Ever started a recipe only to realize you’re out of beef broth? It happens to the best of us, but the good news is that there are plenty of beef broth substitutes that can save the day. With a few simple swaps, you can still get that savory depth of flavor your dish needs without making a last-minute grocery run.
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Whether you’re cooking soup, stew, gravy or even a casserole, these substitutes are easy to work with and often use ingredients you already have on hand. Some add a rich, meaty taste while others bring a lighter touch, depending on what you’re making. Once you know the best beef broth substitutes, you’ll never stress about running out again.
Why you need beef broth
Beef broth serves a few purposes in the kitchen. Here are a few reasons why you need it:
- Beef broth is a base for soups, stews and sauces.
- It is a cooking liquid for grains like rice and quinoa.
- Beef broth is used to braise meats like short ribs and pot roasts.
- It can be used to deglaze pans.
- Beef broth is an ingredient in some gravies, adding richness and flavor.
Common substitutes for beef broth
When it comes to swapping out beef broth, you don’t have to settle for bland or boring. Several common substitutes can step in and deliver just as much flavor, whether you’re simmering soup, whipping up gravy or building a hearty casserole. Let’s take a look at the most reliable options you can use to keep your recipe rich, savory and satisfying.
Beef bouillon cubes
Beef bouillon cubes are made of dehydrated beef broth and dissolve fast in hot water. They work well in classic beef dishes like French onion soup and beef stroganoff. Add 1 beef bouillon cube to 1 cup of hot water for every cup of beef broth your recipe calls for.
Beef stock
Beef stock is made by simmering beef bones, vegetables and water. It is not as flavorful as beef broth, so you may need to add seasonings like soy sauce, herbs and salt until it is to your liking. Start with a 1-to-1 ratio and dilute with water until it is the desired consistency and flavor. It works well in sauces, soups and rice.
Vegetable broth
Vegetable broth is made of vegetables and water. It doesn’t have the savory flavor of beef broth, so you can add a tablespoon of soy sauce per cup of broth. Vegetable broth works well in stews and soups. It can be used as a 1-for-1 substitute for beef broth.
“When I don’t have beef broth, I use chicken broth or vegetable broth. Sometimes I just use water with a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire, and it works just fine.”
— Jere Cassidy, One Hot Oven
Chicken stock
Chicken stock has a lighter flavor but is not as rich and savory as beef broth. A tablespoon of soy sauce for every cup of chicken stock can add a depth of flavor. If you’re making a dish like pot roast, sear the meat and brown it well to add richness to the liquid. Chicken stock can be used as a 1-for-1 replacement for beef broth.
Worcestershire sauce and water
Worcestershire sauce is made with tamarind, anchovies and several spices and has complex umami flavors. Add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to 1 cup of water for each cup of beef broth needed.
Mushroom broth
Mushroom broth is made by simmering mushrooms in water, providing a deep, rich flavor. It works well in dishes that have onions, garlic or celery. Mushroom broth can be used as a 1-for-1 substitute for beef broth.
Bone broth
Bone broth has a deeper, more robust flavor than beef broth. The extra collagen in bone broth can make sauces richer. Bone broth can be used as a 1-for-1 replacement for beef broth. If the bone broth is too thick for your liking, add water gradually.
Miso paste and water
Miso paste is made from fermented barley, rice or soy beans. Add the miso paste to your recipe near the end of cooking. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of miso paste into 1 cup of hot water before stirring it into the main dish. Miso paste works well in soups, stocks and sauces.
Soy sauce and water
Soy sauce has a savory umami flavor and works well in sauces, stews and gravies. Start by combining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce with 1 cup of water. This will replace one cup of beef broth. Gradually add more soy sauce until the flavor is to your liking.
Beer
Dark ales and stouts add rich, complex taste, giving a dish depth of flavor like beef broth. The alcohol cooks off during the cooking process, leaving behind an earthy flavor. Beer can be used as a 1-for-1 substitute for beef broth.
Tomato paste
Tomato paste has a deep, rich flavor and works well in soups, stews and sauces. One tablespoon of tomato paste combined with 1 cup of hot or boiling water replaces one cup of beef broth.
Final thoughts
Running out of beef broth doesn’t have to ruin your recipe. With so many flavorful substitutes to choose from, you can probably find one in your pantry. The next time you find yourself without beef broth, try one of these easy replacements and watch your dish come together just as deliciously.
Heidi is a vintage recipe blogger at Real Life of Lulu, where she focuses on recipes that are at least 50 years old, many from her grandparents’ kitchens. When she isn’t writing or baking, she loves spending time with her husband and three kids.
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