While Pho Bo is typically known for its long cooking process, we’ve streamlined it into an easy freezer recipe that’s ready when you are. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner or a comforting meal after a long day, this recipe is your answer.
Move over, Chicken Soup for the Soul – Pho Bo is here to warm your heart, soul, and your belly. This Pho Bo recipe brings authentic harmony of aromatic broth, soft rice noodles, and a beautifully tender beef. While Pho Bo is typically known for a longer cooking process, we have streamlined it into an easy freezer recipe that is ready when you are. Let’s make this mouthwatering dish together – it is faster and easier than you think.
While Pho Bo is typically known for its long cooking process, we’ve streamlined it into an easy freezer recipe that’s ready when you are. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner or a comforting meal after a long day, this recipe is your answer.
Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
Add all ingredients, except for the day of cooking or serve with ingredients, to the freezer bag.
Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.
Slow Cooker | Cooking Directions
Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
Dump contents of the freezer bag into the slow cooker, plus 4 cups beef broth.
Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
Stir contents of slow cooker and prepare individual bowls for serving.
First add desired amount of rice sticks to each individual bowl, then add broth from slow cooker into bowl over rice sticks, cover bowl for 10 minutes allowing rice stick to fully cook and absorb broth.
After 10 minutes, stir noodles and broth and top bowl off with the beef, a lime wedge, fresh cilantro, and bean sprouts. Serve and enjoy!
Keyword Beef Recipes, Easy slow cooker recipes, Pho Bo Freezer Recipe, Pho Bo Recipe, Slow cooker beef recipes
Sign up for the My Family Dinner MembershipLearn More
How To Make A Pho Bo
Prep | Directions
Step 1: Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
Step 2: Add all ingredients, except for the day of cooking or serve with ingredients, to the freezer bag.
Step 3: Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.
Slow Cooker | Cooking Directions
Step 1: Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
Step 2: Dump contents of the freezer bag into the slow cooker, plus 4 cups beef broth.
Step 3: Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
Step 4: Stir contents of slow cooker and prepare individual bowls for serving.
Step 5: First add desired amount of rice sticks to each individual bowl, then add broth from slow cooker into bowl over rice sticks, cover bowl for 10 minutes allowing rice stick to fully cook and absorb broth.
Step 6: After 10 minutes, stir noodles and broth and top bowl off with the beef, a lime wedge, fresh cilantro, and bean sprouts. Serve and enjoy!
What to pair with your Vietnamese Pho Bo Noodle Soup!
Beef Chuck Roast → Chicken Thighs: Swap the beef chuck roast with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a lighter version. Chicken thighs freeze well and remain tender when reheated in the broth.
Soy Sauce/Tamari → Coconut Aminos: Replace soy sauce or tamari with coconut aminos for a gluten-free and soy-free alternative.
Rice Stick Noodles → Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, use spiraled zucchini noodles instead of rice stick noodles.
Additions:
Frozen Meatballs: Add pre-cooked frozen meatballs for an extra protein boost. Beef, chicken, or pork meatballs pair well with Pho Bo flavors.
Frozen Mushrooms: Include frozen sliced mushrooms (such as shiitake or cremini) for added umami and texture.
Frozen Spinach: Toss in frozen spinach for a nutrient-packed addition. It thaws quickly in the hot broth, adding a vibrant green color and mild flavor.
Don’t forget to Pin this recipe for later!
[MFD Email Sign Up – Something Free]
Your Questions Answered
Comment below if you have any questions we didn’t answer.
Best Way To Store Easy Pho Bo Leftover?
I doubt you will have leftovers, it’s that good, but if you do, it is best to store this recipe in separate containers, try to store the broth separate from the base ingredients. This will prevent the noodles from getting soggy and the garnishes from wilting. Make sure to use air tight containers to prevent the broth from absorbing fridge odors.
How Long Will Pho Bo Recipe Last In the Fridge?
This Pho Bo recipe will remain fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. Be sure to separate the noodles from the broth during storage, as this will decrease the chance of the noodles getting too soggy.
Can I Freeze Beef Pho Bo Recipe?
