By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on December 18, 2023 | Last Updated on December 18, 2023
Welcome to the world of savory, hearty, and comforting soups! Today, we’re diving into a classic recipe that has captured the hearts of many – the Bill Miller Soup.
This soup is not your ordinary bowl of warmth, it’s a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to San Antonio’s beloved Bill Miller Bar-B-Q. Known for its rich blend of beef, vegetables, and a medley of spices, this soup has been a local favorite, especially during the fall season.
Whether you prefer it with diced stewing beef or ground beef, this recipe’s versatility allows you to make it your own. So, let’s get cooking and create a pot of this delicious Bill Miller Soup that will surely impress your family and friends!
What is Bill Miller Soup?
Bill Miller Soup is a hearty and flavorful beef-based soup that originated from Bill Miller Bar-B-Q – a popular chain of restaurants in San Antonio, Texas. It’s often served as a daily special alongside their famous barbecue dishes, making it a staple on their menu. The soup is known for its rich and comforting flavors, which make it the perfect dish to warm up with on a chilly day.
Although the exact origins of this soup are unclear, many believe that it was created in-house by Bill Miller Bar-B-Q’s founder, Bill Miller himself. This iconic restaurant has been serving this beloved soup for decades, and its popularity only continues to grow.
Why You’ll Love this Bill Miller Soup?
There are numerous reasons why Bill Miller Soup has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Here are just a few that will make you fall in love with this classic soup:
- Rich and flavorful: With a blend of beef, vegetables, and spices, this soup is bursting with flavor.
- Versatile: This recipe allows you to use either diced stewing beef or ground beef, making it adaptable to your preferences.
- Comforting and satisfying: Nothing beats a steaming bowl of Bill Miller Soup on a cold day. It’s the perfect comfort food that will leave you feeling satisfied.
- Easy to make: You don’t have to be an experienced cook to create this delicious soup. The ingredients are simple, and the instructions are easy to follow.
- Perfect for sharing: This recipe makes a large batch, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.
How Does It Taste Like?
Bill Miller Soup is a combination of savory and slightly sweet flavors that come together to create a deliciously satisfying dish. The beef adds a rich, meaty flavor while the vegetables provide a hint of sweetness. The spices add warmth and depth to the soup, making it irresistible.
One of the best things about this soup is its texture. With chunks of tender beef and hearty vegetables, every spoonful is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. It’s truly a treat for the taste buds.
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Ingredients
- Beef (like chuck or stewing beef): This is the main protein in the soup and provides a hearty, satisfying element. It’s rich in flavor, and when cooked slowly, it becomes tender and adds depth to the overall taste. The type of beef used can also influence the flavor; for instance, chuck or stewing beef is often preferred for its marbling, which results in a more flavorful soup.
- Onions: Onions are an essential base ingredient in many dishes, including this soup. They add a sweet and savory depth of flavor that enhances the other ingredients. When sautéed, onions release their sugars, contributing to the soup’s overall complexity.
- Garlic: Garlic provides a pungent, spicy note that complements the richness of the beef and the sweetness of the onions and carrots. It’s a common ingredient in soups as it helps to balance and round out flavors.
- Salt and pepper: These are fundamental seasonings in cooking. Salt enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients, while pepper adds a touch of heat. They’re crucial for bringing out the best in your soup.
- Celery stalks: Celery adds a unique, refreshing taste and a satisfying crunch. It’s one of the classic ingredients in many soup bases (often paired with onions and carrots) due to its ability to add a subtle depth of flavor.
- Dried rosemary: Rosemary adds a pine-like fragrance and a slightly bitter, astringent taste. Its robust flavor profile stands up well to the rich beef and complements the earthiness of the vegetables.
- Carrots: Carrots lend a sweet note and vibrant color to the soup. They also contribute to the texture, becoming delightfully tender after being simmered.
- Dried thyme: Thyme has a subtle, dry aroma and a slightly minty flavor. It’s often used in soups and stews for its ability to add a layer of warm, aromatic complexity.
- Diced tomatoes: Tomatoes contribute acidity, sweetness, and a bright color. They balance the richness of the beef and the broth, and their natural umami enhances the overall savory quality of the soup.
