Name: Hearty Beet Borscht Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients: 2 carrots, chopped; 1 large potato, cubed; 1 cup thinly sliced cabbage; 1 clove garlic, minced; 2 (15 ounce) cans whole beets, drained and chopped; 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt, more to taste; ½ teaspoon pepper, more to taste; Sour cream; Fresh chopped dill

If you’re looking for a comforting, vibrant soup that hits all the right notes between earthy, tangy, and fresh, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Hearty Beet Borscht Recipe. I absolutely love how this soup brightens up chilly evenings with its gorgeous ruby red color and depth of flavor—plus, it comes together without any fuss, which means more time to relax and enjoy. Stick around because I’m sharing every little trick and tip to make sure your borscht turns out just like mine (or even better!).

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store without hunting for anything exotic.
Rich Flavor Profile: Combining beets with cabbage, potatoes, and a splash of sour cream gives it that signature layered taste.
Comfort Food at Its Best: Perfect for cozy nights, this soup warms you from the inside out.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this one, making it a staple we always come back to.

The image shows a black pot filled with a bright red soup containing large diced pieces of vegetables like carrots and beets in a clear broth. In the center, a ladle with a silver handle lifts a portion of the soup, revealing more vegetable pieces inside it. The soup looks chunky and colorful with a shiny surface from the broth. The pot rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Hearty Beet Borscht, beet borscht recipe, healthy beet soup, vegetarian borscht, easy beet soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Hearty Beet Borscht Recipe plays a role in creating that classic, comforting taste you’re craving. Shopping tip: opt for fresh veggies and good quality broth to really bring those flavors alive.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a few bright orange chopped carrots, several irregularly cubed pale yellow potatoes, a small pile of thinly sliced pale green cabbage, one whole garlic clove, a small white ceramic bowl filled with deep red chopped beets, another small white ceramic bowl of clear light golden vegetable broth, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl with cracked black peppercorns, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy white sour cream, and a small bunch of fresh green dill sprigs, all arranged symmetrically and naturally placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Hearty Beet Borscht, beet borscht recipe, healthy beet soup, vegetarian borscht, easy beet soup

Olive oil: Use extra virgin for a richer taste and better health benefits.
Carrots: Choose firm, bright orange carrots for natural sweetness and color.
Potato: I recommend starchy potatoes like Russets—they soften nicely and add body.
Cabbage: Thinly sliced green cabbage adds subtle crunch and a hint of earthiness.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic awakens the soup with its wonderful aroma.
Chicken or vegetable broth: Using homemade broth takes this recipe to the next level, but store-bought works just fine too.
Canned whole beets: Drained and chopped—make sure to get quality beets with no added sugar.
Salt and pepper: Adjust these to your taste as you go; they really bring everything together.
Sour cream: The classic topping that adds creaminess and balances the earthy beets.
Fresh dill: This bright herb is a must-have garnish for that authentic fresh hit.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Hearty Beet Borscht Recipe is — I often tweak it depending on what’s in season or how I’m feeling. Don’t hesitate to make it your own; that’s the beauty of soups like this.

Using beef broth: I tried swapping vegetable broth for beef broth once, and it gave the soup a deeper, heartier flavor that my hubby adored.
Adding beans or lentils: For a protein boost, I sometimes stir in cooked beans—perfect if you want a more filling meal.
Make it vegan: Simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and top with a dollop of vegan sour cream or coconut yogurt.
Fresh beets instead of canned: When in beet season, I roast fresh beets first—it adds a lovely caramelized flavor that’s a game changer.

How to Make Hearty Beet Borscht Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the veggies to bring out their best

Heat up that olive oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Toss in your chopped carrots, cubed potatoes, and sliced cabbage. Cook them until they just start to soften—about 5-7 minutes. You’ll notice the potatoes start to become a little translucent, which is your cue to add the garlic. Let everything sauté together for about 2-3 more minutes until you get that gorgeous garlicky aroma. This step builds the foundation of your soup’s flavor, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Simmer to perfection

Pour in your broth, then add the chopped beets, salt, and pepper. Bring everything up to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This slow simmer lets all those flavors mingle and deepen, while softening the veggies perfectly. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.