Yes! Pho Bo can be frozen after cooking, however, for best results freeze the broth separately in an airtight freezer bag of preference, Find some here! Make sure to leave space for expansion. Freeze the meat, in small portions with the broth or separately. Avoid freezing the cooked noodles, as they do not reheat well. Instead, freeze uncooked rice noodles and cook them fresh when you are reheating. Freezing Pho Bo will last for up to three months in the freezer.
How To Reheat Make ahead Pho Bo?
For best results when reheating your Pho Bo recipe, consider reheating the broth in a pot on the stove over medium heat. Add the cooked meat to the hot broth to warm it up gently without overcooking it. Make sure to cook the noodles fresh, and add them to the hot broth just before serving. Combine all ingredients, broth, meat, and noodles, then top with fresh garnishes like your bean sprouts, lime, and cilantro.
What are the spices needed to achieve an authentic Pho Bo Flavor?
If you are looking to make an authentic Pho Bo recipe, you need to make sure to use these key spices. Traditional Pho bo spices include Star Anise, cloves, cinnamon sticks, cardamom, and coriander seeds. These spices capture the dish’s signature smell and depth while also infusing the broth with warm, earthy notes.
Can I make Pho Bo using a slow cooker or instant pot instead of the stovetop?
Yes, Pho Bo is the perfect recipe to use in your slow cooker or instant pot. Using these methods will allow your dinner prep to be simplified while still preserving authentic flavors. The slow simmer in a slow cooker extracts the maximum flavor from the ingredients. The instant pot significantly reduces the cooking time of a Pho Bo recipe, while still maintaining the depth of flavor that an authentic Pho Bo is known for.
What cuts of beef work best for Pho Bo, and can I substitute with other protein choices?
The best beef cuts for a Pho Bo include beef chuck roast, brisket, or oxtail. These cuts are tender and flavorful during the long, simmering, cooking process. Sliced sirloin or eye of round is also often added just before serving for a more delicate texture. If you prefer to use a different type of protein, consider using chicken thighs for a lighter version. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, you may use tofu or mushrooms alongside vegetable broth for a plant-based alternative.
How long should I simmer the broth for maximum flavor in a slow cooker?
An authentic Pho Bo broth will need to simmer for 8-10 hours is ideal for equally rich results. The length of the simmering with the beef bones, spices, allows the aromatics to release their full potential creating an authentic dish you will soon enjoy.
What are the best noodles to use for a Pho Bo, and how do I cook them perfectly?
The best noodles to use for a Pho Bo recipe are Rice Stick Noodles, also known as banh pho. These are the traditional noodles of choice for a Pho Bo recipe. This type of noodle comes in various widths, for best results, stick with the medium or thin noodles. If you are using this recipe as a freezer meal, avoid cooking the noodles as they become mushy when reheated. Freeze the uncooked noodles and cook them fresh when assembling the dish.
How do I adjust the flavor of my broth if it is too salty, or too bland?
To adjust the flavor of your Pho Bo broth, add more water or unsalted broth to dilute the saltiness if your broth tastes too salty. You can also try simmering a peeled potato in the broth, which will help absorb the saltiness. If your recipe is too bland, enhance the flavor of your dish by adding a touch of soy sauce, or a pinch of salt. Adding star anise or cloves can also spice up the taste. If your flavor profile is too sweet, balance it out with a splash of lime juice.
What garnishes are essential in a Pho Bo, and what are some alternative options?
For a transitional Pho Bo recipe, garnishes of Fresh bean sprouts are a must. Thai basil, cilantro, lime wedges, and thinly sliced jalapenos can also be used as garnishes. The great thing about Pho Bo is how customizable it can be, so adding shredded carrots, green onions, or mint leaves allows for your meal experience to be elevated with lots of great options.
Can I make a vegetarian or Vegan version of Pho Bo?
Yes! Vegetarian and Vegan Pho Bo are possible and super flavorful. Make sure to replace the beef bones with vegetable broth. To build some depth to your broth add mushrooms, carrots and radishes. Include the same spice blend of star anise, cinnamon, and cloves. For protein, consider tofu or seitan as your substitute.
If you like this recipe here are some other Beef recipes you’re sure to love:
As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!
Get Recipe Ingredients
