This delightful Borscht Soup with Beef comes together in about 2 hours and is made all in one pot for a easy weeknight meal that your family will love! Switch up the vegetables to suit your taste or use it as a ”clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftover veggies. It’s one of those recipes that warms your heart and fills your belly, perfect for any chilly evening!

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Hearty Borscht Soup

Here’s what you need to make this remarkably delicious soup:

2 pounds bone-in short ribs (4 short ribs) : I love using short ribs because they add a deep, rich flavor that’s hard to beat. You could substitute beef chuck or even beef shank if you prefer. Just remember that the cooking time may change slightly.
16 cups water : This will be the base of our soup. You can use beef broth for a richer flavor, but I prefer water since it allows the natural flavors of the vegetables and meat to shine through.
1 medium onion (diced) : Onions are essential for building flavor. I recommend using a yellow onion for its balanced sweetness, but you could use a red onion for a slightly different taste.
2 cups beets (grated; about 2 small or 1 large) : Beets give this soup its beautiful color and a slightly sweet, earthy flavor. Don’t worry if you’re not a fan of beets, these can be swapped for carrots to ramp up the sweetness level.
2 cups carrots (grated; about 2 medium) : Carrots add a sweet note that perfectly balances the flavors. You can use any color of carrot purple, yellow, or classic orange!
2 tablespoons tomato paste : This ingredient will deepen the flavor and add a bit of acidity to the soup. If you don’t have tomato paste, crushed tomatoes will work well, just use about half a cup.
Salt to taste : A couple pinches is all you really need here, but keep in mind you can always adjust at the end.
4 cups cabbage (shredded) : Cabbage gives this soup a lovely crunch and texture. Opt for green or purple cabbage depending on your preference, or even add a handful of kale for a health boost!
4 potatoes (diced) : Potatoes add heartiness to the soup. You can use pretty much any kind of potato, but I’m partial to Yukon Gold for their creamy texture.
1 teaspoon sugar : The sugar really balances the acidity and enhances the sweetness of the beets and vegetables. You can omit this if you’re cutting back on sugar.
1 cup parsley (chopped) & 1 cup dill (chopped) : Fresh herbs keep the soup vibrant! If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried will do, but start with less about a tablespoon of each, since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Sour cream (for serving; skip if following Whole 30 or dairy-free diets) : A dollop adds a creamy, tangy touch that complements the tanginess of the beets beautifully.

Let’s Get Cooking! How to Make Borscht Soup with Beef

Alright, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into this comforting bowl of love.

Sear the Short Ribs: Preheat a large skillet on high heat. Add your short ribs and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned. This step is crucial for developing tons of flavor, so don’t skip it! If you want to take it up a notch, scrape the yummy bits off the bottom of the pan when you’re done.
Simmer the Broth: Once browned, transfer the short ribs into a large pot and add 16 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the meat is so tender it practically falls off the bone.
Prepare the Veggies: While your beef simmers away, chop the onion, and grate the carrots and beets. Don’t be afraid to get a bit messy, cooking is more fun that way!
Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet you used for the short ribs, keep the remaining fat in there, it holds a lot of flavor! Add the diced onion and cook over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes translucent and golden in color. Add the grated carrots and beets, and stir frequently for another 10 minutes.
Incorporate Tomato Paste: Stir in the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, along with a teaspoon of salt and sugar. Cook for an additional 10 minutes until everything is nice and fragrant.
Finish the Broth: By this point, your meat should be ready! Remove the short ribs from the pot and add 4 cups of shredded cabbage and 4 diced potatoes to the broth. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Combine Everything: Once the potatoes are cooked, add the onion/carrot/beet mixture you’ve prepared along with 1 cup each of chopped parsley and dill. Cook for another 10 minutes together oh, the smell in the kitchen will be absolutely heavenly!
Shred the Meat: Now, take out the meat, shred it, and separate it from the bones and fat. What a lovely sight! Return the shredded meat to the pot and give it a good stir.
Final Touches: Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the soup sit for another 10-15 minutes. This step lets all those flavors mingle. And trust me, you’ll want to let it sit!
Serve it Up: When you’re ready to serve, ladle at least one scoop of this colorful soup into a bowl. Top it off with a generous dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of extra chopped dill.

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when the weather gets chilly, or when I simply crave comfort food that warms my soul. Plus, it’s a family favorite, every single time I make it, my kids think it’s the best thing ever (and so do I!). The best part? You can use whatever you’ve got on hand; it’s super versatile. I’m a real sucker for recipes that can flex and adapt!

If you loved this Borscht Soup with Beef, be sure to check out my Creamy Crack Chicken Soup, my Beet Soup, or my Savory Soup Rice!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This Borscht soup is quick and easy, coming together all in one pot. You can have a delicious meal on the table within just 2 hours, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Comforting

Nothing says comfort food quite like a warm bowl of soup loaded with beef and vegetables. The rich flavors of the meat meld perfectly with the sweet and tangy notes of the beets honestly, it’s one of those meals that just feels like a hug!

Customizable

One of my favorite aspects of this recipe? It’s completely customizable! If you have other vegetables lying around, like bell peppers or zucchini, feel free to toss those in. You could even switch out the meat for turkey or go vegetarian with some beans.

Meal Prep Friendly

This soup is great for meal prep! You can make a big batch ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It also freezes beautifully, just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

Kid-Friendly

Kids adore this soup! With its vibrant colors and different textures, it’s exciting to eat. Plus, they might just enjoy topping their bowls with a big swirl of sour cream!

Serving and Storage Tips

What to Serve With This

Honestly, this Borscht soup can stand alone just fine, but a nice crusty bread or some buttered whole-grain rolls are perfect companions for soaking up the delicious juices. You could also serve it with a crunchy green salad for a delightful contrast.

Storage

If you have leftovers (which I totally hope you do because it’s just as tasty the next day!), simply transfer them to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 5 days if it lasts that long!

Reheating Instructions

Reheating is a breeze! Just pop it in the microwave or reheat on the stove over medium heat until warm. If it’s a bit too thick for your liking, you can always add in a splash of water or broth to thin it out.

Freezer Friendly

Yes, this soup is freezer-friendly! Just let it cool completely before pouring it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep its delicious flavor for up to 3 months in the freezer. On busy nights, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above.

In conclusion, this Borscht Soup with Beef is not just a meal; it’s a comforting tradition, one that brings warmth and joy. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your go-to recipe for cozy nights! So, roll up your sleeves and enjoy the journey of making this delightful bowl of goodness! Follow LunaChef on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration and air fryer cooking tips.