There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of soup that hugs you from the inside out. This Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly that—a hearty, creamy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect any time you want something cozy and filling without too much fuss.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, this Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen because it balances rich flavor with straightforward prep. Plus, it’s the kind of meal that feels special—even on a busy weeknight.
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The half and half combined with cornstarch gives the broth a velvety mouthfeel that’s deeply satisfying.
- Tender Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef: Slow baking the seared sirloin makes the beef incredibly soft without drying it out.
- Perfectly Chewy Egg Noodles: Cooking noodles separately ensures they don’t get soggy or tough in the soup.
- Adaptable and Nutritious: Loaded with veggies and fire-roasted tomatoes, this soup is healthy and you can easily switch up the ingredients.
Ingredients & Why They Work
When you break down this recipe, everything fits perfectly to build layers of flavor and texture. The sirloin, veggies, and that creamy broth create a harmony that’s simple yet memorable. Here’s a quick glance at what you’re working with and why each ingredient shines.
- Top sirloin steak: It sears beautifully and becomes super tender when slow baked, creating juicy chunks of beef.
- Egg noodles: Their sturdiness holds up well in creamy soups, offering that satisfying bite.
- Butter and olive oil: This combo gives depth and richness to the sautéed veggies, avoiding greasy or heavy flavors.
- Onion, carrots, celery: The classic mirepoix trio adds natural sweetness and aromatic base to the broth.
- Garlic and red pepper flakes: These bring warmth and just a hint of a kick, keeping the soup interesting.
- Flour: It’s crucial for making that silky roux which thickens the soup perfectly.
- Water + beef base: Using water with beef base lets you control saltiness while building rich beef flavor.
- Worcestershire & soy sauces: They add umami depth and complexity, elevating the broth beyond basic beef stock.
- Dijon mustard: A subtle tang that brightens the creamy soup without overpowering.
- Herbs & spices: Parsley, oregano, thyme, paprika bring earthiness and a warm background note.
- Half and half: This creamy element gives the soup its signature luscious texture without heaviness.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the soup into a rich, velvety consistency in just minutes.
- Fire roasted diced tomatoes: They add a lovely smoky acidity that balances the creaminess.
- Frozen petite peas: A sweet pop of color and bite finishing off the dish wonderfully.
Make It Your Way
I love to fiddle with this recipe depending on what I’ve got in the fridge or my mood. The creamy beef noodle soup is a fantastic base—you really can’t go wrong customizing it yourself.
- Variation: I sometimes swap half and half for coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that still feels creamy and comforting.
- Veggie swaps: Feel free to add mushrooms, green beans, or even kale for extra greens and flavor.
- Spice it up: If you’re into heat, throw in a dash more red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce when serving.
- Make it slow cooker friendly: After searing the beef and sautéing veggies, pop everything in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours, then finish with noodles and cream at the end.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Beef
Start by patting your beef dry and tossing it with salt and pepper right on your cutting board—that little extra seasoning helps build depth. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a heavy Dutch oven until it’s shimmering hot. Add half the beef in a single layer and let it sear without moving it around for a couple minutes to get a rich golden crust. Flip and sear the other side, then remove to a plate. Do the same with the remaining beef. Those browned bits at the bottom? That’s gold for flavor—don’t scrape them away yet!
Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies
In the same pot with those flavorful drippings, melt butter and olive oil together. Toss in your onions, carrots, and celery and cook them over medium-high heat until the onions turn soft and translucent—about 8 minutes. Then stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking just until fragrant, about 30 seconds (watch closely so garlic doesn’t burn!).
Step 3: Make the Roux and Add Broth
Lower the heat to medium and sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to cook off that raw flour taste. Then, slowly pour in water while scraping up those tasty browned bits. Stir in your beef base, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon, and herbs. Nestle the seared beef back into the pot for the broth to soak up all those flavors.
Step 4: Bake Low and Slow
Cover the pot and slide it into your preheated 325°F oven for about 90 minutes. This gentle baking breaks down the beef’s connective tissue, turning it incredibly tender without drying out. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this step is simply divine!
Step 5: Cook the Noodles Separately
While the beef bakes, boil salted water and cook your egg noodles until just al dente (test a minute or two early). Drain and toss them with a little olive oil if you’re not ready to add them to the soup yet. This keeps them from sticking and keeps the texture perfect—you don’t want mushy noodles in creamy soup.
Step 6: Finish the Soup on the Stove
Once the beef is tender, take the pot out and bring it to the stove. Whisk together half and half with cornstarch, then stir into the soup along with the fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Let it gently simmer until the broth thickens, about 3 minutes. Add frozen peas in the last minute to keep their bright color and a bit of bite. Finally, stir in the cooked noodles and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Top Tip
In my experience, these small tweaks really elevate the Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe and help every cook, beginner or veteran, nail it every time.
