Beef Shin and Vegetable Soup Recipe for Cozy Meals

When the weather turns crisp and chilly, there’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of soup to warm you up from the inside out. Beef shin and vegetable soup is a timeless classic that delivers rich, deep flavors with every spoonful.

This recipe uses beef shin, a cut known for its tenderness and gelatinous texture when slow-cooked, making the broth wonderfully silky and satisfying. Paired with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, this soup is both nutritious and comforting.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping meals to enjoy throughout the week, this soup is a versatile option that can be adapted to your taste. It’s a perfect way to incorporate wholesome ingredients into one delicious dish, and its slow-simmered goodness will have your kitchen smelling like a cozy home in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef shin and vegetable soup recipe is a fantastic crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, the beef shin, with its connective tissues and marrow, breaks down during cooking to give the broth an incredibly rich, velvety texture that’s hard to beat.

The vegetables add vibrant color, texture, and nutritional value, making the soup well-balanced and hearty.

It’s also a flexible recipe. You can swap in your favorite seasonal vegetables or adjust the herbs and spices to suit your palate.

Plus, it’s an excellent make-ahead meal — the flavors deepen beautifully when reheated, making it ideal for batch cooking.

Finally, it’s a nourishing, filling dish that’s perfect for anyone looking for comfort food that’s wholesome and satisfying without being overly complicated or time-consuming.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs beef shin, cut into large chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 parsnip, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 6 cups beef broth or stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Sharp kitchen knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle
• Soup bowls

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef shin: Pat the beef shin chunks dry with paper towels. This helps in browning the meat properly.
2. Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in your large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef shin pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the meat on all sides until it develops a rich, golden crust. This step locks in flavor. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring to prevent burning.
4. Add vegetables and herbs: Stir in the carrots, celery, parsnip, and potatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to absorb the flavors. Then, add the dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
5. Return the beef and add liquids: Place the browned beef shin pieces back into the pot. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
6. Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Allow the soup to simmer gently for 2.5 to 3 hours. The beef should become tender and the broth rich and flavorful.
7. Add green beans: About 20 minutes before the end of cooking, add the green beans to the pot to keep their texture and color.
8. Season and finish: Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remove the bay leaves.
9. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For an even richer broth, consider roasting the beef shin in the oven at 400°F for 30 minutes before browning it on the stove.

You can customize your vegetable choices based on what you have available or what’s in season. Sweet potatoes, turnips, or leeks make excellent additions or substitutions.

For a slightly spicy kick, add a pinch of chili powder or a dash of smoked paprika, inspired by this Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.

If you want to make this soup in a slow cooker, brown the meat and sauté the aromatics as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Leftovers taste even better the next day, as the flavors meld beautifully overnight. The soup also freezes well — just cool completely before transferring to airtight containers for up to three months.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This beef shin and vegetable soup pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the luscious broth. A side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the hearty soup without overpowering it.

For a more filling meal, serve the soup alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese like Parmesan can add extra richness if you desire.

If you enjoy exploring more comforting meals, be sure to check out our Vegan Fall Soup Recipes To Warm Your Cozy Evenings and Best Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes NZ For Easy Meals for more inspiration.

Conclusion

This beef shin and vegetable soup is a perfect dish for anyone craving a wholesome, hearty meal that comforts and nourishes. The slow-cooked beef shin creates a rich, gelatinous broth that is unmatched in flavor and texture, while the medley of vegetables adds freshness and color.

It’s a versatile recipe that suits busy weeknights as well as leisurely weekend cooking.

Taking the time to simmer this soup slowly rewards you with incredible depth of flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tender beef. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this recipe is straightforward and satisfying.

For more delicious and diverse recipes, explore our collection like A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

Enjoy your cooking journey and the comforting bowl of goodness that awaits!

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