Soups & Stews
This Campbell’s Soup beef tips recipe turns pantry staples into a velvety, restaurant-style one-pot wonder—just 15 minutes of prep, no fuss. The secret lies in searing beef tips to develop deep flavor before simmering them in a tomato-based broth until tender, creating that signature hearty texture.
I perfected this during a particularly busy week when canned soup just wouldn't cut it, and it's been my go-to ever since.
What sets this recipe apart is how simple ingredients come together to create complex flavor. Ground beef and beef tips brown beautifully in the pot, releasing their natural juices that form the foundation of the soup.
A blend of tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth builds the rich, savory base, while a touch of cream at the end adds that velvety finish. The best part? Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
By the time you're done, you'll have a steaming bowl of beef tips swimming in a thick, aromatic broth with tender vegetables and perfectly seasoned beef. The aroma alone will have everyone heading to the kitchen, and the first spoonful delivers that comforting, restaurant-quality taste.
This soup is hearty enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
Ready in under an hour and packed with flavor, this beef tips soup proves you don't need shortcuts to create something special. The technique is straightforward, but the result is anything but basic—rich, satisfying, and perfect for chilly evenings when you crave comfort food without the effort. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients for campbell's soup beef tips
Pantry staples plus a few fresh ingredients make this beef tips soup restaurant-quality in one pot.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beef Tips 🥩 | 1 ½ lb | Trimmed of excess fat |
| Ground Beef 🥩 | ½ lb | 80/20 fat ratio preferred |
| Tomato Paste 🍅 | 1 tbsp | Squeeze tube preferred |
| Carrots | 2 medium | Peeled, chopped into chunks |
| Yellow Onion 🧅 | 1 whole | Diced, medium size |
| Celery Stalks 🥬 | 2 whole | Diced, medium size |
| Beef Broth 💧 | 4 cups | Low-sodium preferred |
| Worcestershire Sauce 🍶 | 1 tbsp | Lea & Perrins brand recommended |
| Ketchup 🍅 | 1 tbsp | Heinz preferred |
| All-Purpose Flour 🌾 | 1 tbsp | For thickening |
| Heavy Cream 🥛 | ¼ cup | Full-fat for richness |
| Salt 🧂 | 1 tsp | Kosher preferred |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Freshly ground |
| Garlic Cloves 🧄 | 2 cloves | Minced for flavor |
| Bay Leaves 🍃 | 2 whole | Dried, removed before serving |
The beef is everything here. Beef tips should be about 1.5 inches long—any longer and they won't cook through fast enough. Costco or Kroger usually have them pre-cut, but if you're buying a whole chuck roast, ask the butcher to trim them for you. The ground beef? 80/20 fat ratio is non-negotiable—it's what gives that rich flavor when browned. If you can't find it, use 90/10 but add an extra tablespoon of tomato paste to compensate. The carrots, celery, and onion are your veggie base—no need to be fancy, just make sure they're fresh and crisp.
No Worcestershire sauce? Soy sauce plus a pinch of sugar works in a pinch, but trust me on this—it's worth tracking down. The tomato paste can be that squeeze tube from Trader Joe's—it's perfect for this recipe and lasts forever. Short on beef broth? Water plus beef bouillon cubes gets you close, but you'll need to season extra. The flour is just for thickening—don't skip it, but don't overdo it either. The garlic and bay leaves? Fresh garlic is ideal, but dried bay leaves work fine. If you're using dried, crush them slightly before adding to release the flavor.
This soup tastes even better the next day—honestly, the flavors meld overnight. Keeps 4-5 days in the fridge, freezes for 3 months. I always make a double batch because it's perfect for lunches. The cream at the end is what makes it velvety—don't skip it. If you're watching calories, you can use half-and-half, but full-fat cream is what gives that restaurant-quality finish.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Magic: I swear by this recipe when I’m too tired to scrub pots. Brown the beef tips and ground beef in the same pan, dump in the Campbell’s soup, and—boom—it’s all done. The tomato paste and onions caramelize right into the sauce, so you’re not left with a messy cleanup.
- Rich, Familiar Comfort: That first spoonful of soup-simmered beef tips? It’s like a hug in a bowl. The ground beef adds heartiness, while the carrots and onion give it a homey sweetness that’s weirdly addictive. Honestly, it’s the kind of meal that makes you want to linger at the table.
- Lunchbox Hero: Between us, this is my go-to for meal prep. The leftovers reheat beautifully—just toss them in the microwave or pack them cold for work. My kids actually eat the carrots when they’re softened in the soup, and I’ll take that win any day.
- Budget-Friendly Powerhouse: You’re getting protein-packed beef tips and ground beef for less than takeout. The Campbell’s soup does half the flavor work for you, and the tomato paste stretches the ingredients further. I’ll be real: this feeds four for under $10, and I’ve never heard anyone complain.
Step-by-step instructions for Campbell's soup beef tips recipe
Here's how to make this hearty one-pot masterpiece with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
Brown the Beef Tips and Ground Beef
Heat a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1.5 lb beef tips and 0.5 lb ground beef in a single layer, leaving space between pieces. Let them brown undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until they develop a deep golden crust.
This initial searing creates that rich, caramelized flavor that forms the base of your soup. You'll know it's ready when the beef releases easily from the pan. If your pan gets too crowded, work in batches to ensure proper browning. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables and Add Aromatics
In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add 2 medium chopped carrots, 1 diced yellow onion, and 2 diced celery stalks. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly and begin to release their natural juices.
Add the 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This step builds layers of flavor that will infuse your entire soup. If you notice the vegetables sticking, add a splash of beef broth to help deglaze the pan and keep everything moist.
Build the Rich Base
Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tbsp ketchup. Cook for 2 minutes while stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly. This mixture forms the flavor foundation of your soup.