- Sear in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing your beef—otherwise, you’ll steam instead of brown it and miss out on that deep flavor.
- Cook Noodles Separately: This is a game changer for texture, preventing your noodles from turning gummy or tough.
- Slow Bake the Beef: Oven baking at low heat locks in juiciness and tenderizes the meat without constant stirring.
- Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: They add that subtle smoky kick that balances the creaminess and adds complexity.
How to Serve Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of green and freshness. Sometimes I add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a shave of Parmesan to boost brightness and umami. Crusty bread or warm dinner rolls alongside just feel right with this hearty dish.
Side Dishes
A crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness of the soup. Simple roasted or steamed vegetables also complement the flavors without competing.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving this soup in mini bread bowls—easy to do and very fun to eat! Or ladle it into wide, shallow bowls and garnish each serving with a petite sprig of herbs and a drizzle of chili oil if guests like a little heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because the noodles soak up broth over time, I usually add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to loosen the soup back up and keep it creamy.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this soup without the noodles for up to 2 months—just sealed well. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat gently, then stir in freshly cooked egg noodles so they stay perfectly textured.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup seems too thick, add a bit of water or half and half to restore the creamy consistency. Adding fresh noodles on reheating keeps everything tasting fresh and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! While top sirloin is great because it sears nicely and becomes tender with slow baking, you can also use chuck roast or stew meat. Just expect slightly different cooking times depending on the cut.
Cooking the noodles separately prevents them from overcooking and becoming mushy in the soup. This ensures they keep their firmness and don’t soak up too much broth, which keeps the overall soup texture balanced.
You can substitute half and half with evaporated milk for a slightly different (but still creamy) texture. Some cooks use light cream or a milk and cream mixture. Avoid using skim milk as it won’t provide the same creaminess.
Absolutely! After searing the beef and sautéing the veggies, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until beef is tender. Add noodles and cream mixture towards the end of cooking to keep the noodles at the right texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe holds a special place in my meal rotation—it’s like a warm hug on a chilly day that doesn’t require me to fuss over complicated steps. I hope when you make it, you’ll find the same joy I do: simple ingredients coming together for a dish that feels both familiar and indulgent. Give it a try, and soon it might just become your favorite soul food too.
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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
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This creamy Beef Noodle Soup recipe combines tender top sirloin chunks, hearty egg noodles, and a flavorful medley of vegetables in a rich, aromatic broth. Perfect as a comforting meal, it features slow-baked beef that becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, complemented by celery, carrots, peas, and fire-roasted diced tomatoes. With minimal hands-on prep and a long, slow cook in the oven, this soup is a satisfying dinner that reheats well and can be customized easily to taste.
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
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for noodles)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 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
Roux and Broth Base
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 5 cups water
- 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
Finishing Ingredients
- 3 cups half and half or evaporated milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 (15 oz) can fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup frozen petite peas, not thawed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the soup.
- Sear Beef: Toss the chopped beef with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until very hot. Add half 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.
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt 2 tablespoons butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil in the drippings over medium-high heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until onions soften, about 8 minutes. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds.
- Make Roux: Reduce heat to medium and add the flour. Cook, stirring frequently, for 1-2 minutes until the raw flour smell disappears.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Lower heat to low and slowly stir in the water, scraping browned bits from the pot bottom. Add beef base, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, parsley, oregano, thyme, and paprika. Stir in the seared beef pieces.
- Bake Soup: Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the pot, and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 90 minutes, or until beef is tender and melt-in-your-mouth. Begin cooking the noodles in salted boiling water during the last 20 minutes of baking.
- Cook Noodles: In a separate pot, cook egg noodles until just al dente, checking a couple minutes before package time. Drain and toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking if the beef is not done.
- Add Dairy and Tomatoes: Remove the pot from the oven and transfer to the stovetop. Whisk together half and half and cornstarch, then stir into the soup along with the fire roasted diced tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer for about 3 minutes or until thickened, adding frozen peas in the last minute.
- Combine and Season: Stir the cooked noodles into the soup. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- This soup is creamy and comforting with just 30 minutes of hands-on prep; the oven does the slow cooking work.
- The soup is very adaptable: you can swap vegetables, adjust creaminess, or increase broth for a soupier consistency.
- Use beef broth instead of water plus beef base for deeper flavor if preferred.
- Cooking noodles separately prevents them from getting tough or waterlogged in the beef broth.
- Reheats well and makes great leftovers, ideal for meal prepping.
- Serve with a fresh garden salad and dinner rolls for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
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