Vietnamese Pho-Inspired Slow Cooker Beef Soup

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant slow cooker beef broth infused with star anise and cinnamon, served with tender beef slices and fresh herbs for a comforting bowl of pho. This vietnamese-inspired soups ready in about 500 minutes pairs cut into large chunks beef chuck roast, large, halved yellow onion, inch piece, sliced fresh ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 lbs beef chuck roast chunks, 1 large halved yellow onion, 3-inch sliced fresh ginger, 4 whole star anise, 1 large cinnamon stick, and 5 whole cloves into a slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: Pour in 8 cups beef broth and 1/4 cup fish sauce. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until beef is very tender.
  3. Step 3: Remove beef chunks and shred with two forks. Strain broth to remove solids and return broth to slow cooker.
  4. Step 4: Prepare 8 oz rice noodles according to package instructions and divide among 4 bowls.
  5. Step 5: Top noodles with shredded beef, 1 cup bean sprouts, 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 3 sliced green onions.
  6. Step 6: Ladle hot broth over the bowls and serve with lime wedges and optional jalapeño slices for added heat.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Vietnamese Pho-Inspired Slow Cooker Beef Soup take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 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 Vietnamese Pho-Inspired Slow Cooker Beef 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 large, halved yellow onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vietnamese Pho-Inspired Slow Cooker Beef 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 Vietnamese Pho-Inspired Slow Cooker Beef 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 Vietnamese Pho-Inspired Slow Cooker Beef 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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