Hearty Beef Noodle Soup: A Comforting Delight

Beef Noodle SoupPhoto byRecipe Formula

Beef noodle soup is a comforting and hearty dish that warms you from the inside out.

Get the Recipe Details: Beef Noodle Soup

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef chuck or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (optional, for Asian twist)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 4 cups water
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (optional, for Asian twist)
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce (optional, for Asian twist)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 8 ounces egg noodles or rice noodles
• 2 cups baby spinach or bok choy (optional, for an Asian twist)
• Fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and lime wedges for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown it on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic (and ginger if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Broth: Pour in the beef broth and water. Add the soy sauce, fish sauce, and tomato paste if you are making an Asian-inspired version. Stir in the sliced carrots, celery, bay leaf, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer the Soup: Return the browned beef to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. If you’re in a hurry, you can simmer for about 30-40 minutes, but the longer simmer will yield a richer flavor.
5. Cook the Noodles: In a separate pot, cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Add the Vegetables (Optional): If you're adding spinach or bok choy, stir it into the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking, just until wilted.
7. Serve: To serve, place a portion of the cooked noodles into individual bowls. Ladle the beef and broth over the noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and a squeeze of lime if desired.

Conclusion

Beef noodle soup is a warm and nourishing dish that combines the rich flavors of tender beef with the comfort of noodles. Whether you stick with a traditional approach or add an Asian flair, this soup is versatile and satisfying, perfect for a cozy night in or when you need a little extra comfort. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal that’s sure to please.