Global Goodness: Six Must-Try Beef Soups and Stews from Around the World

When chilly weather calls for a cozy bowl of comfort food, consider thinking outside of your comfort zone, if not your time zone.

The delicious diversity offered by Natural Angus beef makes for hearty, satisfying soups and stews across the globe. Whether you’re curious about a new carryout option or looking to be a bit more adventurous in your own kitchen, we’ve compiled a list of international beef soups and stews as a great place to start this next food journey.

These six recipes don’t just showcase a wide world of flavors; they’re also affordable and plentiful. Buckle up for this expedition of exotic and enjoyable eats.

1. Pho Bo

Where it’s from: Vietnam

What’s in it: Pho, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, can feature many different kinds of meats, but pho bo is especially one to try. It comes with thin slices of eye of round or sirloin served in a beefy broth loaded with rice noodles, ginger, onions, and spices like star anise and cloves.

Then there’s what’s on it. It’s served with optional accoutrements including lime, cilantro, Thai basil, Sriracha, and hoisin sauce to customize your pho and make it as spicy, tangy, herbed, or umami as you wish.

2. Beef Noodle Soup

Where it’s from: Taiwan

What’s in it: This fiery Thai soup brings Southeast Asian heat. Tender chunks of braised beef (such as shank or short ribs), noodles, bok choy, and a tangy pickled element (such as mustard greens or cabbage) add filling flavor to a broth seasoned with doubanjiang, a spicy bean paste.

The doubanjiang is joined by plenty of garlic, onions, and dried chiles, making it a perfect choice to fix when you’re facing a winter cold—or simply want to impress your friends with a flavorful, complex bowl of goodness.

3. Beef (Boeuf) Bourguignon

Where it’s from: France

What’s in it: Plenty of delicious beef. This classic French stew is as hearty as it is elegant. It features a generous amount of beef braised in red wine and beef stock, along with pearl onions, sautéed mushrooms, and bacon for a touch of smokiness.

Try this beef bourguignon recipe courtesy of Love in My Belly, featuring Aspen Ridge^® Natural Angus Beef stew meat—doable for dinner parties and a total showstopper, achieving comforting decadence as only French cuisine can.

4. Goulash

Where it’s from: Hungary

What’s in it: If you love the mild and fruity sweetness of Hungarian paprika, this national favorite is absolutely a stew for you. Chunks of savory chuck roast are cooked with peppers, onions, garlic, root vegetables, caraway seeds, and of course, plenty of paprika (plus some sour cream if you like a creamy element).

Goulash is usually served over buttered egg noodles, but you can also ladle it over rice or potatoes—whatever you have handy.

5. Kaldereta

Where it’s from: The Philippines

What’s in it: This festive Filipino stew is loaded with cubes of beef (Natural Angus chuck or bottom round are good choices) cooked in a spicy tomato sauce with veggies like carrots, potatoes, and onions.

Kaldereta has many unique interpretations across the Philippines. Some areas add peanut butter for a burst of nutty flavor, while others use liver spread or cheese to help thicken the sauce. No two batches will taste exactly the same, making it perfect for adventurous eaters.

6. Ropa Vieja

Where it’s from: Cuba

What’s in it: Though its name translates to “old clothes,” this saucy Cuban stew may just be your new go-to. Ropa vieja recipes can vary by Caribbean region, if not by individual restaurant or household. Throughout Cuba, though, it’s typically made with shredded flank steak, braised in tomato sauce, with onions, peppers, and garlic along with seasonings like oregano, parsley, and cumin.

If you’re making some at home, you can cook the beef and shred it a day in advance. The rest of the recipe comes together rather quickly, making this a great weeknight or meal prep option.

Continue Your Quest for Interesting Comfort Food

For more feel-good food, foreign and domestic, view all of our delicious beef recipes.

Feel extra good about your cooking when you use Aspen Ridge Natural Angus Beef, raised with no added hormones and no antibiotics ever. No need to travel the world to find it; simply visit our Where to Buy page or ask your butcher for it by name.