a bowl—nourishing, satisfying, and just plain cozy. Perfect for chilly days or whenever you’re craving something comforting and wholesome. Trust me, this is a soup that’s sure to become a new favorite!

Why You’ll Love Beef Soup with Carrots and Radish

Here’s why this soup is going to steal the show:

Perfectly Hearty: This isn’t your average soup. With tender beef, plenty of veggies, and a rich broth, it’s filling enough to be a meal on its own. It’s cozy comfort food at its finest.

Unexpected Kick from Radishes: While carrots add a natural sweetness, radishes bring a subtle peppery bite that adds a surprising twist. They might not be the first veggie you think of in soup, but they’re an absolute game-changer here!

Simple and Nutritious: Made with wholesome ingredients, this soup is packed with vitamins and nutrients. It’s a great way to get a hearty dose of veggies while enjoying the savory goodness of beef.

Made for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop, making it the perfect dish to make in advance. It’s a one-pot wonder that keeps on giving.

Ingredients

This Beef Soup with Carrots and Radish uses simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create a beautifully comforting dish:

Beef Stew Meat: The beef provides that rich, meaty base for the soup. You’ll want to use tender cuts like chuck or stew meat that will break down and become melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow cooking.

Carrots: Sweet, vibrant, and full of nutrients, carrots bring a natural sweetness to the soup that balances the savory beef and peppery radishes.

Radishes: Radishes add a delightful crunch and a touch of spice to the soup. Their slightly peppery flavor makes them the perfect contrast to the sweetness of the carrots.

Onion: A staple in almost every soup, onions bring that essential savory base flavor.

Garlic: Adds depth and richness to the broth, infusing it with flavor as it simmers.

Beef Broth: The broth is the heart of this soup. It soaks up all the flavors of the meat and veggies and becomes deeply flavorful and rich as it simmers.

Herbs and Spices: Bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper enhance the broth, making every spoonful taste like pure comfort.

Olive Oil: For browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics to develop deep flavors.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking and bring this cozy bowl of soup to life!

Brown the Beef:

In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the beef stew meat in batches (so it doesn’t overcrowd the pan) and brown the meat on all sides. This step will give the beef a deep, rich flavor. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

Sauté the Aromatics:

In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the savory base for your soup.

Add the Broth and Herbs:

Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let the broth come to a simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the herbs to infuse the broth.

Cook the Beef:

Add the browned beef back into the pot. Let everything simmer gently over low heat for about 1 hour, or until the beef is fork-tender. You want the beef to soak up all the flavors and become deliciously tender.

Add the Veggies:

Once the beef is tender, add the carrots and radishes to the pot. Stir well and let everything simmer for another 20-30 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still hold their shape. The radishes will soften but still offer a little bit of crunch, providing a unique texture to the soup.

Adjust Seasoning:

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt and pepper to taste, and if you prefer a more robust flavor, you can add a splash of soy sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice for some extra depth.

Serve:

Once the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together, it’s time to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with some fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, for a fresh touch.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6-8
Calories per serving: 300-350 (depending on portion size)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1.5-2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours

How to Serve Beef Soup with Carrots and Radish

This Beef Soup with Carrots and Radish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are some ideas to make it a full meal:

Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm, crusty loaf of bread for dipping. A hearty sourdough or a rustic baguette works wonderfully!

A Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette will complement the richness of the soup and add a refreshing balance to the meal.

Rice or Mashed Potatoes: You can also serve this soup over a bed of rice or alongside mashed potatoes to make it even more filling.

Cheese: For a little extra indulgence, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top of the soup before serving. It’ll add a nice salty finish.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make your Beef Soup with Carrots and Radish even better:

Slow Cook for Tender Beef: If you have time, let the beef simmer low and slow for even longer. The longer you cook it, the more tender and flavorful it will become.

Adjust the Veggies: If you’re not a fan of radishes, feel free to swap them out for other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips. You can also add potatoes for a heartier soup.

Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to develop. Make it ahead of time, and just reheat before serving.

Spice it Up: If you want a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper to the soup along with the garlic.

Use Leftover Roast Beef: If you have leftover roast beef, you can use it in this recipe instead of stew meat. Just add it toward the end of cooking so it stays tender and doesn’t overcook.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat?
A1: Yes! If you prefer, you can use chuck roast, brisket, or even ground beef. Just be mindful that the cooking times will vary depending on the cut of meat.

Q2: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A2: Yes, you can! Brown the beef and sauté the onion and garlic in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the broth, herbs, and veggies, and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the beef is tender.

Q3: Can I freeze this soup?
A3: Yes! This soup freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy.

Q4: How do I make the soup thicker?
A4: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash a few of the carrots and radishes in the pot to create a creamy texture. Alternatively, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water to the broth to thicken it.

Q5: Can I add other vegetables?
A5: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like celery, potatoes, or even leafy greens like spinach or kale. Just adjust the cooking time for any extra veggies you add.

Q6: Can I use a different broth?
A6: Yes, you can swap beef broth for chicken or vegetable broth, though beef broth will give you the richest, most savory flavor.

Q7: Is this soup spicy?
A7: No, this soup has a mild flavor. However, you can add a bit of heat by including red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or fresh chili if you like spice.

Q8: Can I add beans to the soup?
A8: Yes, beans would make a great addition! Try adding white beans or kidney beans for extra protein and texture. Be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q9: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A9: While fresh vegetables provide the best texture, you can use frozen vegetables if needed. Just make sure to add them during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking so they don’t get overcooked.

Q10: How can I make this soup gluten-free?
A10: This soup is naturally gluten-free! Just make sure the beef broth and any seasonings you use are gluten-free as well

Conclusion

This Beef Soup with Carrots and Radish is the perfect cozy meal that brings together tender beef, sweet carrots, and a surprising pop of flavor from the radishes. It’s rich, hearty, and full of comforting goodness. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter day or serving it to family and friends, this soup is sure to satisfy and warm you from the inside out. Enjoy!

Beef Soup with Carrots and Radish