Name: Hearty Beef and White Bean Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, sliced; 2 stalks celery, sliced; 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed; 4 cups beef broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 bay leaf; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil

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If you have been craving a meal that warms you from the inside out and satisfies every hearty appetite, then this Hearty Beef and White Bean Soup Recipe is just what you need. Combining tender chunks of beef with creamy white beans, fresh veggies, and savory herbs, this soup brings together a comforting blend of flavors and textures that feel like a cozy hug in a bowl. Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a wholesome, stick-to-your-ribs dish, this recipe balances nourishing ingredients and bold taste without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white marbled surface holds several bowls and containers with cooking ingredients organized neatly: a large white bowl filled with light beige beans is at the top center, next to a white bowl on the right containing three sections of chopped orange carrots, white onions, and pale green celery; below this is a clear glass measuring cup filled with golden broth; on the bottom left sits a white bowl with three raw light pink sausages; above it is a small white dish holding three piles of seasonings—white salt, minced pale yellow garlic, and dried green herbs; next to it is a clear glass measuring cup with white milk; and at the top left is a small glass bowl full of dark green leafy kale. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, fresh, and full of character, these ingredients form the foundation of the soup’s rich flavor. Each one plays an essential role in layering taste, enhancing texture, and creating a colorful, inviting bowl.

Beef chuck, 1 pound: Well-marbled for tenderness and deep beefy flavor that melts into the soup.
White beans, 2 cups cooked: Creamy and hearty, they add body and an earthy balance to the beef.
Onion, 1 large, diced: Adds sweetness and a savory aroma when gently sautéed.
Carrots, 2 medium, chopped: Brings natural sweetness and a pleasant crunch.
Celery stalks, 2, chopped: Adds freshness and subtle bitterness to round out the flavor.
Garlic cloves, 3 minced: Infuses the soup with a fragrant kick that wakes up the palate.
Beef broth, 6 cups: The flavorful liquid base that ties all ingredients together.
Diced tomatoes, 1 can (14.5 oz): Adds acidity and a hint of natural sweetness.
Olive oil, 2 tablespoons: For a smooth sauté and enhanced richness.
Fresh rosemary, 1 teaspoon chopped: Earthy herbaceous notes that complement the meat.
Fresh thyme, 1 teaspoon chopped: Bright and slightly minty flavor nuance.
Bay leaf, 1: Adds depth and complexity to the simmering soup.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every ingredient.

How to Make Hearty Beef and White Bean Soup Recipe

Step 1: Searing the Beef

Start by chopping the beef chuck into bite-sized pieces. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and sear the beef until browned on all sides. This step is crucial because the caramelized crust locks in juices and adds rich flavors to the soup base.

Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables

Once the beef is browned, remove it and set it aside. In the same pot, add diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables become aromatic and slightly softened, releasing their natural sweetness and creating a flavorful foundation.

Step 3: Building the Soup

Return the seared beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Add the bay leaf, rosemary, and thyme. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about an hour. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the beef to become tender.

Step 4: Adding the White Beans

After the beef has softened, stir in the cooked white beans. Let the soup continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, giving the beans time to absorb the savory broth while lending their creamy texture to the mix. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper at this point to suit your taste.

How to Serve Hearty Beef and White Bean Soup Recipe

A close-up image of a thick stew served in a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has visible layers including large white beans with a smooth texture, and juicy chunks of brown beef, all mixed in a rich, reddish-orange sauce with a slightly glossy and thick consistency. The beans and beef are spread evenly throughout the sauce, showing a hearty and comforting meal. Small black pepper specks are scattered across the surface of the dish. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The right garnishes can elevate this hearty soup from comforting to downright special. Consider sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of grated Parmesan cheese to introduce a fresh, savory pop. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil is another effortless way to add richness right before serving.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm garlic rolls, perfect for dipping into the luscious broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also balance the meal, adding a bright contrast to the rich flavors inside the bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bowls for a cozy feel or use hollowed-out mini bread loaves for an eye-catching presentation that doubles as a side. Adding a swirl of sour cream or creme fraiche on top can provide a lovely creaminess and visual appeal, making every spoonful feel like a treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any remaining Hearty Beef and White Bean Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious than the first serving.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and store for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Reheat your soup gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for long periods as this can dry out the soup, but if you do use a microwave, heat in shorter bursts and stir in between for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans instead of cooked dried beans?

Absolutely! Canned white beans are a convenient alternative. Just rinse them well and add them during the final simmering step, reducing the cooking time since they’re already cooked.

What cut of beef works best for this soup?

Beef chuck is ideal because it’s well-marbled and becomes tender during long, slow cooking. You could also use stew meat or short ribs, but avoid lean cuts as they may become tough.

Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, sear the beef and sauté veggies first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add beans in the last 30 minutes to prevent overcooking.

Can I substitute other types of beans?

Certainly! Cannellini beans are traditional, but navy beans or great northern beans work just as well and produce a similar creamy texture.

How can I make this soup more spicy?

To add heat, incorporate a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables or top with a few dashes of hot sauce at serving. Fresh chopped jalapeños can also be added for a bolder punch.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about a bowl of homemade soup that feels like a warm embrace, and this Hearty Beef and White Bean Soup Recipe absolutely delivers that. It’s a perfect blend of simple ingredients and comforting flavors that you will want to make again and again. Give it a try and prepare to fall in love with every satisfying spoonful.