Beef noodle soup is a comforting dish that warms both the body and the soul. With its hearty chunks of beef, tender vegetables, and flavorful broth, it’s a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a chilly evening or looking to impress guests with your culinary skills, this recipe has got you covered. Let’s dive into the world of beef noodle soup and discover how to make this delicious dish from scratch.
1. Introduction
Beef noodle soup is a beloved dish that combines tender beef, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth into one satisfying bowl. In this article, we’ll explore how to make this comforting meal step by step, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor and warmth.
2. Ingredients
To create the perfect beef noodle soup, you’ll need:
- 2 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 8 ounces white button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 lb beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
- 8 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram or oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon crushed rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles
- Chopped fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary for garnish
3. Preparing the Base
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they begin to brown, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the onions, celery, and carrots, cooking until they soften. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Set aside the vegetable mixture.
4. Browning the Beef
Season the beef chunks with kosher salt and pepper. In the same pot, add a little more vegetable oil and brown the beef on both sides. Once browned, add the beef broth, marjoram, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for about an hour until the beef is tender.
5. Simmering the Broth
After simmering, add the egg noodles to the pot and cook for 5 minutes. Return the vegetable mixture to the pot and continue simmering for another 5-7 minutes until the noodles and carrots are tender.
6. Adding the Noodles
The egg noodles add a comforting texture to the soup, soaking up the flavorful broth and complementing the tender beef and vegetables perfectly.
7. Bringing it Together
Once everything is cooked to perfection, remove the bay leaves and garnish the soup with fresh chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary. Serve promptly for the best flavor experience.
8. Garnishing
The fresh herbs not only add a pop of color to the dish but also enhance the overall flavor profile, elevating your beef noodle soup to restaurant-quality status.
9. Conclusion
In conclusion, beef noodle soup is a classic comfort food that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family.
10. FAQs
Q1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts such as stew meat or sirloin, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
Q2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, beef noodle soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together.
Q3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, beef noodle soup freezes well. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Q4. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can substitute dried herbs if that’s what you have on hand. Just use about half the amount called for in the recipe.
Q5. Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Certainly! Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables such as peas, green beans, or spinach for an extra nutritional boost.
Beef noodle soup is a versatile dish that’s open to interpretation, so don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen!