There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl full of tender beef, creamy broth, and hearty noodles. This Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly that kind of soul-soothing meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I honestly love how this Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe balances rich flavors with a bit of wholesome heartiness. It’s indulgent but still satisfies that need for something cozy and familiar, which makes it a go-to dish in my kitchen when I want comfort food.
- Hands-off cooking: Toss the ingredients in, then let your oven do most of the work while you relax or prep other things.
- Velvety broth: The half and half with just the right amount of cornstarch creates a silky, creamy soup that tastes luxurious without being heavy.
- Tender melt-in-your-mouth beef: Slow baking at a low heat makes the sirloin incredibly soft, no tough bites here.
- Adaptable and forgiving: You can swap veggies, adjust creaminess, or turn it into a slow cooker meal without losing the soul of the recipe.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredients in this recipe aren’t fancy, but together they create something really special. The beef and veggies provide hearty depth, while the mixture of spices and umami additions like Worcestershire and soy sauce elevate the broth. Don’t skimp on the half and half—it’s the secret to that dreamy creaminess!
- Top sirloin steak: I like sirloin because it’s lean but tender when cooked low and slow. Cutting it into 1-inch pieces helps it cook perfectly through without drying out.
- Egg noodles: They hold up well in soup and add that classic comforting chewiness you want.
- Unsalted butter and olive oil: A combo for rich flavor and a nice sauté base without overpowering.
- Onion, carrots, and celery: Classic mirepoix veggies that bring sweetness and aromatic depth to the broth.
- Garlic and red pepper flakes: Garlic adds warmth, and the red pepper flakes give just a faint hint of spice, which brightens things up.
- Flour: Makes the roux to thicken the soup gently without lumps.
- Water and beef base: Using water plus beef base lets you control salt and richness better than store-bought broth.
- Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce: These add layers of umami and a subtle tang.
- Dijon mustard and dried herbs: Mustard deepens flavor and ties the herbs like oregano, thyme, and parsley together nicely.
- Half and half: Key for that creamy texture, richer than milk but lighter than cream.
- Cornstarch: Added at the end with half and half to create a luscious silky broth.
- Fire roasted diced tomatoes: I love how these give a subtle smokiness and brightness to balance the richness.
- Frozen petite peas: Quick to add and keep fresh flavor and texture at the end.
Make It Your Way
This Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe is a brilliant blank canvas to adapt however you fancy. I often swap in leftover root veggies or add mushrooms for earthiness. You could also make it dairy-free by using coconut milk—just skip the cornstarch and add a bit more flour in the roux.
- Variation: Once, I replaced egg noodles with wide rice noodles during a gluten-free week and loved how the soup soaked them up beautifully.
- Spice it up: For a bit more kick, toss in some chili powder or smoked paprika.
- Slow cooker version: Brown the beef and saute veggies first, then combine everything in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours low for effortless cooking.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Beef
Start by tossing your chopped sirloin with salt and pepper—this simple seasoning is key to layering flavor from the get-go. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven and sear half the beef in a hot pan until golden on all sides, about 4 minutes total. You want a deep sear to develop that rich, beefy flavor so don’t rush it. Remove to a plate and repeat with the rest. Those browned bits left in the pan? Gold for the broth.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables for the Base
In those beef drippings, melt butter with olive oil and add onions, carrots, and celery. Let them soften and get a little golden—about 8 minutes—which builds a wonderful foundation for your soup. Toss in garlic and red pepper flakes for the last 30 seconds to release their aromas without burning.
Step 3: Build the Roux and Broth
Turn the heat to medium and sprinkle in flour, stirring constantly to cook off the raw taste—about 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in the water while scraping up those delicious browned bits from the bottom. Add beef base, Worcestershire, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and the dried herbs, then stir in the seared beef. This is when the soup starts coming together with intense flavor and body.
Step 4: Low and Slow Baking
Bring the pot to a gentle simmer on stove, cover, and pop it in a 325°F oven. Let it bake for about 90 minutes until the beef is tender enough to melt in your mouth. I like to start boiling my pasta in a separate pot during the last 20 minutes of baking so everything finishes around the same time—that way the noodles stay springy and don’t get mushy in the soup.
Step 5: Cook Noodles Separately
Boil your egg noodles until just al dente—don’t wait for them to get overly soft because they’ll finish cooking slightly in the soup. If you finish the noodles before the beef is ready, toss them with a little olive oil to stop sticking and set aside. Trust me, cooked noodles in hot soup early often become gluey, so keeping them separate is a game-changer.
Step 6: Add Rich Creaminess and Simmer
Once your beef is tender, transfer the pot back to the stovetop. Whisk cornstarch into the half and half to prevent lumps, then stir it along with the fire roasted tomatoes into the soup. Bring it to a gentle simmer until it thickens nicely, about 3 minutes, then toss in frozen peas at the very end to keep them fresh and bright.
Step 7: Combine and Finish
Finally, stir in your perfectly cooked noodles and season with salt and pepper to taste. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top brightens the whole bowl and gives it that homey touch.
Top Tip
From my experience making this Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe, timing and layering flavors make all the difference. These tips helped me avoid common pitfalls and elevate the soup into something truly special.
- Searing deepens flavor: Don’t skip browning the beef in batches to avoid steaming; it builds a savory base you’ll notice in every spoonful.
- Cook noodles separately: Keeps them from getting mushy and lets you control texture perfectly.
- Mix half and half with cornstarch: Whisk this before adding to the soup to prevent lumps and get that silky mouthfeel.
- Don’t rush baking: Low and slow is what melts the beef tender, so trust the 90 minutes at 325°F for best results.
How to Serve Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of just adding fresh chopped parsley for color and a touch of brightness. Sometimes I sprinkle a little shredded sharp cheddar or cracked black pepper on top for extra punch. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also wake up the creamy broth nicely.
Side Dishes
This soup shines as a full meal, but I often serve it with crusty dinner rolls or a big, crunchy garden salad on the side. Sometimes, a garlic breadstick or oven-roasted Brussels sprouts add a nice crunch and veggie boost to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving the soup in a bread bowl—it turns it into a fun centerpiece and avoids extra dishes. A drizzle of herb oil or dollop of crème fraîche on top elevates the look and adds fresh flavor, perfect for dinner guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Since the noodles soak up the broth over time, I recommend storing noodles separately if possible, then combining before reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully without losing much flavor. I freeze it minus the noodles and add fresh cooked noodles when reheating. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add extra broth or water to loosen as needed. Stir in cooked noodles at the end so they don’t get mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then add everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the noodles and peas near the end to avoid overcooking.
You can use evaporated milk for a similar creaminess or combine milk with a little heavy cream. For dairy-free options, coconut milk works well, but skip the cornstarch and adjust seasoning accordingly.
Cook the noodles separately until just al dente and add them in right before serving. Storing noodles separately if you have leftovers also helps maintain their texture.
Yes, you can use chuck roast or brisket cut into chunks. Just adjust the baking time—tougher cuts may need a bit longer to become tender.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe is one of those meals I turn to again and again because it feels like home in a bowl. It’s comforting, rich, and hearty but still easy enough to make any night of the week. Give it a try—you’ll love how the tender beef and creamy broth come together to make every spoonful feel like a little celebration of good food.
Print
Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Beef Noodle Soup recipe is a creamy, comforting meal featuring tender top sirloin, hearty vegetables, fire roasted tomatoes, and chewy egg noodles simmered in a rich broth. With 30 minutes of hands-on prep and slow oven baking, it offers deep flavors and a satisfying texture perfect for cold days or cozy dinners. The soup is adaptable, reheats well, and can be served as a meal-in-one or with sides like salad and rolls.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 2 pounds top sirloin steak, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
Pasta
- 2 cups egg noodles (or your favorite sturdy pasta)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- ¾ cup carrots, chopped or sliced
- 2 ribs celery, chopped or sliced
- 4-6 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Thickening and Flavoring Agents
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 5 cups water (or use beef broth as substitute)
- 2 tablespoons beef base or beef bouillon (crushed if cubes)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Cream and Additional Ingredients
- 3 cups half and half (or evaporated milk)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 15-ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup frozen petite peas, not thawed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss the chopped beef with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper to season evenly.
- Sear Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until very hot. Add half of the beef and sear each side until deeply golden, about 4 minutes total. Remove with a slotted spoon to a plate. Repeat with remaining beef, leaving drippings in the pot. Set beef aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt 2 tablespoons butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil in the drippings over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until onions are softened, around 8 minutes. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30 seconds more.
- Make Roux: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the raw flour smell disappears, forming a roux.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Reduce heat to low. Slowly stir in water while scraping up browned bits from the pan bottom. Add beef base, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, dried parsley, oregano, thyme, and paprika. Stir in the seared beef pieces.
- Bake Soup: Bring the pot to a simmer, cover, and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 90 minutes or until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Begin cooking noodles during the last 20 minutes.
- Cook Noodles: In a separate pot, cook egg noodles in salted boiling water until just al dente, slightly less than package directions. Drain and drizzle lightly with olive oil if beef is not done yet to prevent sticking.
- Add Dairy and Thicken: Once beef is tender, move the pot back to the stove top. Whisk together half and half with cornstarch and stir into the soup along with the fire roasted diced tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 3 minutes until soup thickens, adding frozen peas in the last minute.
- Combine and Serve: Stir the cooked noodles into the soup, season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- This soup is creamy and comforting with minimal active prep time, relying on oven baking for tender beef and rich flavor development.
- You can substitute beef broth for water and beef base to deepen flavor.
- Cooking noodles separately prevents toughness by avoiding boiling beef directly.
- Adjust creaminess by using evaporated milk instead of half and half or reduce quantity to preference.
- Fire roasted diced tomatoes add smoky depth but can be replaced with regular diced tomatoes if unavailable.
- This soup reheats well and is excellent for meal prep or freezing in portions.
- Add fresh parsley or herbs at serving for brightness and garnish.
- For a lower fat version, use evaporated milk and reduce butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
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