Beef Sopa with Vegetables and Cilantro

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

A hearty Salvadoran beef soup simmered with root vegetables and fresh cilantro, delivering warmth and rich traditional flavors. This latin american-inspired beef ready in about 120 minutes pairs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, beef broth, medium potatoes, peeled and cubed for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 100 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides for about 6-8 minutes; remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, sauté 1 medium chopped white onion and 3 minced garlic cloves for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Return the beef to the pot and pour in 6 cups beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover; cook for 1 hour until beef is tender.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 medium peeled and cubed potatoes, 2 sliced carrots, 1 ear corn cut into 3 pieces, and 1 cup trimmed and halved green beans; simmer uncovered for 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper; stir in 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the soup for added brightness and depth.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Beef Sopa with Vegetables and Cilantro take to make?

Total time is about 120 minutes (20 min prep + 100 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 Beef Sopa with Vegetables and Cilantro?

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 broth from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Beef Sopa with Vegetables and Cilantro?

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 Beef Sopa with Vegetables and Cilantro 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 Beef Sopa with Vegetables and Cilantro?

Latin American beef 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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