Authentic 1920s Guitar Soup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, historically inspired soup featuring slow-simmered beef and root vegetables, echoing the craftsmanship of Martin's vintage guitar series. This american-inspired soups ready in about 170 minutes pairs Beef chuck roast, medium Carrots, Celery stalks for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast into 1-inch cubes. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef and sear for 4 minutes per side until deeply browned, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 diced carrots, 2 chopped celery stalks, and 1 diced yellow onion to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and slightly golden.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until it darkens slightly and becomes fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Return beef to the pot, add 4 cups beef broth, 1 tsp thyme, and 2 bay leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Step 6: Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is fork-tender and flavors are deepened.
  7. Step 7: Remove bay leaves, discard, and serve hot with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic 1920s Guitar Soup take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic 1920s Guitar Soup?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef chuck roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic 1920s Guitar Soup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic 1920s Guitar Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic 1920s Guitar Soup?

American soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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