- Beef broth: This serves as the liquid base for the soup. A good-quality beef broth will give your soup a rich, meaty flavor and a satisfying depth. It also helps to tenderize the beef as it simmers.
- Fresh parsley: Used as a garnish, fresh parsley adds a pop of vibrant color and a burst of fresh flavor at the end. It helps to cut through the richness of the soup and balances out the hearty, robust elements.
Step by Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until it is browned on all sides.
Step 2: Set Aside the Cooked Beef
- Once the beef is fully cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
- In the same pot, sauté the onions and garlic until they become softened, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables and Herbs
- Add the celery, carrots, and dried herbs to the pot and cook for another 5-6 minutes, until they begin to soften.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
- Return the beef to the pot and pour in diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir all the ingredients together.
Step 6: Simmer the Soup
- Add the beef broth, bring it to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low.
- Let the soup simmer for at least 45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
Step 7: Season and Serve
- Once the beef is tender, remove the pot from heat.
- Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper as needed to achieve the desired flavor.
- Serve the soup hot, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.
Tips
- For a healthier version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- Feel free to add other vegetables of your choice, such as diced potatoes, green beans, corn, or peas.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the soup while it’s simmering.
- Make sure to use low-sodium beef broth if you’re concerned about salt intake.
- To save time, you can also use pre-cut stewing beef from the grocery store instead of cutting it yourself.
- This soup is even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch and save some for later.
Nutrition Information
How to store Bill Miller Soup?
Bill Miller Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, making it a convenient option for meal planning or batch cooking.
Just make sure to let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container and leaving some room at the top for expansion.
To thaw, simply place the container in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave. The soup may thicken slightly upon reheating, so you can add some water or broth to adjust the consistency.
What other substitute can I use in Bill Miller Soup?
There are several substitutes that you can use in Bill Miller Soup depending on your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few options:
- Instead of beef, you can use other types of protein such as chicken, turkey, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- For a lower-carb version, you can replace the potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini.
- If you’re not a fan of tomatoes, you can omit them or replace them with bell peppers for a similar texture and flavor.
- For added richness and depth of flavor, you can use red wine instead of beef broth.
- To make the soup gluten-free, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickening agent.
Bill Miller Soup Recipe
Equipment
- pot
- Measuring cups and spoons
- knife
- Chopping board
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of beef
- 2 onions
- 6 cloves of garlic
- Salt and pepper
- 4 celery stalks
- 2 tsp of dried rosemary
- 4 carrots
- 2 tsp of dried thyme
- 2 cups of diced tomatoes
- 8 cups of beef broth
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the diced beef for 5-6 minutes, then set it aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until softened (3-4 minutes). Add celery, carrots, and herbs, and cook for 5-6 minutes until they soften.
- Return the beef to the pot, add diced tomatoes with their juices, and pour in beef broth. Bring it to a boil, then let it simmer for at least 45 minutes.
- Once the beef is tender, remove the pot from heat. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a healthier version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- Feel free to add other vegetables of your choice, such as diced potatoes, green beans, corn, or peas.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the soup while it’s simmering.
- Make sure to use low-sodium beef broth if you’re concerned about salt intake.
- To save time, you can also use pre-cut stewing beef from the grocery store instead of cutting it yourself.
- This soup is even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch and save some for later.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, this soup can be made vegetarian by substituting the beef with a hearty vegetable like mushrooms or beans and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You may also want to add more spices to make up for the flavors lost from the meat.
How can I adjust the soup’s consistency?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can remove some of the cooked vegetables, puree them, and then stir them back into the soup. Alternatively, for a thinner soup, simply add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
How can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
To make this soup in a slow cooker, you would still brown the beef on the stove first for maximum flavor. Then, transfer the beef and all the other ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bill Miller Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for cold weather or when you need some nourishing comfort food.
With its rich beef, aromatic herbs, and vibrant vegetables, it’s a well-rounded meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your hunger. Feel free to make adjustments to the recipe according to your preferences or dietary needs, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients.
Also, share your version of Bill Miller Soup with your friends and family, and enjoy this soup as a delicious and nutritious addition to your meal rotation. Happy cooking!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
