Go Back
Finished bowl of soup bones beef soup with fresh parsley

Hearty Soup Bones Beef Soup

This cozy, flavorful beef soup transforms humble soup bones into a rich, hearty dish perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender meat, wholesome veggies, and a collagen-rich broth, it’s comfort food at its finest plus, it doubles as a bone broth base!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Custom Time5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Large pot (or slow cooker/pressure cooker)
  • Wooden spoon​
  • Tongs
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Ladle

Ingredients
  

  • 2-3 lbs soup bones beef marrow bones, knuckle bones, or oxtail – fresh from the butcher
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for roasting and sautéing
  • 1 large onion chopped – about 1 cup
  • 3 carrots sliced – about 1.5 cups
  • 3 celery stalks chopped – about 1 cup
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 8 cups water or low-sodium beef broth for extra flavor
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 cup barley optional – or diced potatoes for heartiness
  • Fresh parsley chopped – for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Roast the Soup Bones – Get That Flavor Going
    Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the soup bones beef on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and roast for 30–40 minutes until golden brown. This step caramelizes the bones for a deeper, richer taste don’t skip it! If they smoke, lower the heat to 375°F.
  • Sauté the Veggies – Build the Base
    In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant. Let the onions turn translucent for that sweet, cozy vibe.
  • Add Flavor Boosters – Wake Up the Pot
    Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for 1–2 minutes to release their flavors. Toss in the roasted soup bones they’re ready to work their magic! If the paste sticks, splash in a bit of water to deglaze.
  • Simmer to Perfection – Let It Meld
    Pour in 8 cups of water or beef broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 4–6 hours, skimming any foam off the top. The longer it simmers, the more flavor those soup bones release. Too reduced? Add a cup of water.
  • Add the Extras – Make It Hearty
    Remove the soup bones with tongs. Shred any tender meat and return it to the pot waste not, want not! If using barley or potatoes, stir in 1 cup now and cook for 30 more minutes until tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve It Up – Enjoy the Warmth
    Remove the bay leaf, ladle the soup into bowls, and sprinkle with fresh parsley. You’ve just made a killer soup bones beef soup time to dig in!

Notes

Bone Broth Twist: Strain after simmering for a nutrient-packed bone broth soup. Sip it solo or use it as a base!
Gluten-Free Option: Swap barley for rice or quinoa.
Slow Cooker Hack: After Step 3, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.
Pressure Cooker Shortcut: Post-roasting, cook on high pressure for 1 hour same great taste, faster.
Flavor Boost: Try a pinch of smoked paprika or fresh rosemary for a fun twist.
Keyword beef soup, best beef bone soup recipe, bone broth, hearty soup, how to cook beef soup bones, how to make bone broth soup, oup bones, slow-cooked soup, soup bones beef, soup bones recipes