Vegetarian Beef Broth Recipe That Tastes Just Like Beef

If you’ve ever craved the rich, deep flavors of traditional beef broth but prefer to keep your meals vegetarian, you’re in for a treat! This vegetarian beef broth recipe captures all that hearty, savory goodness without any animal products.

It’s a perfect base for soups, stews, gravies, or even just sipping on a cold day. Using a blend of umami-rich vegetables and seasonings, this broth offers a complex depth of flavor that will satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to cut back on meat, this broth is a game-changer in the kitchen. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and can be stored for weeks in the fridge or freezer.

Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite herbs and spices. Let’s dive into how you can create this delicious, plant-based alternative that feels just as comforting and robust as the original!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian beef broth recipe is a fantastic way to add depth and warmth to your meals without relying on meat or commercial stock cubes filled with preservatives. It’s made from whole, fresh ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.

The broth is:

• Rich and savory with layered umami flavors thanks to mushrooms, soy sauce, and roasted vegetables.
• Versatile—use it as a soup base, to cook grains, or as a flavorful cooking liquid for your favorite vegetarian dishes.
• Healthy and natural with no added MSG or artificial ingredients.
• Easy to make in large batches, then freeze for convenience anytime you need a quick flavor boost.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 large carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 8 oz cremini or shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari (use tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon miso paste (optional, for extra umami)
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 6 cups water
• Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley sprigs (optional)
• Salt to taste

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Storage containers or jars (for broth storage)

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop the onions, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Smash the garlic cloves to release their flavor.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly caramelized.
3. Add mushrooms and tomato paste: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes until they release their moisture and start to brown. Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 2 more minutes to deepen the flavor.
4. Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the water, soy sauce, and if using, the miso paste. Stir well to combine.
5. Add herbs and spices: Toss in the bay leaves, black peppercorns, smoked paprika, and fresh herb sprigs if you have them. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Simmer the broth: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the broth simmer gently, uncovered, for at least 1 hour. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes.
7. Strain the broth: After simmering, remove from heat. Carefully strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or another pot to remove solids.
8. Adjust seasoning: Taste the broth and add salt as needed. If you want a deeper flavor, you can add a splash more soy sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika.
9. Cool and store: Let the broth cool to room temperature before transferring to storage containers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Tips & Variations

Tip: Roasting your vegetables before simmering enhances the broth’s flavor dramatically. Try roasting the onion, carrots, celery, and mushrooms on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes for a caramelized, smoky taste.

For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. To make the broth even heartier, add a piece of kombu seaweed during simmering, then remove before straining.

This adds a subtle oceanic umami note similar to traditional beef broth.

If you want to make a quick broth, you can simmer for just 30 minutes, but for best results, aim for 1-2 hours. Feel free to experiment with additional herbs like rosemary, sage, or bay leaf combinations to suit your taste.

Nutrition Facts

*Sodium content may vary depending on soy sauce or tamari used.

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian beef broth is incredibly versatile. Use it as a base for your favorite soups like a hearty vegetable stew or mushroom barley soup.

It also works wonderfully as a cooking liquid for grains such as rice, quinoa, or farro, imparting a deep, savory flavor.

Try it as the foundation for a vegan version of classic recipes like French onion soup or a rich mushroom risotto. It can even be sipped on its own as a comforting, nourishing drink, especially when gently warmed with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

For more delicious vegetarian recipes that pair well with this broth, check out Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating, Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners, and Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals.

Conclusion

This vegetarian beef broth recipe is a must-have staple in any plant-based kitchen. It provides that rich, satisfying flavor of traditional beef broth without compromising your vegetarian lifestyle.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a nourishing broth that elevates your favorite recipes and adds comfort to your meals.

Making your own broth also means you control what goes into it—no preservatives, no artificial flavors, just wholesome goodness. Store it in your fridge or freezer, and you’ll always have a flavorful base ready for soups, sauces, or cooking grains.

Dive into this recipe and enjoy the warm, hearty taste that everyone will love, vegetarian or not!

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