There’s something so comforting about a bowl full of warm, creamy goodness, and that’s exactly what you get with this Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe. It’s rich, hearty, and perfect for those days when you want a meal that feels like a hug from the inside out.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I've made plenty of beef soups over the years, but this Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation. It’s straightforward enough for weeknights but feels indulgent enough to serve to guests.
- Melt-in-your-mouth beef: Slow baking makes every bite tender and flavorful without extra fuss.
- Rich creamy broth: Half and half combined with cornstarch gives the soup a velvety texture that's just luscious.
- Perfectly cooked noodles: Cooking noodles separately keeps them from turning mushy when mixed in at the end.
- Versatile and forgiving: You can tweak veggies, seasonings, or even swap noodles – it still comes out fantastic.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This soup’s ingredients harmonize beautifully, delivering layers of flavor and satisfying textures. I always recommend fresh vegetables, good quality beef, and slow cooking to really bring it all together.
- Top sirloin steak: Lean but juicy, it holds up well to searing and slow baking without drying out.
- Egg noodles: They absorb the creamy broth perfectly while maintaining a nice bite – cook them separately to avoid sogginess.
- Butter and olive oil: This combo adds richness and helps soften vegetables while layering flavor.
- Onion, carrots, celery: Classic soup trio that adds sweetness, crunch, and balance.
- Garlic and red pepper flakes: Bring a gentle kick and aromatic depth without overpowering the beef.
- Flour: Forms a roux to thicken the soup just right.
- Beef base or bouillon: Adds concentrated, savory boost without needing full broth stock.
- Worcestershire and soy sauce: Umami magic that rounds out the flavor beautifully.
- Dijon mustard and dried herbs: A splash of tang and fragrant notes that elevate the soup to new heights.
- Half and half: Creaminess that’s lighter than heavy cream but luxuriously smooth.
- Cornstarch: Ensures the soup thickens nicely without clumping.
- Fire roasted diced tomatoes: Introduce smoky, bright little bursts that brighten the rich broth.
- Frozen petite peas: Sweet pops of green that add freshness at the end.
Make It Your Way
I love to play with this recipe depending on what I have on hand or the season. It’s super easy to swap veggies or dial up the creaminess based on your mood.
- Variation: Sometimes I add mushrooms or swap peas for green beans when I want a different texture – both work wonderfully and add a fresh twist.
- Dairy-Free Swap: To make it dairy-free, I’ve had great results using coconut milk instead of half and half – just be mindful it changes the flavor slightly.
- Protein Swap: Ground beef or stew meat can work, but I find sirloin really hits the sweet spot for tenderness and flavor here.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sear the beef to seal in the flavor
First, season your chopped sirloin generously with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven until it’s very hot — you want that sizzle when the beef hits the pan. Sear the beef in batches, making sure to get a deep golden crust on each side, about 4 minutes total per batch. This browning is what builds rich flavor, so don’t rush it. Remove the beef and set aside, keeping those delicious browned bits in the pot.
Step 2: Sauté the veggies for a flavorful base
Next, melt butter with olive oil in the beef drippings over medium-high heat. Toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until the onions are translucent and soft — about 8 minutes. This slow sauté helps develop sweetness. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook just 30 seconds more to keep their punch vibrant without bitterness.
Step 3: Make the roux and build your broth
Turn the heat to medium and sprinkle in the flour. Stir it around for 1-2 minutes so the flour cooks through and loses that raw taste. This creates a lightly thickened base for your soup. Then, slowly whisk in water bit by bit, scraping the pan’s delicious caramelized bits up as you stir. Now stir in the beef base, Worcestershire, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and herbs. Return the seared beef to the pot for soaking up all these incredible flavors.
Step 4: Slow bake for melt-in-your-mouth beef
Cover the pot and pop it into your preheated 325°F oven. Let it bake gently for about 90 minutes. During this time, the beef transforms into tender, flavorful morsels, and the broth thickens its cozy richness. I usually set a timer and get the noodles ready during the last 20 minutes of baking.
Step 5: Perfectly cook the noodles separately
Boil your egg noodles in salted water just until al dente — check a couple minutes before the package recommends so they don’t get mushy. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil if you need to pause before adding to soup, to keep them from sticking together. Cooking noodles separately keeps them from overcooking and turning mushy in the long bake.
Step 6: Finish the soup with creaminess, tomatoes, and peas
Take your pot out of the oven and place it back on the stove at medium-low heat. Whisk half and half together with cornstarch until smooth, then stir that into the soup along with fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Let it simmer gently for about 3 minutes to thicken up, adding frozen petite peas right at the end for a touch of sweet brightness.
Step 7: Bring it all together and season
Stir the cooked noodles into the creamy, beefy broth. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed — this final seasoning is critical to bring out all the layers of flavor you’ve built. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh herb aroma.
