19 Best Substitutes For Beef Broth You Can Find In Your Kitchen

Beef broth is often the key ingredient when making delicious soups, stews, and sauces. The savory umami flavor takes dishes to the next level, adding a meaty depth that makes everything better. However, you don’t always have homemade or store-bought beef broth on hand when a recipe calls for it. Luckily, with a quick scan of your pantry and fridge, you can find easy beef broth substitutes to save the day.

From using chicken broth to beef bouillon cubes, we look at 19 simple beef broth substitutes you likely have on hand. And if you are vegetarian or vegan, we have you covered with plant-based beef broth replacements like mushroom broth and miso paste.

Why You Need A Beef Broth Substitute

Before diving into the substitutes, let’s look at why beef broth is such a pantry staple and when you need a replacement. Beef broth is made by simmering beef bones, meat, and vegetables in water for hours until the liquid is infused with the beefy umami richness. This flavorful liquid adds a meaty depth and savory saltiness to dishes. Beef broth is used in many classic recipes across cuisines like pho, French onion soup, beef bourguignon, and vegetable beef soup.

So what do you do mid-recipe when you realize you don’t have beef broth? Don’t worry, we have compiled this handy guide to beef broth substitutes you likely already have in your fridge and pantry. The key is finding replacements with a similar rich, savory flavor profile Of course, the substitutes won’t taste exactly the same as beef broth But they can stand in when needed in most recipes.

Beef Broth Substitutes

1. Chicken Broth

Chicken broth is the most common substitute for beef broth. It has a milder flavor, but the savory saltiness makes it swap easily in most recipes. Use chicken broth in a 1:1 ratio to replace beef broth. To add more beefy flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Avoid chicken broth in very beef-focused dishes like beef stew where it won’t pack enough flavor.

2. Vegetable Broth

For vegetarian and vegan cooks vegetable broth is the perfect beef broth swap. Simmer veggie scraps to make your own or use store-bought. The flavor is lighter than beef broth but still works nicely. Use a 1 1 ratio and add a bouillon cube or soy sauce to make it heartier.

3. Mushroom Broth

Earthy, rich mushroom broth makes an umami-packed substitute for beef broth. Use it in a 1:1 ratio in soups, stews, gravies, and sauces. Shiitake or mixed wild mushrooms make the most beef-like broth. Add soy sauce or lemon juice to better mimic beef.

4. Beef Bouillon Cubes

Keep beef bouillon cubes stocked for an easy beef broth substitute. Simply dissolve one cube in a cup of hot water for a quick broth. Be mindful of the salt content and adjust seasonings accordingly.

5. Beef Consommé

Intensely flavored beef consommé makes a delicious beef broth swap. Consommé has deeper flavor thanks to added egg whites and extended cook time. Use a 1:1 ratio but dilute with water since consommé is very concentrated.

6. Beef Stock

Replace beef broth 1:1 with beef stock. The main difference between beef broth and stock is broth uses meat while stock uses bones for a thicker, gelatinous result. Dilute strong stock with water when substituting.

7. Red Wine

For an easy flavor boost, use bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot in place of beef broth. Use a 1:1 ratio but reduce the wine first so it thickens and isn’t too boozy. Finish with a pat of butter.

8. Soy Sauce

Surprisingly, soy sauce makes a great beef broth swap thanks to its salty umami flavor. Use a ratio of 1 tablespoon soy sauce to 1 cup water for every cup of beef broth. Use less if using a dark soy sauce.

9. Tomato Paste

Diluted tomato paste can work as beef broth thanks to its rich, concentrated flavor. Use 1 tablespoon paste to 1 cup water for every cup of broth. Add lemon juice or vinegar to balance sweetness.

10. Worcestershire Sauce

The classic steak sauce Worcestershire Sauce enhances savory flavors like beef broth. Use 1 tablespoon Worcestershire and 1 cup water or broth for every cup of broth.

11. Liquid Aminos

Liquid aminos have a meaty flavor similar to beef broth. Use a ratio of 1/2 cup aminos and 1/2 cup water for each cup of broth. It has less sodium than beef broth making it a healthier swap.

12. Miso Paste

Fermented miso paste makes an umami-rich vegan beef broth substitute. Whisk miso into hot water using 1 tablespoon miso to 1 cup water for each cup of broth. Red or brown miso has the most robust flavor.

13. Mushroom Broth

For vegetarians, use mushroom broth as a 1:1 sub for beef broth. Mushrooms create a deep umami flavor. Dried porcini mushrooms make especially rich broth. Boost flavor with soy sauce or herbs.

14. Lager Beer

Believe it or not, beer’s subtle bitterness mimics beef broth beautifully. Use a dark beer like a stout or porter for the most similar flavor. Reduce 1 cup beer by half before using to prevent a watery result.

15. Beef Demi-Glace

This French sauce made from reduced meat stock has an uber-beefy flavor. Use a ratio of 1 tablespoon demi-glace to 1 cup water in place of each cup of broth. Store-bought demi-glace works nicely.

16. Chicken Bouillon Cubes

Like their beefy cousins, chicken bouillon cubes add quick flavor when dissolved in hot water. Chicken isn’t as meaty but provides a similar salty flavor. Use 1 cube per 1 cup of water for each cup of broth.

17. Bone Broth

Beef bone broth has nearly the same make-up as beef broth, producing a spot-on flavor match. Use a 1:1 ratio for seamless substitution. Make your own or use store-bought bone broth.

18. Dashi

Japanese dashi stock can work as a replacement thanks to its intense umami flavors. Dashi is made from kombu kelp and dried bonito fish flakes. Use a 1:1 ratio but beware dashi’s brinier taste.

19. Marmite

This salty British spread adds instant savory flavor similar to beef broth. Dilute 1 tablespoon Marmite in 1 cup water per cup of broth. Marmite contains yeast extract for natural umami.

Tips When Substituting For Beef Broth

• If using an unfamiliar substitute, start with less and adjust flavor. Many subs like soy sauce have very strong flavors.

• Add fresh herbs and spices to lighter broths like chicken or vegetable to enhance the flavor.

• Tomato paste, wine, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce add savoriness but also sweetness. Counterbalance with lemon juice or vinegar.

• For diluted broth subs, opt for hot or boiling water to better draw out flavors.

• Combining beef broth with a substitute lets you use less broth but keeps the flavor.

• Reduce unfamiliar liquids like wines and beers first before adding to prevent a watery, diluted result.

• Taste and adjust salt since many subs like bouillon or Marmite have very high sodium.

With this handy guide, you can improvise when any recipe calls for beef broth. Never let a lack of beef broth stop you from making a delicious home-cooked meal. Next time you get caught without this pantry staple, simply grab one of these easy-to-find substitutes.