Puerto Rican Style Beef Soup Recipe

Chef Amelia
October 18, 2023
166 Comments

If you’re looking for a soup that is perfect for a cold day, then you need to try this Puerto Rican style beef soup! It’s easy to make and packed with flavor, thanks to a combination of beef broth, sofrito, adobo seasoning, and a variety of vegetables.

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I love making this soup on a lazy Sunday afternoon, when I can let the beef simmer until it’s fall-apart tender. The smell of the soup wafting through my kitchen always makes me hungry, and I can’t wait to dig in.

This soup is also a great way to use up leftover beef. If you have a cooked beef roast or steak on hand, simply cube it up and add it to the soup. It’s a great way to give your leftover beef a new life, and it will make the soup even more flavorful.

A Glimpse of Puerto Rican Style Beef Soup

This dish stands out with its rich blend of spices, choice cuts of beef, and mix of tropical root vegetables.

It is blended with the richness of spices, prime cuts of beef, and a mix of tropical root vegetables. I can’t wait to reveal how this super recipe is just easy to prepare.

The Key Ingredients of Puerto Rican Style Beef Soup

Puerto Rican style beef soup, known as “Sancocho,” is a dish that is popular in Puerto Rico. This traditional soup is made with a variety of ingredients. Here are the key ingredients that you’ll need to make beef soup Puerto Rican style:

easy and delicious Puerto Rican Style Beef Soup-sancocho

1. Beef: The star of the dish, beef is usually used in the form of beef chunks or bone-in cuts like beef shank or beef ribs. You should simmer it for hours to become tender and infused with flavor.

2. Plantains: Green plantains, provide a starchy element. Slice and add them directly to the broth or mashed to thicken the soup.

3. Corn: Corn on the cob, cut into smaller pieces, is another common ingredient in beef soup Puerto Rican style. It adds sweetness and a pop of color to the dish.

4. Aromatics: Onions, garlic, and bell peppers are sautéed at the beginning of the cooking process to build the flavor base of the soup. These ingredients contribute to the rich broth.

5. Seasonings: To enhance the taste, you’ll add various seasonings, including adobo seasoning, oregano, bay leaves, and cilantro. These seasonings add depth and complexity to the soup, creating a well-balanced and flavorful dish.

Traditional cooking methods for Puerto Rican style beef soup

To achieve the fullness of Puerto Rican style beef soup, traditional cooking methods are employed. Prepare in a large pot, allowing the ingredients to simmer slowly and meld together.

This gentle cooking process allows the flavors to develop and intensify, resulting in a rich and satisfying broth. Sear the beef before adding it to the pot, creating a caramelized crust that adds depth to the overall flavor profile.

The vegetables are then added in stages, ensuring that each component is cooked to perfection. The soup is simmered for several hours, allowing the flavors to fully infuse into every spoonful.

How to Make Puerto Rican Style Beef Soup

Now, let’s dive into a step-by-step recipe for Puerto Rican style beef soup, so you can recreate this delectable dish in your own kitchen.

Step 1: Gathering the Ingredients

The quality of the ingredients can be the difference between an average meal and a food experience that is both healthy and delicious.

Rich cuts of beef: Choose lean, boneless beef cuts for the best flavor and texture.

Aromatics: Onions, garlic and bell peppers fuse together to form the flavor base.
Vibrant Vegetables: Mainstays include potatoes, carrots and corn.
Herbs and Spices: Traditional Puerto Rican seasonings like adobo, sazón and bay leaves add depth to this hearty soup.

Be sure to have a good quality beef broth on hand to enhance the richness on your beef soup.
Rice or noodles: You can add these, to make the soup even more filling, perfect for a main dish.

Step 2: Preparing the Beef

Choosing a good cut of beef is the secret to a rich, hearty Puerto Rican Style Beef Soup. A well-marbled cut like Chuck Roast brings out a flavorful broth and tender meat that melts in your mouth.

