If you have some leftover steak sitting in your fridge, turning it into a warm and comforting meal has never been easier or more delicious than with this Hearty Leftover Steak Soup Recipe. Packed with vibrant vegetables, savory herbs, and tender chunks of steak, this soup transforms simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying bowl of goodness that’s perfect for any day of the week. It’s a wonderful way to breathe new life into your leftovers while enjoying a nourishing and filling dinner that feels homemade and special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step toward creating a balanced and flavorful soup. Each one plays a crucial role in building depth, nutrition, and texture, making your Hearty Leftover Steak Soup Recipe truly stand out.
- 2 cups cooked leftover steak diced: Provides tender, savory bites and rich beef flavor that makes this soup substantial.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the vegetables bringing out their natural sweetness and richness.
- 1 medium onion chopped: Adds a subtle aromatic base that deepens the soup’s overall taste.
- 2 cloves garlic minced: Infuses an inviting pungency that brightens every spoonful.
- 3 medium carrots sliced: Offer a slight sweetness and vibrant color to the mix.
- 2 celery stalks sliced: Bring a subtle freshness and crunch to balance the rich meat.
- 2 medium potatoes peeled and diced: Thicken the soup while adding comforting texture.
- 1 cup green beans trimmed and cut into pieces: Provide a fresh snap and a pop of green that enlivens the bowl.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices: Introduce a bright acidity and luscious body to the broth.
- 6 cups beef broth: The flavorful liquid that carries all the ingredients in harmony.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and deep color.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers earthy herbal notes that complement the steak beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Enhances the soup with a fragrant, pine-like aroma.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances and elevates all the natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and spice to round out the taste.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses subtle depth that lingers in the background.
- 1/2 cup frozen corn: Brings a hint of sweetness and a fun textural element.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Finishes the soup with a fresh, bright herbaceous note.
How to Make Hearty Leftover Steak Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, letting them gently soften for about 5 to 6 minutes. This step unlocks their natural sweetness and forms a flavorful foundation for the soup. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until you catch that lovely fragrant aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 2: Build the Vegetable Base
Add the diced potatoes and green beans to the pot, creating heartiness and texture. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices along with the beef broth, and spoon in the tomato paste for concentrated tomato goodness. This rich, colorful mix will soon turn into a comforting broth.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, black pepper, and toss in the bay leaf. Give everything a good stir to combine the flavors before bringing the soup to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the aromas have melded beautifully.
Step 4: Add Steak and Corn
Now, stir in the diced leftover steak and frozen corn. These ingredients require just a short simmer—about 5 to 7 minutes—to heat through without overcooking the steak. This final touch ensures that every spoonful is bursting with meaty goodness and a dash of sweetness.
Step 5: Final Touches
Remove the bay leaf from the pot, and taste your soup to adjust seasoning if necessary. Just before serving, sprinkle in the chopped fresh parsley, brightening the soup with a burst of fresh herb flavor that ties it all together perfectly.
How to Serve Hearty Leftover Steak Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your soup table appearance and flavor, consider topping your bowl with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Some freshly cracked black pepper and an extra pinch of parsley will add fresh layers and visual appeal that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
A warm baguette or crusty bread is a classic companion for this soup, perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of that savory broth. For a lighter option, a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try ladling this soup into hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and rustic presentation that’s sure to impress. You could also serve it over a bed of steamed rice or alongside buttery mashed potatoes for an extra hearty meal experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Hearty Leftover Steak Soup Recipe actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to blend together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 to 4 days for the best quality and freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure it cools completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid boiling to keep the steak tender and the vegetables intact. Adding a splash of broth or water can help refresh the soup if it thickened during storage.
FAQs
Can I use fresh steak instead of leftover steak?
Absolutely! If you’d prefer to cook fresh steak specifically for this soup, just brown and dice it before adding it during the final steps to avoid overcooking. Leftover steak, however, is perfect for this recipe’s purpose of minimizing waste.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this Hearty Leftover Steak Soup Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Just be sure to check that your beef broth is gluten-free as some store-bought versions may contain additives.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Feel free to customize with vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or even kale. Just consider their cooking times so everything finishes tender and delicious together.
How can I make the soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can add barley or small pasta during the simmering stage. Alternatively, blending a small portion of the soup and stirring it back in will add body without needing extra ingredients.
What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?
Any tender leftover steak such as sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak works wonderfully. Just dice it into bite-sized pieces for the best texture and distribution throughout the soup.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Leftover Steak Soup Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s a terrific way to transform everyday leftovers into something magical and nourishing, guaranteed to bring smiles at the dinner table. I hope you give this recipe a try and find it as satisfying and delicious as I do!
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Hearty Leftover Steak Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Hearty Leftover Steak Soup is a comforting and nutritious way to transform cooked steak into a delicious dinner. Loaded with vegetables like carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, and sweet corn, this soup is simmered with beef broth, diced tomatoes, and aromatic herbs to create a flavorful, satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked leftover steak, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5 to 6 minutes until they soften and start to release their aromas.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add Vegetables and Broth: Add the diced potatoes, green beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, black pepper, and the bay leaf to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add Steak and Corn: Stir in the diced leftover steak and frozen corn, and continue to simmer for another 5 to 7 minutes until heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley just before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- For a heartier soup, add barley or small pasta during the simmering stage.
- If your leftover steak is heavily seasoned, consider reducing the amount of added salt to balance flavors.
- This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
