Description

This authentic Maryland Crab Soup recipe blends fresh crab meat with a hearty mix of vegetables and a rich, flavorful broth seasoned with Old Bay and ground mustard. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup highlights the traditional flavors of Maryland with a balanced mix of tangy tomatoes, tender potatoes, and a medley of garden vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Aromatics

1/2 cup (65g) diced yellow onion
1 cup (120g) sliced or diced carrots (1–2 large carrots or a handful of baby carrots)
1/2 cup (60g) sliced or diced celery
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups (about 360g) peeled and chopped potato (Russet or Yukon Gold)
1 cup (about 95g) shredded or chopped cabbage (optional)
1 cup chopped green beans (frozen, canned/drained, or fresh)
1/2 cup lima beans (frozen, canned/drained, or fresh)
1/2 cup sweet corn (frozen, canned/drained, or freshly cooked)

Liquids & Seasonings

2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1.5 Tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
4 cups (960ml) low-sodium beef broth
2.5 cups (600ml) water
2 bay leaves

Seafood

1 pound crab meat

Optional Garnish

Lemon pepper seasoning
Fresh parsley

Instructions

Prepare Vegetables: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6–7 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their juices.
Add Spices and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, and ground mustard. Cook for an additional 1 minute, allowing the spices to infuse the vegetables.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, low-sodium beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, chopped potatoes, cabbage (if using), green beans, lima beans, sweet corn, and bay leaves. Stir well, then bring to a boil.
Add Crab and Simmer: Once boiling, add the crab meat, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer gently for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Remove bay leaves before serving.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with lemon pepper seasoning and fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm for best flavor.
Store Leftovers: Transfer any leftovers to a large covered container and refrigerate for up to a week. When reheating, heat over medium heat, adding more broth if the soup thickens too much.

Notes

Old Bay seasoning is a key ingredient for authentic flavor—adjust to taste if preferred milder.
Cabbage is optional but adds a nice texture and traditional touch.
Use fresh crab meat for best results; lump crab meat works well.
This soup thickens when refrigerated, so add broth upon reheating if preferred thinner.
Feel free to substitute beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American/Maryland

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups (about 360g)
Calories: 210 kcal
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 480 mg
Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: Maryland Crab Soup, Crab Soup Recipe, Old Bay Soup, Hearty Crab Soup, Maryland Seafood Soup