Step 3: Serve with love and garnishes

Ladle the piping hot borscht into bowls and top with a generous dollop of sour cream and fresh chopped dill. This really finishes the dish with a creamy tang and a fresh, herby punch. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the salt and pepper right before serving—it makes all the difference in the world.

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Pro Tips for Making Hearty Beet Borscht Recipe

Avoid Overcooking the Vegetables: Keep an eye on the potatoes and cabbage so they become tender but don’t turn to mush—timing is everything in this soup.
Fresh Herbs Are Key: Adding fresh dill right before serving brightens the soup and adds that authentic touch you won’t want to skip.
Use Quality Broth: Whether you go homemade or store-bought, richer broth means richer borscht. It’s a simple switch that elevates your soup big time.
Taste as You Go: Don’t just wait till the end—season gradually and taste often to create a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

How to Serve Hearty Beet Borscht Recipe

A white bowl filled with rich dark red soup made of beetroot chunks and diced red vegetables, topped with a dollop of white sour cream placed slightly off-center. Small green dill sprigs are scattered on the soup and sour cream, adding a fresh touch. A silver spoon dips into the soup on the right side, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Hearty Beet Borscht, beet borscht recipe, healthy beet soup, vegetarian borscht, easy beet soup

Garnishes

I always pile on a generous spoonful of sour cream because it mellows the earthiness of the beets and adds a luscious creaminess. A sprinkle of fresh dill is non-negotiable for me—it brings brightness and a bit of zest with every bite. Some days, I throw on a few cracked black pepper flakes or chopped green onions for extra kick and crunch.

Side Dishes

Hearty rye bread or pumpernickel is my go-to on the side—perfect for dipping and soaking up every drop of that rich broth. Sometimes I serve it alongside pierogi or a simple cucumber salad for a full Eastern European-inspired meal that my family can’t get enough of.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I served this borscht in little clear glass mugs at a dinner party—it looked stunning with the vibrant red shining through. For special occasions, I’ve garnished each bowl with a rose of sour cream and a small sprig of dill for that restaurant-quality presentation that wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just remember to stir it before reheating because the beets’ natural juices might settle at the bottom.

Freezing

I’ve frozen borscht many times with great success. Just cool it completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. When thawing, do it overnight in the fridge for best texture, then reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat on low heat to avoid breaking down the vegetables too much. Stir occasionally and add a little water or broth if it thickened too much in the fridge. For me, reheating slowly keeps that fresh-tasting, rustic feel alive.

FAQs

Can I use fresh beets instead of canned in this Hearty Beet Borscht Recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh beets bring an extra level of flavor, especially if roasted or boiled beforehand. Just make sure to peel and chop them into even pieces so they cook thoroughly during the simmering step. Keep in mind, fresh beets might require a slightly longer cooking time than canned.
Is this Hearty Beet Borscht Recipe suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

Yes, it’s easy to keep this recipe vegetarian or vegan by using vegetable broth and skipping the sour cream or substituting it with a plant-based alternative. The natural sweetness of the beets and richness from the vegetables will still give you an incredibly satisfying soup.
How long does this borscht keep in the fridge?

You can store leftover borscht in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container to keep it fresh, and always reheat thoroughly before serving. It tastes even better the next day once the flavors have blended.
Can I make this Hearty Beet Borscht Recipe ahead for meal prep?

Definitely! This soup is one of those perfect make-ahead meals because the flavors improve as it sits. You can prepare it a day or two before and store it in the fridge or freeze portions for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently when ready to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Beet Borscht Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen and heart because it’s so much more than just soup—it’s a bowl full of warmth, tradition, and comfort. Whenever I make it, I’m reminded of cozy family dinners and nostalgic memories. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own favorite too; once you taste that deep, satisfying flavor combined with the fresh dill and sour cream finishing touches, you’ll understand why I keep coming back for more.