Beef broth substitutes
Beef broth substitutes — 5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Chicken broth
Same amount as the beef broth
Lighter but similar depth.
The best substitutes for beef broth are chicken broth, vegetable broth, or a mixture of water and bouillon cubes.
Beef broth is the cooking liquid in a stew or a gravy, and it is what makes that liquid taste meaty and savoury, seasons it, and leaves it a deep brown instead of pale.
- Best for —
- When you want lighter flavor
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
- Jobs
- Moisture & hydrationprimary
- Saltsecondary
- Umami & savory depthsecondary
- Aroma & flavor identitysecondary
- Browning & colorsecondary
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of beef broth |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicken brothWhen you want lighter flavor | Same amount |
| 2 | Vegetable brothVegetarian recipes | Same amount |
| 3 | Beef bouillon + waterWhen you need convenience | 1 cube + 1 cup water |
| 4 | Worcestershire sauce + waterWhen you want umami depth | 1 tbsp Worcestershire + 1 cup water |
| 5 | Miso paste + waterWhen you want fermented umami | 1 tbsp miso + 1 cup water |
Chicken broth
Lighter but similar depth
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Salt
- Umami & savory depth
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Browning & color — not covered
- Best for
- When you want lighter flavor
Use the same amount as beef broth.
Vegetable broth
Vegetarian alternative
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Salt
- Umami & savory depth
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Browning & color — not covered
- Best for
- Vegetarian recipes
Use the same amount as beef broth.
Beef bouillon + water
Concentrated beef flavor
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Salt
- Umami & savory depth
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Browning & color
- Best for
- When you need convenience
Dissolve beef bouillon cube in hot water.
Worcestershire sauce + water
Umami-rich alternative
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Salt
- Umami & savory depth
- Browning & color
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- When you want umami depth
Mix Worcestershire sauce with water.
Miso paste + water
Fermented umami flavor
- Covers
- Moisture & hydration
- Salt
- Umami & savory depth
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Browning & color — not covered
- Best for
- When you want fermented umami
Mix miso paste with water until smooth.
Questions
3 questionsWhat's the difference between beef broth and beef stock?
Beef broth is made from meat and bones, while beef stock is made from bones only. Broth has more flavor and body.
Can I make beef broth at home?
Yes, simmer beef bones, vegetables, and herbs in water for 2-3 hours. Strain and use as needed.
Is beef broth gluten-free?
Most beef broth is gluten-free, but check labels as some brands may add wheat or other ingredients.
Tips for substituting beef broth
1 tip- Beef broth adds depth and richness to dishes