If you’re craving a hearty, soothing soup that feels like a warm embrace, then Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup is going to sweep you right off your feet. This comforting classic brings together tender beef ribs, naturally sweet apples, and vibrant carrots in a broth that’s both robust and subtly sweet. Every spoonful is a delicious reminder of just how magical a simple simmered soup can be—especially when the ingredients are this harmonious. Whether you’re seeking a nourishing meal for chilly evenings or a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, this Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup is sure to become one of your favorite ways to gather everyone around the table.

Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: each ingredient has an important role to play, balancing sweetness, savor, and depth. Don’t be tempted to swap or skip—these classic ingredients are what give Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup its irresistible character and golden color.

Beef short ribs or beef soup bones: These provide richness and a deep, beefy flavor; look for meaty ribs with a good bit of marrow for the best broth.
Vegetable oil: Just a bit for searing, which locks in flavor and caramelizes the beef to perfection.
Apples (Fuji or Gala): Their natural sweetness transforms the broth, so choose apples that are fragrant and crisp.
Carrots: These add color, a hint of earthiness, and become meltingly tender as they simmer.
Onion: A quartered onion provides a gentle allium backbone without overpowering the subtler notes.
Water: The base for your broth—make sure it’s fresh and cold to start.
Garlic: Smashed cloves infuse the soup with their aromatic punch, while mellowing as they simmer.
Fresh ginger: Sliced ginger adds a whisper of warmth and a little zing—don’t skip it!
Soy sauce: Just a bit, for an umami bump that brings everything together.
Salt: Essential for bringing out every nuanced flavor in the pot.
Black pepper: A touch of heat that doesn’t overwhelm the more delicate notes in the soup.
Chopped green onions or parsley (optional): A final fresh flourish for color and a subtle lift at the finish.

How to Make Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef Ribs

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. As soon as it’s shimmering, add the beef short ribs. Sear each side until beautifully browned, about 5 to 7 minutes total. Don’t rush this step—the caramelization adds depth and a wonderful foundation for the broth. If the ribs are crowded, brown them in batches for the best results.

Step 2: Add Fruits, Vegetables, and Aromatics

Tumble in the quartered apples, chunky carrots, onion, smashed garlic, and ginger slices. You’ll already notice the inviting fragrance as these simple ingredients mingle together in the pot. This combination is what gives Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup its lively color and its sweet-meets-savory character.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Pour in 6 cups of water and bring everything to a steady boil. As the magic happens, any foam will rise to the surface—just skim it off with a ladle or spoon to keep your broth clear and beautiful. Next, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it all gently simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. The long, gentle cook is when your Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup develops its signature richness, with every ingredient surrendering its best flavors.

Step 4: Season and Finish

Once your beef is fall-apart tender and the broth is golden and fragrant, stir in the soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Taste and tweak if needed. Now’s the moment to remove the ginger slices so their warmth lingers, but no bits remain. Give your soup a final stir and get ready to serve.

Step 5: Ladle and Garnish

Scoop generous spoonfuls into deep bowls, making sure each serving gets a bit of everything. If you’re after extra wow-factor, top each bowl with a sprinkle of green onions or parsley. Serve your Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup steaming hot and gather everyone around the table for cozy comfort in a bowl.

How to Serve Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup

Garnishes

The final flourish can make all the difference! A sprinkle of vibrant green onions or chopped parsley on top brightens every bowl, adding not just color but a subtly fresh flavor that lifts the richness of the soup. For those who like a little spice, a dash of crushed red pepper or a scoop of chili crisp can add a gentle kick.

Side Dishes

Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup is satisfying on its own, but a side of steamed jasmine or sticky rice is perfect for soaking up that golden broth. A crisp cucumber salad or lightly pickled vegetables can add a fresh contrast and make your meal feel extra special. Even a crusty chunk of sourdough bread works for dipping if you’re feeling adventurous.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to really wow your guests, serve Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup in rustic clay bowls or soup crocks for a homey touch. For a family-style meal, bring the pot right to the table and let everyone ladle their own bowl. Add a basket of warm rolls or rice cakes on the side for easy sharing, and set out little bowls of extra garnish so everyone can customize their soup to taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup (lucky you!), let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. As it sits, the flavors continue to meld and deepen, making the soup even more delicious the next day. Skim any excess fat from the top before reheating for the best texture.

Freezing

This soup freezes like a dream! Make sure to remove any bones and slice the beef into smaller pieces. Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. Frozen Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup can last up to 2 months; just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the freshest taste and texture.

Reheating

Whether coming from the fridge or after thawing, simply pour your soup into a pot and reheat gently over medium-low. Stir occasionally and let it come up to a gentle simmer. Avoid boiling, as this can toughen the beef. If the broth has thickened a bit, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up and restore its original texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup?

Absolutely! While beef short ribs or soup bones give a luscious, gelatin-rich broth, you could substitute with beef shank or brisket if needed. Just be sure to choose a cut with some fat and connective tissue, which is key for that classic rich flavor and body.

What type Soup

Fuji and Gala apples are both excellent choices because they’re sweet and hold their shape well. If you like an even tarter note, try Honeycrisp or Pink Lady—but avoid mealy varieties like Red Delicious.

Can I make Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! After searing the beef, add everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. The low and slow method will make the beef incredibly tender and the flavors even more pronounced.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

With the listed ingredients, Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your soy sauce to ensure it doesn’t contain wheat (tamari is a great gluten-free alternative).

Can I add other vegetables?

You sure can! While apples and carrots are classic, daikon radish, potatoes, or turnips can add more variety. Just be mindful not to overcrowd the pot so each element has space to shine.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup is loving, nourishing comfort food at its absolute best. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself craving again and again, whether for busy weeknights or relaxed Sunday suppers. I hope you’ll give it a try and let it earn a place at your family table—there’s really nothing like it!

Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish with tender beef ribs, sweet apples, and nutritious carrots simmered in a rich broth. Perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Ribs:

2 pounds beef short ribs or beef soup bones
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Vegetables:

2 medium apples (Fuji or Gala), peeled, cored, and quartered
3 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
1 medium onion, quartered
4 cloves garlic, smashed
1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced

Seasonings:

6 cups water
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Sear the Beef: In a large pot, heat vegetable oil and sear the beef ribs until browned.
Add Ingredients: Add apples, carrots, onion, garlic, and ginger to the pot. Pour in water and bring to a boil.
Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender.
Season and Serve: Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Remove ginger slices. Garnish and serve hot.