Pho-Inspired Beef and Mushroom Soup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant and savory broth featuring tender slices of beef and earthy mushrooms, inspired by traditional Vietnamese pho flavors. This Vietnamese-inspired soup recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs beef sirloin, thinly sliced, shiitake mushrooms, sliced, beef broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 6 cups beef broth with 2 whole star anise, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 whole cloves, and 2-inch sliced ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook uncovered for 30 minutes to infuse the broth.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, soak 6 oz rice noodles in warm water for 20 minutes until pliable, then drain.
  3. Step 3: Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve to remove spices and ginger, returning the clear broth to the pot. Stir in 2 tbsp fish sauce and bring back to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms and simmer for 4 minutes until tender.
  5. Step 5: Divide the soaked noodles among 4 bowls. Top each with 2 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin (raw), and ladle the hot broth and mushrooms over the beef to gently cook it.
  6. Step 6: Garnish each bowl with 1/4 cup bean sprouts, 2 tbsp fresh Thai basil leaves, 1/2 sliced scallion, and 1 tbsp chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges, hoisin sauce, and sriracha on the side for customization.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pho-Inspired Beef and Mushroom Soup take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pho-Inspired Beef and Mushroom Soup?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef sirloin, thinly sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pho-Inspired Beef and Mushroom Soup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pho-Inspired Beef and Mushroom Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pho-Inspired Beef and Mushroom Soup?

Vietnamese soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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