Cracker Barrel Beef Noodle Soup Recipe

Rich broth, tender beef, and thick egg noodles put this soup on my risk of over-eating list!

I use a mix of beef broth and a little bone broth to deepen the base and make it even heartier.

Simmering the beef low and slow ensures every bite is melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce brings in just the right balance of salt and umami.

You’ll want to let the noodles cook directly in the broth to help thicken the soup naturally and keep them from tasting bland!

How to Make Cracker Barrel’s Beef Noodle Soup

Ingredients

• 2 lb Beef chuck (roast)
• 2 Bay leaves
• 8 cups Beef broth
• 2 tbsp Soy sauce
• 12 oz Egg noodles

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Begin by cutting your beef chuck roast into 1-inch cubes.

It’s important for even cooking.

Step 2:

In a large pot, combine the beef cubes, beef broth, and bay leaves.

Bring this to a boil over medium heat.

Step 3:

Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and add soy sauce.

Allow it to cook until the beef is tender, which usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Step 4:

While the beef simmers, cook the egg noodles separately according to package instructions.

Drain and set aside for later.

Step 5:

When the beef is tender, remove the bay leaves and add the cooked egg noodles to the pot.

Simmer for an additional 10 minutes so the flavors meld together.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Choose the Right Beef

When selecting beef, make sure to use a cut with good marbling, such as beef chuck, for tender bites.

Marbling helps the meat stay juicy during the simmering process.

Beef Broth Boost

For a richer flavor, you can substitute one cup of water with an extra cup of beef broth.

This intensifies the beefy essence of the soup.

Perfect Noodles

To prevent noodles from getting soggy, cook them separately and add them to the soup just before serving.

If stored, keep noodles separate from the soup.

Seasoning Adjustments

Feel free to taste and adjust the seasoning, adding salt or more soy sauce as needed based on your preference.

Freshly cracked black pepper adds an excellent touch to the finished dish.

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

For best results, reheat over low heat to maintain moisture.

What to Serve with Cracker Barrel Beef Noodle Soup

Garlic Bread

One of the timeless companions to any soup has to be garlic bread.

The crispy texture and buttery garlic flavor pair perfectly with the beef noodle soup!

You can make it easily with some sliced French bread, butter, and minced garlic.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

You can’t go wrong with a hearty grilled cheese sandwich.

The melted cheese adds a rich and creamy texture that goes wonderfully with the soup.

Try using different cheeses for a unique twist—how about sharp cheddar or creamy brie?

Roasted Vegetables

For something healthy and colorful, consider serving roasted vegetables.

Carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts caramelize beautifully in the oven.

They add a sweet, earthy flavor that complements the savory notes of the soup.

Warm Quinoa Salad with Apple and Almonds

For a more adventurous choice, a warm quinoa salad with apple slices and almonds can make a great addition.

The crunch of the almonds and the sweetness of apples make each bite interesting.

This option adds a balance of textures and flavors that might surprise you!

Cheese-Stuffed Peppers

Cheese-stuffed peppers offer a vibrant and flavorful side dish that pairs nicely with the soup.

Prepare small bell peppers by stuffing them with a mix of cream cheese and herbs.

Bake them until the cheese gets gooey and the peppers are tender—it’s as delicious as it sounds!

Variations and Substitutions

Get creative with your Cracker Barrel Beef Noodle Soup by trying different types of protein.

Chicken, turkey, or even a mix of meat can add a new twist to your bowl.

Are you a fan of vegetables?

Then think about adding more!

Bell peppers or zucchini can deliver a fresh texture and additional flavors.

Herbs and Spices

Feel free to spice things up!

Try experimenting with thyme, rosemary, or sage for a more aromatic soup.

Love garlic? Add a little extra for more depth.

Noodle Options

Switch up the noodles if you like!

Choose your favorites such as egg noodles, rice noodles, or perhaps even fettuccine.

Every choice gives the soup a unique feel.

Broth Alternatives

If you want a different taste, try other broths.

Substituting with chicken or vegetable broth can alter the soup’s base flavor.

Use a mix of beef and chicken broth for a different depth of flavor.

Creating variations is part of the fun in making this recipe your own!

How to Store Leftover Beef Noodle Soup

When you have leftover beef noodle soup, you’ll want to keep it tasting just as good as when you first made it.

By storing it properly, you can enjoy this comforting dish for days without any compromise in flavor or quality.

Remember to store those noodles separately from the broth!

Cooling Down

First things first, allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to storage containers.

Letting hot food sit out for too long isn’t the best idea, so aim to do this within two hours.

Separate Components

Keep the noodles and broth in different containers because this prevents the noodles from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy.

Pour the broth into an airtight container, leaving about a half-inch of space on top.

For the noodles, a separate sealable bag or container works best to keep them fresh.

Refrigerate or Freeze

You can refrigerate the soup for up to four days, but if you think it will take longer before you finish it, freezing is a great option!

Divide the soup into individual portions and freeze in airtight, freezer-safe containers.

This way, you’ll have ready-to-heat meals anytime you crave some homemade soup!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Beef

You don’t want your beef turning into rubber!

It’s essential to keep a watchful eye, cooking only until tender.

Set your timer and check frequently to keep it from becoming tough.

Adding Too Much Liquid

Pouring in too much broth can lead to a soup that’s too thin.

Stick to the recipe’s liquid measurements for the perfect consistency.

Remember, liquids can always be adjusted later if needed.

Ignoring Ingredient Quality

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in taste.

Choosing high-quality noodles and beef can enhance this recipe exponentially.

It’s worth the effort to source the best you can find.