Top Tip
I’ve learned that the secret to the perfect Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe lies in cooking elements separately and adding creaminess at the end. Here are a few tips that saved me time and elevated the dish:
- Seared Beef Matters: Don’t skip searing your beef well — it locks in flavor and keeps your meat tender.
- Don’t Boil Noodles in Soup: Cooking noodles separately prevents them from soaking up too much broth and getting mushy.
- Simmer Gently When Adding Cream: Adding half and half with cornstarch at a low simmer thickens the soup smoothly without curdling.
- Avoid Overcooking Veggies: Sauté your vegetables until just tender to maintain texture and natural sweetness.
How to Serve Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this soup with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness, but chopped chives or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan also add a lovely touch. A crack of fresh black pepper on top right before serving never hurts either.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to be a meal alone but pairs beautifully with a crisp garden salad or simple steamed green beans. On chilly days, I throw out some crusty dinner rolls or garlic bread for dunking – because who doesn’t love to sop up that rich broth?
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, I’ve ladled this soup into rustic individual crocks and topped each bowl with a swirl of sour cream and fresh herbs. You can also serve it in hollowed-out bread bowls for that wow factor and extra carbs — always a crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover creamy beef noodle soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the noodles soak up too much broth overnight, just add a splash of water or broth and heat gently to loosen things up before serving.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, but I recommend freezing it without the noodles to avoid them getting soggy. Freeze the broth and beef mixture in portioned containers, then add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to get it back to that perfect creamy consistency. Adding fresh noodles at this point keeps the texture spot on.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! While top sirloin works best for its tenderness and flavor, you can use stew meat or chuck roast cut into chunks. Just adjust cooking time as tougher cuts may need longer slow baking to become tender.
Cooking the noodles separately prevents them from absorbing too much broth and turning mushy. Adding them at the end keeps them perfectly al dente and prevents your soup from becoming too starchy or thick.
Absolutely! Substitute the half and half with coconut milk or your favorite dairy-free milk alternative. Just be aware it might change the flavor profile slightly, but the soup will still be deliciously creamy.
Leftover soup keeps well in the refrigerator for about 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container, and reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture and tender beef.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe has truly become my go-to comfort food when I want something cozy, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s one of those recipes that gets better with time and makes leftovers something to look forward to. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easily it fits into your cooking routine — trust me, this one will be a keeper!
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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
Description
This Beef Noodle Soup recipe is a creamy, comforting meal featuring tender top sirloin beef, robust vegetables, fire roasted tomatoes, and chewy egg noodles in a rich, aromatic broth. With only 30 minutes of hands-on prep time and slow oven cooking, it's a satisfying dish perfect for a hearty dinner or a cozy meal. The soup reheats well and can be customized with your favorite veggies or adjusted creaminess levels.
Ingredients
Beef
- 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 onion, chopped
- ¾ cup carrots, chopped or sliced
- 2 ribs celery, chopped or sliced
- 4-6 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
For the Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup flour
- 5 cups water
- 2 tablespoons beef base or beef bouillon (crushed if using 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 and season: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Toss the chopped beef with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper while it’s still on the cutting board.
- Sear the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When hot, add half the beef and sear each side until deeply golden, approximately 4 minutes total. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon to a plate. Repeat the process with the remaining beef, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Sauté vegetables: Melt 2 tablespoons butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil in the beef drippings over medium-high heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery and cook until onions are softened, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 30 seconds more.
- Make the roux: Reduce heat to medium and sprinkle in the flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the raw flour smell disappears.
- Add broth and seasonings: Gradually pour in the water while scraping up browned bits from the pot’s bottom. Stir in beef base, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, dried parsley, oregano, thyme, and paprika. Return the seared beef to the pot.
- Bake the soup: Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the pot, and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 90 minutes, or until the beef is very tender. Begin cooking the noodles separately during the last 20 minutes of baking.
- Cook noodles: Boil the egg noodles in salted water just until al dente, slightly earlier than package instructions. Drain and toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking if the beef isn’t ready yet.
- Add cream and tomatoes: Once beef is tender, move the pot to the stovetop. Whisk half and half with cornstarch until smooth, then stir into the soup with the diced tomatoes. Simmer gently until thickened, about 3 minutes. Add frozen peas during the last minute of cooking.
- Combine and season: Stir in the cooked noodles and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- This soup offers creamy, tender beef and vegetables with minimal hands-on prep thanks to oven baking.
- You can substitute broth for water if preferred, adjusting seasoning accordingly.
- Cooking noodles separately prevents them from toughening and keeps the soup from becoming too starchy.
- Feel free to swap or add vegetables to suit your taste, such as mushrooms or green beans.
- The soup reheats well and makes a great make-ahead meal.
- Use evaporated milk instead of half and half for a slightly different creamy texture.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- Serving suggestions include pairing with dinner rolls or a fresh garden salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
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