There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of Beef Noodle Soup, especially when the weather gets chilly. This hearty soup is perfect for those days when you need something that will warm you from the inside out. With tender beef, a savory broth, and soft noodles, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a big hug in a bowl. This version is packed with flavor and can easily be made from scratch, so you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized cubes, chuck roast or brisket works well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 6 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup egg noodles (or any noodle of choice)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for depth of flavor, optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Sear the Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper and add it to the pot in batches, searing the beef on all sides for about 4-5 minutes until browned.
- Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Return the beef to the pot, then add the beef broth, thyme, rosemary (if using), bay leaf, and soy sauce (if using). Stir everything together and bring the soup to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1-1.5 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. You can also cook it in a slow cooker on low for 4-5 hours for an even richer flavor.
- Cook the Noodles:
- Add the noodles to the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Stir to combine and cook the noodles according to package instructions (typically about 8-10 minutes depending on the type of noodle).
- If you’re making the soup in advance, cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup just before serving. This helps prevent the noodles from becoming too soft and mushy if the soup is stored for later.
- Finish and Serve:
- Once the noodles are cooked and the beef is tender, remove the bay leaf and taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or soy sauce to suit your taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips:
- Beef: Use chuck roast or brisket for the best results. These cuts have enough fat to break down and become tender after long simmering.
- Noodles: Egg noodles are traditional in beef noodle soup, but you can substitute with any type of pasta or even rice if you prefer.
- Broth: If you want a richer broth, you can use beef bones or add a spoonful of tomato paste for extra depth of flavor.
- Add-ins: For added vegetables, you can also include parsnips, potatoes, or green beans. They’ll all add texture and flavor to the soup.
- Storage: If you plan to store leftovers, it’s best to keep the noodles separate from the soup as they can absorb too much broth. Store the soup and noodles in separate containers, and reheat when ready to serve.
Nutrition (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: ~300 kcal
- Protein: ~25g
- Fat: ~12g
- Carbs: ~25g
- Fiber: ~4g
- WW Points: 6 points (depending on the broth and noodle type used)
Why You’ll Love This Soup:
Beef Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food: a hearty, filling dish that combines tender beef, savory broth, and noodles in a bowl of warmth. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or seasonings. The slow-simmered beef gives the broth a rich, deep flavor, while the noodles add a satisfying texture. This soup is perfect for a chilly evening, a cozy family meal, or even as a meal prep option to enjoy throughout the week. It’s a classic dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table, whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just to enjoy as part of a comforting weekday meal.
