Beef Soup Bones with Meat: A Delicious & Easy Soup Recipe

Name: Beef Soup Bones with Meat: A Delicious & Easy Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 255 min
Ingredients: 2-3 lbs beef soup bones; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 6 cups water; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 onion (diced); 1.5 lbs potatoes (chopped); 4 carrots (diced); 1 cup tomato sauce; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp fish sauce (optional); 2 bay leaves; 1 tbsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 3 tbsp tapioca or arrowroot starch dissolved in 2-3 tbsp water

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Beef Soup Bones with Meat is a delightful and easy-to-make recipe perfect for any weeknight dinner. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, especially with kids! This recipe is a delicious way to enjoy beef and is sure to become a new family favorite. My mom always made something similar when I was younger, and it always brought such warmth to our dinner table. I’m so excited to share my version with you. It’s simple, flavorful, and comes together in a snap. If you’re looking for other easy dinner options, try my Marry Me Chicken Pasta – it’s another family hit!

Why this Beef Soup Bones with Meat is Special

This Beef Soup Bones with Meat recipe stands out because it uses fresh, simple ingredients. It’s a healthier twist on some of the heavier versions you might find, without sacrificing any of the flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it with different vegetables or spices to suit your family’s taste.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

2-3 lbs beef soup bones
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
6 cups water
2 tbsp olive oil or other cooking fat (avocado oil works well too!)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, diced
1.5 lbs potatoes, chopped (Yukon Gold or Russet are great choices)
4 carrots, diced
1 cup tomato sauce
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp fish sauce (optional, adds a nice umami depth)
2 bay leaves
1 tbsp salt
1 tsp pepper
3 tbsp tapioca or arrowroot starch (or other thickener like cornstarch) dissolved in 2-3 tbsp water

Ingredient Spotlight

Beef soup bones are key to a rich and flavorful broth. They’re inexpensive and packed with collagen, which gives the soup a wonderful body. Learn more about the benefits of collagen here. Ask your butcher for marrow bones for an extra decadent treat! Roasting the bones before adding them to the pot will also intensify the flavor, though it’s an optional step.

Equipment Needed

Large stockpot or Dutch oven (at least 6-quart capacity)
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring spoons and cups
Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Small bowl (for dissolving the thickener)
Ladle (for serving)

Instructions

These step-by-step instructions will guide you through making a delicious and comforting Beef Soup Bones with Meat.

Brown the Soup Bones (Optional, but recommended): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the soup bones on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until nicely browned. This step adds a deeper, richer flavor to your soup. If skipping this step, proceed directly to step 2. [Insert photo of browned soup bones]
Simmer the Bones: Place the soup bones (roasted or raw) in your large stockpot or Dutch oven. Add the apple cider vinegar and 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor extraction. The longer it simmers, the richer the broth will be! [Insert photo of bones simmering in pot]
Sauté the Aromatics: While the bones are simmering, heat the olive oil in a separate large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. [Insert photo of sautéed garlic and onion]
Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Remove the soup bones from the pot and set aside. (Be careful, they’ll be hot!) Add the chopped potatoes, diced carrots, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, fish sauce (if using), bay leaves, salt, and pepper to the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. [Insert photo of vegetables added to broth]
Shred the Meat: Once the bones are cool enough to handle, shred the meat from them, discarding the bones, cartilage, and any excess fat. You can chop the meat smaller if you prefer. [Insert photo of shredded beef]
Thicken the Soup: In a small bowl, dissolve the tapioca or arrowroot starch (or other thickener) in 2-3 tablespoons of cold water. This creates a “slurry” that will help thicken the soup. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering soup. Continue to cook for a few minutes, or until the soup reaches your desired thickness. [Insert photo of soup thickening]
Combine and Serve: Add the shredded beef back to the soup. Stir to combine and heat through. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the Beef Soup Bones with Meat into bowls and enjoy! For a complete meal, serve with a side of cinnamon rolls.[Insert photo of finished soup in a bowl]

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to help you make the best Beef Soup Bones with Meat:

For a richer flavor: Roast the soup bones before simmering (as described in Step 1 of the instructions). This adds a depth of flavor that elevates the entire soup.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a little heat.
Veggie boost: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced celery, chopped bell peppers, or green beans along with the potatoes and carrots. Looking for a quick and easy side dish? Try this Sausage and Broccoli Stir-fry.
Herb it up: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary can be added during the last few minutes of simmering for extra flavor. Learn more about the health benefits of herbs and spices.
Make it Instant Pot friendly: Brown the bones (optional) then add all ingredients (except thickener) to the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 90 minutes, then allow a natural pressure release for 20 minutes. Manually release any remaining pressure. Thicken according to instructions.
Slow Cooker option: Brown the bones (optional) and then add all ingredients (except thickener) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Thicken according to instructions. For more slow cooker inspiration, check out these Angel Hair Crock-Pot Recipes.
Paleo/Whole30 adaptation: Use arrowroot or tapioca starch for thickening, and make sure your Worcestershire sauce is compliant (some brands contain gluten). Omit the potatoes for a stricter Whole30 version.
Vegetarian/Vegan version: Replace the beef bones with vegetable broth and add a variety of hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and parsnips. You can also add lentils or beans for protein.

Serving Suggestions

Beef Soup Bones with Meat pairs beautifully with a crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside grilled cheese sandwiches or cornbread. A glass of red wine or a cold beer also complements the flavors beautifully. If you’re serving this for kids, they’ll love it with some crackers or a side of applesauce.

Storage Instructions

Leftover Beef Soup Bones with Meat can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before storing. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQ

Do you use the meat from soup bones?

Absolutely! While the primary purpose of soup bones is to create a flavorful broth, the meat on them is perfectly edible and adds to the heartiness of the soup. After simmering, the meat becomes incredibly tender and easily shreds off the bone. Don’t let it go to waste—it’s delicious in the soup itself or used in other recipes. Want to learn more about beef cheeks? Check out this article on what are beef cheeks.

What to do with meaty beef soup bones?

Meaty beef soup bones are a treasure trove of flavor! The best way to use them is to simmer them in water to create a rich broth, as described in this Beef Soup Bones with Meat recipe. Once the broth is done, shred the tender meat and add it back to the soup or use it in tacos, sandwiches, or even omelets.

What kind of meat is on soup bones?

Soup bones typically contain various cuts of beef, often including pieces of chuck, shank, or oxtail. The specific cuts can vary depending on the butcher, but they’re all generally tough cuts that become incredibly tender and flavorful during the slow simmering process. This makes them perfect for soups and stews.

Are beef soup bones healthy?

Beef soup bones offer several health benefits. They’re a good source of protein and contain essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus. They’re also rich in collagen, which supports joint health and skin elasticity. While they do contain some fat, much of it renders out during cooking, and you can easily skim off any excess before serving.

Enjoy your Beef Soup Bones with Meat!

I hope you and your family enjoy this comforting and flavorful Beef Soup Bones with Meat recipe! It’s a perfect meal for chilly evenings or any time you crave a warm and satisfying bowl of goodness. It’s so easy to make, even on a busy weeknight. I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Feel free to share your photos and experiences in the comments below. Happy cooking!