There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with tender beef shank and a colorful medley of vegetables. This Beef Shank Vegetable Soup recipe is a hearty, nourishing dish perfect for chilly evenings or when you simply crave a wholesome meal.
The slow-cooked beef shank imparts a rich, deep flavor to the broth, while fresh vegetables add texture, nutrients, and vibrant colors. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want a satisfying family dinner, this soup ticks all the boxes.
Besides being delicious, this soup is also a fantastic way to enjoy a balanced meal in one pot. With protein from the beef, vitamins from the veggies, and the comforting warmth of a home-cooked broth, it’s both practical and indulgent.
Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite seasonal vegetables or spices. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this soul-soothing recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Beef Shank Vegetable Soup is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for seconds. Here’s why:
- Rich, flavorful broth: Slow-cooked beef shank creates a deep, satisfying base that’s both hearty and comforting.
- Nutritious and balanced: Loaded with fresh vegetables, this soup is a great way to get a variety of vitamins and minerals in every bite.
- One-pot meal: Easy to prepare and clean up, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
- Versatile: You can adjust the vegetables or spices to suit your taste or what’s in season.
- Family-friendly: Mild flavors with a touch of warmth, perfect for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef shank, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 8 cups beef broth (preferably homemade or low sodium)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Soup ladle
- Optional: Strainer for clarity of broth
Instructions
- Prepare the beef shank: Pat the beef shank chunks dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the meat: Heat the olive oil in your large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef shank chunks in batches, avoiding overcrowding, and brown on all sides. This should take about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add vegetables and herbs: Stir in the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly. Then add the bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary.
- Deglaze and combine: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and beef broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot with the wooden spoon to release any browned bits — these add great flavor.
- Return the beef to the pot: Nestle the seared beef chunks back into the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and falling off the bone. Stir occasionally.
- Add remaining vegetables: About 15 minutes before the soup is done, add the green beans and corn kernels. Continue to simmer until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Tips & Variations
Slow and steady is key! The longer you simmer the beef shank, the richer and more flavorful your broth will be.
If you have time, simmer it for up to 3 hours.
For a twist, try adding a splash of red wine during the deglazing step for extra depth. You can swap out green beans or corn for other seasonal vegetables like peas, zucchini, or kale.
If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes into the broth or add a tablespoon of tomato paste when adding the diced tomatoes.
Want a spicier version? Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika.
For a fresh herb boost, stir in chopped cilantro or basil right before serving.
If you’re interested in exploring more delicious and wholesome recipes, check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or dive into hearty options like 15 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1.5 cups) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 28 g |
Fat | 15 g |
Saturated Fat | 5 g |
Carbohydrates | 20 g |
Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
Sugars | 6 g |
Cholesterol | 70 mg |
Sodium | 650 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This Beef Shank Vegetable Soup shines best when served hot and fresh. Pair it with a crusty whole-grain bread or garlic baguette to soak up the rich broth.
A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the heaviness of the soup beautifully.
For a heartier meal, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a warm quinoa pilaf. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for a tangy contrast.
Leftovers taste even better the next day, making this recipe perfect for batch cooking and meal prep.
Conclusion
There’s no denying the comfort and nourishment packed into this Beef Shank Vegetable Soup. From the tender, slow-cooked beef that melts in your mouth to the vibrant mix of vegetables, every spoonful is a celebration of hearty, wholesome flavors.
This soup is an excellent choice for anyone wanting a satisfying meal that warms both body and soul.
Whether you’re new to cooking beef shank or a seasoned pro, this recipe is straightforward, adaptable, and rewarding. Plus, it encourages you to get creative with veggies and herbs, making it a flexible addition to your culinary repertoire.
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t miss exploring other comforting dishes like our Vegan Fall Soup Recipes To Warm Your Cozy Evenings or the robust flavors in Best Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes NZ For Easy Meals.
Happy cooking and bon appétit!
📖 Recipe Card: Beef Shank Vegetable Soup
Description: A hearty and flavorful soup featuring tender beef shank and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT2H30M
Total Time: PT2H50M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef shank, bone-in
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown beef shank in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Pour in beef broth, water, and diced tomatoes.
- Add thyme, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer covered for 2 hours.
- Add potatoes and green beans; cook for 30 more minutes.
- Remove beef shank, shred meat, and return to soup.
- Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 30 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 20 g
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