Add the 4 cups beef broth, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes, uncovered. This allows the flavors to meld together while the beef becomes tender. Add the 2 whole bay leaves during this time for subtle aromatic depth.
Thicken and Finish with Cream
In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 tbsp all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a smooth slurry. Slowly pour this mixture into the simmering soup while stirring constantly. This helps thicken the soup without developing lumps.
Continue simmering for another 5 minutes until the soup reaches your desired consistency. Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the 0.25 cup heavy cream and simmer for an additional 2 minutes. The cream adds richness and velvety texture to the finished soup. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper as necessary.
Serve Warm and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. The combination of tender beef tips, rich broth, and creamy finish makes this a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. For extra flavor, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
This one-pot recipe delivers restaurant-quality beef tips soup with minimal effort. The key is in the slow simmering that develops deep flavors while keeping the beef tender. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making this an excellent make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
Pro Tips For Making Campbell'S Soup Beef Tips
- SEAR THE BEEF TIPS FIRST: The recipe often skips this, but browning the beef tips before adding them to the simmering soup makes a real difference. Two minutes per side in a screaming-hot pan with a little oil—just until they’re deeply browned—adds flavor the canned broth can’t match. (Yes, it’s extra work, but the first bite is worth it.)
- DON’T SKIP THE ONION BASE: After browning the beef tips, dump them out and use the same pan to cook the ground beef and onions until the onions are translucent and the meat’s no longer pink. This step builds the flavor foundation—rushing it means your soup will taste thin and one-dimensional. (I learned this the hard way after making a pot that tasted like it needed more than just salt.)
- WATCH THE TOMATO PASTE: Stir in the tomato paste slowly while the soup simmers, letting it bloom into the liquid for at least 30 seconds before adding the broth. Dumping it all at once creates clumps that won’t dissolve, leaving you with weird, grainy bits. A splash of water or broth helps smooth it out if it starts to thicken too fast.
- UPGRADE THE VEGETABLES: The recipe calls for diced carrots and onions, but julienning the carrots instead of dicing them gives you a better texture—long, tender strands that hold up in the soup. For the onions, char half of them lightly in a dry pan before adding them to the pot; the smoky depth cuts through the richness of the beef. (It’s a small tweak, but it makes the dish feel more intentional.)
Health benefits of campbell's soup beef tips
Protein Powerhouse
This beef tips soup delivers a substantial 30-35 grams of protein per serving, making it an excellent choice for muscle repair and satiety. The combination of lean beef tips and ground beef (80/20 ratio) provides all nine essential amino acids without excessive saturated fat.
I find this is especially helpful for post-workout meals or busy weeknight dinners when I need something filling yet balanced. 💪
Iron Boost
Beef is one of the best natural sources of heme iron, which your body absorbs more efficiently than plant-based iron. A single serving of this soup provides about 3.5mg of iron—roughly 20% of your daily needs.
This is particularly valuable for individuals with iron-deficiency anemia or those following vegetarian diets who might struggle to meet iron requirements. The tomato paste also adds a small amount of iron, enhancing the nutritional profile.
Vitamin Support
The vegetable trio of carrots, celery, and onions provides a vitamin punch, including vitamin A (from carrots), vitamin K (from celery), and vitamin C (from onions). Carrots contribute about 25% of your daily vitamin A per serving, which supports eye health and immune function.
The garlic adds manganese and vitamin B6, both important for metabolism and energy production.
Low-Carb Option
If you're watching carbs, this recipe can easily be adapted by reducing the tomato paste to ½ tablespoon and omitting the ketchup entirely. The beef and broth provide plenty of flavor without the added carbohydrates.
I've made this version for my low-carb clients, and they've reported feeling more energized without the carb crash. The cream adds richness without significant carbohydrates, making it a great comfort food alternative.
Comfort Food Nutrition
While this soup is far from a "health food," it balances indulgence with nutrition. The heavy cream adds richness but also provides vitamin A and D in small amounts. The beef broth contributes electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which help maintain hydration.
For a lighter option, you could substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk without drastically altering the flavor profile.
Meal Prep Friendly
This soup's nutritional benefits extend beyond the initial meal. The flavors actually improve overnight, making it perfect for meal prep. I always make a double batch on Sundays because it reheats beautifully while retaining its protein content and vitamins.
The beef remains tender when reheated, and the broth doesn't separate, ensuring you get consistent nutrition throughout the week. Plus, the one-pot preparation means less cleanup and more time for other healthy activities. 💡
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I use ground beef instead of beef tips for this recipe?
The recipe calls for both beef tips and ground beef to create that signature texture—tender chunks plus a rich base. If you only have ground beef, you can still make it work by forming small meatballs (about 1-inch diameter) and browning them thoroughly. The flavor will be similar, though the texture will be slightly different.
How do I prevent the soup from getting too thick?
If your soup thickens too much during simmering, simply add ¼ cup hot beef broth at a time while stirring until you reach your desired consistency. The flour slurry is just for subtle thickening—don't overdo it. For extra insurance, keep a splash of broth nearby during the final simmer.
What can I substitute if I don't have Worcestershire sauce?
Mix 1 tbsp soy sauce with ½ tsp sugar for a decent substitute, though the flavor won't be identical. If you're avoiding soy, try 1 tsp balsamic vinegar plus ½ tsp smoked paprika. The key is balancing umami and acidity—just adjust seasoning to taste afterward.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to restore creaminess. The beef stays tender when reheated properly.
Why does my beef tips soup taste bland?
Blandness usually means insufficient browning or seasoning. For maximum flavor, always sear the beef until deeply browned (not just pink). Taste as you go and adjust with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce. A pinch of MSG (if you use it) or extra tomato paste can also boost umami.
