ADVERTISEMENT
How to Make Beef Noodle Soup
Making Beef Noodle Soup is easy, and while it does take a little time for the flavors to develop, most of that time is hands-off. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious soup:
Step 1: Brown the Beef (Optional)
If you have time, browning the beef before adding it to the pot will enhance the flavor and give the soup a rich, savory depth. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches, ensuring it gets a nice sear on all sides. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the onion and garlic, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened. Then, add the carrots and celery, and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help develop the flavors in the soup.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Seasonings
Once the vegetables are tender, add the beef broth (or stock), along with the dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Return the browned beef to the pot and stir everything together. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. If you didn’t brown the beef, simply add the beef directly to the pot with the broth and seasonings.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Cover the pot and let the soup simmer over low heat for about 1-1.5 hours or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. If you’re using a tougher cut of beef, the longer simmering time will help tenderize it and make the meat melt-in-your-mouth soft.
Step 5: Add the Noodles
Once the beef is tender and the broth is rich, it’s time to add the noodles. Stir in the egg noodles or pasta of your choice and let them cook for about 8-10 minutes (or according to the package instructions) until al dente. Keep in mind that the noodles will absorb some of the broth, so you may need to add a little extra liquid if the soup becomes too thick. Simply add a splash of water or more broth as needed.
Step 6: Adjust Seasonings and Serve
Once the noodles are cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips for the Best Beef Noodle Soup
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: For the best results, use a cut of beef that’s suitable for slow cooking. Beef stew meat, chuck roast, or brisket are excellent options because they become tender after simmering for a while. If you prefer a leaner option, sirloin can be used, but it might not be as tender as the tougher cuts.
- Add More Vegetables: Beef Noodle Soup is a great way to pack in some extra veggies. Consider adding parsnips, green beans, or peas for added texture and nutrition.
- Make it Gluten-Free: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or even rice noodles. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions for your specific pasta.
- Slow Cooker Option: If you prefer using a slow cooker, this recipe can be easily adapted. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the broth, seasonings, and bay leaf, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Leftovers: This soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days and can be reheated in a pot or microwave. If you plan to store leftovers, you might want to cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup when reheating to prevent them from getting too soggy.
Variations to Try
Beef Noodle Soup is a very versatile dish, and you can easily change it up depending on your taste or what ingredients you have available:
- Spicy Beef Noodle Soup: Add some crushed red pepper flakes, sriracha, or even a small chopped jalapeño to the broth to give the soup a little kick.
- Herb-Infused: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, oregano, or bay leaves to give the soup even more depth of flavor.
- Asian-Style Beef Noodle Soup: For an Asian twist, try swapping out the beef broth for beef stock and adding soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Top with scallions, cilantro, and a dash of sesame oil for extra flavor.
- Beef and Barley Soup: For a heartier twist, substitute the noodles for pearl barley. This will make the soup even more filling and add a nutty texture.
Why You’ll Love Beef Noodle Soup
This Beef Noodle Soup is the perfect blend of comforting, savory, and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking it for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it’s a dish that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out. The combination of tender beef, flavorful broth, and perfectly cooked noodles makes each bowl a comforting delight. Plus, the recipe is incredibly customizable, allowing you to adjust it to your preferences and make it your own.
So, gather your ingredients, grab your pot or slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a delicious, soul-satisfying bowl of Beef Noodle Soup!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than Beef Noodle Soup. It’s packed with flavor, full of nourishing ingredients, and so easy to make. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold day or just need a quick and satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. The tender beef, rich broth, and satisfying noodles will leave you coming back for seconds—maybe even thirds! Happy cooking
ADVERTISEMENT
