If you’re craving a hearty, colorful, and deeply comforting soup, then it’s time to make the best borscht soup recipe ever! This beloved Eastern European dish—rich with beets, vegetables, aromatic herbs, and tender beef or a vegetarian-friendly broth—is the perfect blend of earthy, tangy, and savory flavors. Borscht is nourishing, cozy, and surprisingly easy to prepare at home, even on busy days.
Whether you’re new to borscht or looking to perfect your homemade version, this guide walks you through everything you need to make the most flavorful borscht you’ve ever tasted.
🥕 Ingredients
For Traditional Beef Borscht
1 lb (450 g) beef stew meat, cubed
1 large onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, diced
2 medium potatoes, cubed
3 medium beets, peeled and grated
1 small cabbage, shredded
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp tomato paste
8 cups (2 L) beef broth
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 bay leaf
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice (for tang)
Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
Sour cream (for serving)
🥦 Instructions
1. Sauté the Beef and Aromatics
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Brown the beef cubes for 4–5 minutes.
Add chopped onions and cook until softened.
Stir in garlic and sauté 1 minute longer.
2. Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the beef broth.
Add bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45–60 minutes until beef is tender.
3. Add Vegetables
Add carrots and potatoes; cook for 10 minutes.
Add shredded cabbage; cook another 10 minutes.
4. Prepare the Beets Separately (Important!)
This step keeps the soup vibrant and flavorful.
In a skillet, sauté grated beets with 1 tbsp butter or oil.
Add tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes.
Stir in vinegar or lemon juice—this enhances the beet color beautifully.
Add your beet mixture to the pot.
5. Adjust Flavor
Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and acidity.
Simmer an additional 10–15 minutes for flavors to combine.
6. Serve Your Borscht
Ladle hot soup into bowls.
Top with a generous spoonful of sour cream.
Finish with fresh chopped dill for authentic flavor.
🌱 Vegetarian or Vegan Variation
To make the best borscht soup recipe ever! without meat:
Replace beef broth with vegetable broth.
Skip the beef entirely or substitute with mushrooms for richness.
Use vegan sour cream or omit it.
The rest of the recipe stays the same—simple, delicious, and hearty.
🧅 Flavor Tips to Elevate Your Borscht
Sauté your beets separately to preserve color and sweetness.
Add vinegar or lemon juice at the end for balanced acidity.
Let it rest! Borscht tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
Use fresh dill—it’s essential for authentic Eastern European taste.
Add beans (white beans or kidney beans) for a protein-packed twist.
🥣 Serving Suggestions
Serve with warm crusty bread or rye bread.
Add a boiled egg on top for extra richness.
Pair with a crisp cucumber salad for fresh contrast.
Enjoy hot in winter or chilled in summer—borscht is wonderfully versatile.
❄️ Storing and Freezing
Refrigerator: Keeps well for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently to preserve texture and flavor.
⭐ Conclusion
Now you know how to make the best borscht soup recipe ever! With its bold color, nourishing ingredients, and rich layers of flavor, this soup is a true comfort classic that fits beautifully into any family meal plan. Whether you prefer a traditional beef version or a vegetarian twist, borscht is a timeless, wholesome recipe you’ll love making again and again.