Beef Noodle Soup: A Bowl of Comfort You’ll Want to Make Again and Again
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Beef Noodle Soup on a crisp day. Tender chunks of beef, soft egg noodles, aromatic herbs, and rich broth come together in a slow-simmered masterpiece that’s both simple and deeply satisfying. This classic comfort food recipe is perfect for feeding your family, prepping ahead for busy weeks, or just wrapping yourself in a little edible coziness.
And with a few optional add-ins like Worcestershire sauce or tomato paste, you can deepen the flavor profile and make it truly your own.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is the kind of soup that fills the house with an inviting aroma as it simmers low and slow — and the flavor payoff is totally worth the wait. I love how easy it is to customize, whether you’re loading it with fresh herbs or sneaking in a little umami punch with Worcestershire sauce or tomato paste.
It’s also great for using up pantry staples, and it reheats beautifully, making it a total meal-prep win.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz egg noodles
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Garnish: Chopped green onions, cilantro, crushed red pepper flakes
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Beef stew meat is perfect for slow simmering, but chuck roast or sirloin tips work well too.
- Broth: Use low-sodium beef broth if you want more control over saltiness.
- Egg noodles: You can swap in rice noodles or gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Sweetness: Brown sugar balances acidity from tomato paste, but it’s totally optional.
How to Make Beef Noodle Soup
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. This adds depth of flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add chopped onion and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in 8 cups of beef broth, then add bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. If using, stir in Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, or brown sugar. Bring everything to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer
Reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and flavorful.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
Add the egg noodles and cook uncovered according to package instructions (typically 6–8 minutes).
Step 6: Serve
Remove bay leaf. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions, crushed red pepper flakes, or fresh cilantro. Serve hot!
Tips for Success
- Brown your beef for best flavor — don’t skip the sear.
- Simmer low and slow to tenderize the meat and build a rich broth.
- Cook noodles just until tender so they don’t get mushy.
- Add greens like spinach or kale at the end for a veggie boost.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this soup with:
- Crusty bread or garlic toast
- A crisp green salad
- These easy turkey wings for the ultimate comfort meal
- A side of Cajun chicken sausage gumbo if you’re serving a crowd
- This tomato skillet with okra and sausage as a hearty second course
More Recipes You Will Love
- These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort
- This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
Final Thoughts
This Beef Noodle Soup recipe is a bowl full of comfort — rich broth, tender beef, and satisfying noodles all working together to warm you from the inside out. It’s a recipe I reach for when I want something classic, nourishing, and soul-hugging.
Give it a try, make it your own, and let me know how it turns out! And follow along for more cozy favorites and family-style meals made simple.
— Jason Griffith, ChefManiac.com
