When you’re in need of a quick yet hearty meal, nothing beats a bowl of homemade beef noodle soup. This Simple Beef Noodle Soup is perfect for those busy days when you crave something comforting and filling but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. With tender slices of beef, fresh vegetables, and comforting egg noodles, this soup is a family favorite that can be made in no time. Here’s how to make this delightful dish.
Ingredients
- 8 oz beef sirloin or flank, thinly sliced: Beef sirloin or flank steak are ideal for this soup due to their tenderness and quick cooking time. Thin slices ensure that the beef cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the broth.
- 6 cups beef broth (low-sodium): The broth forms the base of your soup, providing a rich, savory flavor. Using low-sodium beef broth helps you control the salt level in your dish.
- 2 carrots, sliced: Carrots add a touch of sweetness and a bit of crunch to the soup. Slicing them ensures they cook quickly and blend well with the other ingredients.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced: Celery adds a fresh, slightly peppery flavor and contributes to the soup’s overall texture.
- 1 onion, finely chopped: Onions are a fundamental ingredient that adds depth and sweetness to the soup.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic enhances the flavor profile of the soup with its aromatic and savory qualities.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: This ingredient adds umami and a touch of saltiness, enhancing the flavor of the broth.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity and a slight tang, complementing the other flavors in the soup.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning, adjust these to your preference to balance the flavors.
- 8 oz egg noodles: Egg noodles are perfect for soup as they cook quickly and soak up the broth, making the soup more hearty and filling.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness to your soup.
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef:
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil if necessary. Add the thinly sliced beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside. This step adds flavor to the soup and ensures the beef is tender and well-seasoned.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion becomes translucent. This step builds the base of flavors for the soup.
- Add the Broth and Seasonings:
- Pour in the beef broth and stir in the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil. The broth will be infused with the flavors from the sautéed vegetables and seasonings.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the cooked beef back to the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together. This allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to develop fully.
- Cook the Noodles:
- Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5-7 minutes, until they are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cooking the noodles in the soup allows them to absorb the flavors of the broth.
- Season the Soup:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. This final seasoning step ensures the soup is perfectly flavored to your liking.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Beef Selection: For the best results, use a tender cut of beef like sirloin or flank steak. Thinly slice the beef against the grain to ensure it remains tender after cooking.
- Broth: Using low-sodium beef broth gives you control over the salt content of the soup. You can always add more salt later if needed.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add additional vegetables such as peas or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Noodles: Cooking the noodles directly in the soup makes for a convenient one-pot meal. If you prefer, you can cook them separately and add them just before serving to avoid overcooking.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to give the soup a bit of heat.
- Herbal Touch: Add a bay leaf or a few sprigs of thyme while the soup simmers for added depth of flavor. Be sure to remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free noodles and check that the soy sauce is gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
This Simple Beef Noodle Soup is a versatile and comforting dish that’s easy to customize to your taste. With its tender beef, flavorful broth, and hearty noodles, it’s a perfect meal for any day of the week. Enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bowl