Trim off any visible fat from the beef to avoid overly greasy soup.
Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces for easier cooking and eating.
Try marinating the beef overnight in some of the broth and spices for extra flavor.

Step 3: Sautéing the Aromatics

Believe it or not, the magic of creating an authentic Puerto Rican style beef soup truly begins once we dive into sautéing the aromatics.

Step 4: Adding the Vegetables and Broth

The art of layering flavors in your Puerto Rican style beef soup begins with adding vegetables and broth.

Prep your vegetables – wash and chop them into bite-sized pieces.

Saute the harder vegetables like carrots and potatoes for a few minutes before adding the softer ones.
Introduce the beef broth gradually, letting the mix blend for a couple of minutes after each addition.
Keep the heat medium-low to ensure the veggies maintain their nutritional value, yet become tender.

Regularly stir to evenly distribute the flavors and let them infuse making a perfect blend.

Step 5: Simmering and Seasoning

After you’ve prepped your beef and stirred in your vegetables, it’s time for the magic of simmering and seasoning. Simmer on a low heat, allowing every ingredient to release its flavor.

Your Puerto Rican beef soup needs to reach perfection. Salt assists in bringing out the innate flavors of your ingredients, whilst pepper adds that hint of warmth.

Taste, season, and tweak as needed to harmonize flavors and bring life to your dish.

so yummy Puerto Rican Style Beef Soup-sancocho

Tips for making the perfect Puerto Rican style beef soup

To ensure your Puerto Rican style beef soup is a resounding success, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Choose the right cut of beef: Opt for a tender cut such as chuck or stew meat that will become melt-in-your-mouth tender when simmered for a long time.

Allow the flavors to develop: Simmer the soup on low heat for an extended period, allowing the flavors to meld together and intensify.
Don’t skimp on the herbs and spices: The combination of herbs and spices is what gives the soup its distinct flavor. Be generous with your seasoning and adjust to taste.
Experiment with additional ingredients: While the traditional recipe is delicious on its own, don’t be afraid to add your own twist. Explore different vegetables, herbs, or spices to create a personalized version of Puerto Rican style beef soup

Garnishing and Serving Suggestions

Fresh cilantro, a dash of lime, or a spoonful of sofrito can all add a final flourish.

Presentation counts! To serve your beef soup in true Puerto Rican style, consider a deep, rustic bowl to hold your soup.

In Puerto Rico, beef soup is often served with a side of rice or tostones (fried plantains) for a complete and well-rounded meal.

Just remember to avoid overcrowding the soup with unnecessary garnishing.

More beef soup recipes:

Italian Beef Soup with Pasta

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other cuts of beef for the soup?

Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as stew meat or chuck roast. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the beef becomes tender.

Can I make the soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead. You can also add additional vegetables such as carrots and celery to make it a hearty vegetarian soup.

Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, beef soup Puerto Rican style freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It should be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Puerto Rican Style Beef Soup

Chef Amelia

If you're looking for a soup that is perfect for a cold day, then you need to try this Puerto Rican style beef soup! It's easy to make and packed with flavor, thanks to a combination of beef broth, sofrito, adobo seasoning, and a variety of vegetables.

5 from 1 vote

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Ingredients

1 pound beef chuck roast cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion chopped

2 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon ginger minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

6 cups beef broth
½ cup sofrito
¼ cup adobo seasoning

½ teaspoon ground black pepper
8 ounces rice noodles
1 cup chopped cilantro

½ cup chopped green onions
2 cups potatoes
2 corns

Instructions

In a large pot, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Return the beef to the pot and add the sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, dried oregano, ground cumin, bay leaves, adobo, sazon, corn, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Remove the bay leaves and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve the Puerto Rican style beef soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Chef Amelia

Amelia is a passionate chef who finds joy in trying out different cuisines and dishes and sharing her expertise with the world. She enjoys cooking and curating recipes so much!

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