Beef bouillon cubes are a convenient way to add rich, meaty flavor to soups, stews, gravies, and other dishes. But when a recipe calls for beef broth, how much do you need if using bouillon cubes instead? Specifically, how much beef broth equals 2 bouillon cubes?
In this article, we’ll explain the conversion, look at how to use cubes and alternatives for broth, and provide a simple recipe to make flavorful beef broth from bouillon cubes.
How Much Broth Does 2 Beef Bouillon Cubes Make?
The typical conversion is:
- 1 beef bouillon cube + 8 oz water = 1 cup beef broth
So for 2 cubes you would need
- 2 beef bouillon cubes + 16 oz water = 2 cups beef broth
Most bouillon cubes weigh around .3 ounces each. Since there are 8 ounces per cup, two .3 ounce cubes plus 16 ounces of water produces two cups of broth.
This 2:16 ratio (2 cubes: 16 oz water) is the standard substitution equivalency. But you can adjust liquid amounts based on your desired broth consistency and strength of flavor.
Tips for Using Bouillon Cubes for Broth
When making broth from bouillon cubes keep these tips in mind
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Use boiling water for fastest cube dissolution.
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Add cubes directly to soups, stews, etc. instead of pre-dissolving for fuller flavor.
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Start with less water for a richer, more concentrated broth.
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Add fresh herbs, pepper, garlic, or other seasonings to enhance flavor.
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Low-sodium cubes are available for a reduced salt option.
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Break cubes into pieces for faster dissolving if not adding directly to a dish.
Alternative Substitutes for Beef Broth
If you don’t have bouillon cubes on hand, these easy pantry items can stand in for beef broth:
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Beef consumme – Use same 1:1 ratio as broth.
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Gravy mix – Prepare according to package directions.
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Beef soup base – Dilute 1 tbsp paste or mix with water per package instructions.
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Canned beef broth – Substitute same quantity of canned for fresh broth.
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Beef or mushroom soup – Thin with water to desired consistency.
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Beef tea bags – Steep 2 bags in 2 cups hot water for 10 minutes.
Simple Beef Broth Recipe with Bouillon Cubes
To expand flavor beyond just bouillon cubes and water, aromatic vegetables, herbs, and peppercorns can be simmered into the broth for a homemade taste.
Ingredients:
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 2 cups water
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 5 peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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In a small saucepan, combine water, bouillon cubes, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, peppercorns, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil over high heat.
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Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to meld flavors and dissolve cubes fully.
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Season with salt and pepper if needed. Remove bay leaf before using.
The next time a recipe calls for beef broth but all you have is bouillon cubes, remember this simple formula: 2 cubes + 16 ounces water = 2 cups flavorful beef broth. Add aromatic veggies for homemade taste.
The Basics with Jim – Bouillon Cubes vs Beef Base
FAQ
Can I use beef broth instead of bouillon cubes?
How much beef broth for 2 bouillon cubes?
How much broth to substitute for bouillon cube?
How many teaspoons is 2 beef bouillon cubes?
How many cups of broth equals one cube of beef bouillon?
It should be that one cup of broth equals one bouillon cube, but some brands of broth are diluted and need two cups. How much broth does one cube of beef bouillon make? 1 cube is equal to 1 cup.
How do you make beef broth with bouillon cubes?
To create the equivalent of 1 cup of broth, combine 1 cube or 1 teaspoon of granules with 1 cup of boiling water and mix until the bouillon dissolves. Steps to Make Beef Broth with Bouillon Cubes Bouillon cubes are inexpensive, hassle-free ingredients that add rich flavor to soups and stews. In short, it brings out the “umami” in the dish.
Can you use bouillon cubes to make broth?
Bouillon cubes or granules can be used to create a broth substitute if you don’t have any broth on hand. Combine 1 cube or 1 teaspoon of granules with 1 cup of boiling water and stir until the bouillon dissolves to make the equivalent of 1 cup of broth. How do you make beef broth from cubes? Are beef bouillon cubes the same as beef broth?
How do you make beef bouillon?
You will need beef bouillon cubes or granules, water, and any additional seasonings or vegetables you wish to include in your broth. It’s important to use a good quality bouillon for the best flavor, so choose a brand that you trust. Next, bring a pot of water to a boil. Use about 2 cups of water for each bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon of granules.