Crock Pot Beef Pho

This Crock Pot Beef Pho is a rich and aromatic recipe, which uses beef bones and star anise. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 8 hours and 20 minutes.

Crock Pot Beef Pho Ingredients

• 2 ½ pounds beef bones or oxtails
• ½ white onion
• 3-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 5 whole star anise
• 5 whole cloves
• 1 whole cardamom pod
• 9 cups of water
• 1 ½ tablespoons beef base (such as Better Than Bouillon, optional)
• 1 ½ tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Kosher salt
• 1 pound dried rice noodles
• ½ pound raw eye of round steak, sliced paper-thin
• ½ red onion, very thinly sliced

For serving:

• 2 limes, cut into wedges
• 1 bunch cilantro, cleaned
• 1 bunch Thai or Italian basil
• 1 bunch mint
• 2 jalapeños or 6 Thai Bird chiles, thinly sliced
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• Sriracha
• Hoisin sauce

How To Make Crock Pot Beef Pho

1. Char the aromatics: Preheat broiler to high. Place beef bones, onion, and ginger on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil for about 8 minutes, until nicely charred.
2. Transfer to slow cooker: Add the charred beef bones, onion, and ginger to the slow cooker.
3. Toast the spices: In a dry skillet over medium-high heat, toast the cinnamon, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, star anise, cloves, and cardamom until fragrant. Wrap in cheesecloth and tie securely.
4. Simmer the broth: Add the spice bundle, water, beef base (if using), fish sauce, sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8–10 hours.
5. Cook the noodles: Just before serving, cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, leaving them al dente. Rinse with cold water and divide among serving bowls.
6. Strain the broth: Remove the bones and spice bundle from the broth. Skim off any scum, then taste and adjust the seasoning.
7. Assemble the bowls: Add raw eye of round steak and sliced red onion to the noodles. Pour hot broth over top and serve with your choice of garnishes.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use pre-made beef broth instead?
  For authentic flavor, homemade broth is best, but you can use quality beef broth in a pinch.
• How to slice beef thin enough:
  Freeze the steak for 15–20 minutes before slicing to get paper-thin cuts.
• What noodles should I use for pho?
  Medium-width dried rice noodles (banh pho) work best and are widely available.
• How to adjust the spice level:
  Serve Thai chiles or jalapeños on the side so everyone can customize their heat.
• Can I make this ahead of time?
  Yes—make the broth a day ahead and store separately from the noodles and toppings.

What To Serve With Beef Pho

Pho is typically a full meal, but here are a few great sides and add-ons:

• Vietnamese spring rolls (fresh or fried)
• Pickled vegetables
• Crispy tofu
• Steamed dumplings
• Iced Vietnamese coffee

How To Store Beef Pho

Refrigerate: Store broth, noodles, and toppings separately. Broth will keep for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Freeze: Freeze the broth for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing noodles and herbs—add fresh when reheating.

Beef Pho Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 552
• Carbohydrates: 108g
• Protein: 19g
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 1252mg
• Potassium: 435mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 4g
• Vitamin A: 90IU
• Vitamin C: 24.3mg
• Calcium: 111mg
• Iron: 3.4mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make pho with chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute chicken bones and use chicken breast for a lighter version.

Why is my pho broth cloudy?
Cloudiness usually comes from not skimming the broth or boiling it too vigorously. Slow cooking helps keep it clear.

Do I need to use all the herbs listed?
No—use what you have. Basil and cilantro are the most essential, but mint adds great flavor too.

Can I cook pho on high instead of low?
Low is preferred for deep flavor, but you can cook it on high for 4–5 hours if short on time.

Is beef base necessary if I have bones?
Not necessary, but it enhances the umami if your bones are lean or you want a stronger flavor.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Beef Pasta
• Crock Pot Beef Osso Bucco
• Crock Pot Beef Neck Bones