Beef and Noodle Soup

Beef and Noodle Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. With tender chunks of beef, soft noodles, and a flavorful broth, this soup is both satisfying and nourishing. The combination of savory beef, vegetables, and seasonings creates a dish that’s ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or when you’re craving a bowl of warmth and comfort. It’s an easy-to-make soup that’s packed with rich flavors and will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Beef and Noodle Soup is everything you want in a cozy bowl of comfort food. The tender beef and chewy noodles swim in a savory, well-seasoned broth, and the addition of vegetables adds texture and freshness. It’s a one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, and the flavors only get better as it sits, making it great for leftovers. If you’re looking for a delicious, filling soup that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare, this recipe is the one for you.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into small cubes

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced

• 2 celery stalks, sliced

• 6 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 2 cups egg noodles (or any small pasta)

• Salt, to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.

2. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

3. Add the carrots and celery to the pot and cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, then stir in the thyme, oregano, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover. Let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the beef is tender.

6. Add the egg noodles to the pot and stir. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.

7. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, if needed.

8. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6 people. It takes approximately 15 minutes of prep time and about 50 minutes of cooking time, making it a simple and filling meal perfect for any time of year.

Variations

• Add more vegetables: You can add additional vegetables like peas, green beans, or potatoes to make the soup even heartier and more nutritious.

• Use different noodles: If you prefer a different type of noodle, feel free to substitute with small pasta shapes, such as farfalle, penne, or macaroni.

• Make it spicy: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the soup.

• Slow cooker version: For an easy slow cooker version, add all the ingredients (except the noodles) into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover Beef and Noodle Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding more broth or water if the soup has thickened. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?

While stew meat is preferred for its tenderness and flavor when simmered, you can use ground beef for a quicker version. Brown the ground beef first, then proceed with the recipe as directed.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any type of small pasta can be used in place of egg noodles. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for the type of pasta you use.

3. Can I add potatoes to this soup?

Yes, diced potatoes can be added for extra heartiness. If using potatoes, add them along with the carrots and celery to ensure they cook through.

4. How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?

To avoid mushy noodles, don’t add them until the beef has become tender. Also, if you have leftovers, store the soup and noodles separately, as the noodles will continue to soak up the broth.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, Beef and Noodle Soup can be made ahead of time. The flavors will actually improve as it sits. Just be sure to store the noodles separately from the soup to prevent them from becoming soggy.

6. Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth to make this soup vegetarian-friendly. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

7. Can I add beans to the soup?

Yes, beans such as kidney beans or white beans would be a great addition. Add them along with the broth for added texture and protein.

8. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, you can substitute fresh vegetables with frozen ones. Just make sure to add them toward the end of cooking so they don’t get overcooked.

9. Can I use a pressure cooker to cook this soup?

Yes, you can use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot to speed up the cooking process. Cook the beef and vegetables on high pressure for 25 minutes, then release the pressure and add the noodles. Cook the noodles for an additional 5-6 minutes on sauté mode.

10. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, this recipe can easily be made in a slow cooker. Add all the ingredients (except for the noodles) and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

Beef and Noodle Soup is the perfect dish for anyone who loves hearty, comforting meals. The tender beef, savory broth, and chewy noodles combine to create a soup that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prep, this soup is simple to make and perfect for cozy nights in. With endless variations, it’s a versatile dish that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.