Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup is wholesome, filling, and easy to make with everyday ingredients. The slow-simmered beef becomes tender and flavorful, while the noodles soak up the delicious broth. It’s a one-pot meal that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even when you’re feeling under the weather.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into cubes
- olive oil
- onion, chopped
- garlic, minced
- carrots, sliced
- celery, chopped
- beef broth
- water
- egg noodles
- bay leaf
- dried thyme
- salt
- black pepper
- fresh parsley, optional
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the beef and sear until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Return the beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth and water.
- Add bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
- Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Remove the bay leaf, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 6 people.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 60 to 75 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
You can add potatoes for an even heartier soup or swap egg noodles for pasta like rotini or macaroni. For a richer broth, use all beef stock instead of a mix of broth and water. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor, or include mushrooms for an earthy twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the noodles absorb too much broth, add a bit of water or broth when reheating. This soup can also be frozen, though it’s best to freeze it without the noodles and add them fresh when reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, chuck roast, stew meat, or even leftover roast beef works well.
How do I make the beef more tender?
Simmer it longer on low heat to break down the fibers and make it tender.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook the beef and broth on low for 6 to 8 hours, then add noodles at the end.
What type of noodles are best?
Egg noodles are traditional, but any pasta can work.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but for best results, freeze without noodles and add them later.
How do I thicken the broth?
You can mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it in if you prefer a thicker soup.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely, peas, green beans, or corn are great additions.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use gluten-free noodles to adapt it.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
What can I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread or a simple salad pairs perfectly.
Conclusion
Classic Beef and Noodle Soup is a timeless recipe that delivers comfort and flavor in every bowl. With tender beef, hearty noodles, and a rich broth, it’s an easy and satisfying dish you’ll want to make again and again.
PrintClassic Beef and Noodle Soup Recipe
Classic beef and noodle soup is a hearty, comforting dish with tender beef, soft noodles, and a rich savory broth. Perfect for cozy meals, it’s a satisfying one-pot recipe the whole family will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 6 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add beef and sear until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Return beef to the pot and add beef broth and water.
- Stir in bay leaf, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45–60 minutes until beef is tender.
- Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove bay leaf, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Simmer longer for more tender beef if needed.
- Add extra broth when reheating if noodles absorb liquid.
- Freeze without noodles for best texture.
- Swap noodles for other pasta if desired.
- Add Worcestershire sauce for deeper flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg