There’s something incredibly cozy about a bowl of rich, velvety soup, and this Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe hits all the comfort food notes just right. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, with tender beef, silky noodles, and a creamy broth that’s bursting with flavor.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I first made this creamy beef noodle soup on a chilly fall afternoon when I wanted something both hearty and a little indulgent. It quickly became a family favorite—and I’m excited to share it with you because it’s genuinely easy to make yet feels impressive and special.
- Richly flavorful: The searing step locks in beefy goodness that simmers into the broth for ultra-deep flavor.
- Creamy comfort: The half and half with cornstarch thickens the broth just perfectly, making it satisfyingly silky without heaviness.
- Hands-off cooking: After prepping, you pop it in the oven, so it’s great for busy days or when you want a set-it-and-forget-it meal.
- Flexible and forgiving: Easy to swap veggies, noodles, or adjust creaminess—so you can make it your own each time.
Ingredients & Why They Work
All of these ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture. The beef provides depth, the vegetables add sweetness and crunch, and the creamy broth ties it all together so perfectly. Here’s why each one is essential (and a tip or two for shopping):
- Top sirloin steak: Choose a good quality cut for tenderness; chopping into 1-inch pieces helps the soup feel substantial.
- Salt & pepper: Seasoning early helps infuse the beef with flavor from the start.
- Vegetable oil & butter: The combo adds depth to the sauté and helps develop a rich base.
- Egg noodles: Use a sturdy, firm noodle that holds up well in soup—egg noodles or other pasta like rigatoni work beautifully.
- Onion, carrots, celery: Classic “mirepoix” trio that’s the backbone of flavor for countless soups.
- Garlic & red pepper flakes: Garlic brightens, and the tiny bit of heat from pepper flakes balances richness.
- Flour: For that lightly thickened, smooth broth—think of it as the glue that holds everything together.
- Water with beef base: Using beef bouillon or base amps the beefy depth in the broth without needing canned broth.
- Worcestershire & soy sauce: These umami powerhouses layer complex, savory flavors.
- Dijon mustard & dried herbs: Give that subtle tang and aromatic lift that makes this soup stand out.
- Half and half & cornstarch: Creaminess without heaviness—cornstarch thickens gently for a luscious finish.
- Fire roasted diced tomatoes: Adds a smoky, savory brightness, breaking up the richness a bit.
- Frozen petite peas: Tossed in at the end for a sweet, fresh pop of color and flavor.
Make It Your Way
I love tweaking this Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe to suit whatever mood I’m in or what veggies are in season. It’s so easy to personalize—sometimes I swap the peas for mushrooms or add a handful of kale for extra green goodness.
- Variation: I’ve made a spicy version by adding extra red pepper flakes and a dash of smoked paprika—it turned out bold and cozy, perfect for chilly nights.
- Dairy-free option: Swap the half and half for canned coconut milk to keep creaminess without any dairy.
- Slow cooker adaptation: After searing beef and sautéing veggies, toss everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours—your house will smell amazing!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Beef to Lock in Flavor
Start by tossing the beef chunks with salt and pepper right on your cutting board; this little step seasons every bite. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil until it’s shimmering hot—this is key to getting those beautiful golden brown edges. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan so the beef sears instead of steams. You want a deep crust, about 4 minutes total per batch. Set the beef aside, but keep those flavorful drippings—they're the base for your soup’s richness.
Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base with Veggies
Into the same pot, melt butter and olive oil in the beef drippings over medium-high heat. Add your chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Patience is important here: cook until the onions are soft and everything’s beginning to caramelize—around 8 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes for the last 30 seconds, just long enough to release their aroma without burning.
Step 3: Make the Roux and Add Broth
Lower the heat to medium and sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes. This cooks off the raw flour taste and thickens the broth later. Slowly whisk in the water while scraping the bottom of the pot—a technique called deglazing that lifts those caramelized bits. Stir in the beef base, Worcestershire, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and dried herbs. Return the seared beef to the pot, then cover and transfer to your preheated 325°F oven for the ultimate slow bake.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow for Tender Beef
Let the soup bake for 90 minutes until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender. The low, steady heat breaks down connective tissue and infuses the broth with rich beef flavor. Around 20 minutes before it’s done, start boiling water for your noodles—cook them until just al dente so they hold their shape and texture in the soup. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil if you're not ready to mix them in yet to keep them from sticking.
Step 5: Creamy Finish & Final Touches
Transfer your pot back to the stove top. Whisk together the half and half with cornstarch to prevent clumps, then stir gently into the soup with the diced tomatoes. Simmer gently for about 3 minutes until the broth thickens nicely. Add the frozen peas during the last minute for a fresh burst of sweetness. Finally, fold in the cooked noodles. Taste and adjust salt and pepper, then ladle it into warm bowls to serve.
Top Tip
From my experience making this Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe, the main game-changer is the sear on the beef and the slow oven cook. These steps create a broth you just can't get from quick stovetop recipes. Here are some tips to make sure your soup is the best it can be:
- Don’t skip searing: Getting a deep brown crust on the beef adds layers of caramelized flavor that make all the difference.
- Be patient with baking: The oven’s gentle heat tenderizes the beef perfectly. Rushing this step leads to tougher meat.
- Cook noodles separately: This keeps them al dente and prevents them from getting mushy or absorbed too much liquid during the long cook.
- Thicken with cornstarch slurry: Whisk cornstarch into half and half before adding to avoid lumps and achieve that silky finish.
How to Serve Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and a touch of brightness. Sometimes I add a little grated Parmesan on top or a swirl of sour cream to amp up the creaminess even more. A few fresh cracked black peppercorns right before serving also add a nice peppery kick.
Side Dishes
Since this soup is pretty hearty, I usually serve it with something light like a big, crisp garden salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette. Oh, and some warm, crusty dinner rolls or garlic bread are absolute musts for dipping into all that creamy broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, I once served this soup in mini Dutch ovens right at the table—it’s such a charming presentation that keeps the soup piping hot. Another time, I ladled it into rustic bread bowls for a fun and casual way to enjoy every last drop.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. Because the noodles are cooked separately, they stay firm instead of turning to mush overnight.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, but I recommend freezing the broth and beef without noodles. Freeze in portioned containers, then cook fresh noodles when you’re ready to reheat—it keeps the texture just right.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add fresh cooked noodles while reheating if you froze the soup without them. Avoid microwave reheating when possible to maintain the creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! If you have good-quality beef broth on hand, feel free to swap it for the water and beef base. This can add even more depth and richness to your soup without extra effort. Just be mindful of the salt content and adjust seasoning accordingly.
Egg noodles are classic and hold up well in creamy soups, but you can try other firm pasta like pappardelle, rigatoni, or even small shells. Just cook them separately and add last to prevent them from getting too soft or mushy.
Yes! After searing the beef and cooking the vegetables on the stovetop, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender. Add the cream and noodles toward the end of cooking to finish.
You can substitute the half and half with canned coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer of your choice. Keep the cornstarch thickening step to maintain that luscious texture. The soup will have a slightly different flavor profile but remain wonderfully creamy and comforting.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe has been a kitchen staple for me—not just for its delicious flavors, but also because it genuinely feels like an embrace on a plate. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal, it’s reliable, comforting, and just downright tasty. I hope you love making and sharing it as much as I do. Don’t hesitate to put your personal spin on it—you’ll find it’s very forgiving and endlessly satisfying. Give it a try and make some wonderful soup memories!
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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 Beef Noodle Soup is a creamy, comforting meal featuring tender top sirloin beef pieces, robust vegetables, and egg noodles in a rich, aromatic broth. With just 30 minutes of prep and slow baking, it creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience perfect for hearty dinners and easily adaptable with your favorite veggies or less creaminess.
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
Noodles
- 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
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup flour
- 5 cups water (or beef broth as an alternative)
- 2 tablespoons beef base or beef bouillon (crush cubes if using)
- 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
Dairy and Thickening
- 3 cups half and half or evaporated milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Additional Ingredients
- 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 Beef: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Toss 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 hot.
- Sear the Beef: Add half the beef to the pot and sear on each side until deeply golden, about 4 minutes total. Remove with a slotted spoon to a plate. Repeat with the remaining beef, leaving 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, sauté until the onions are softened, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds.
- Make Roux: Reduce heat to medium and stir in flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw flour smell disappears, stirring constantly.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Slowly whisk in water while scraping browned bits from the pot’s bottom. Stir in beef base, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, dried parsley, oregano, thyme, and paprika. Return seared beef to the pot.
- Bake Soup: Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the pot, and transfer it to the oven. Bake at 325 degrees F for 90 minutes or until beef is tender. Start boiling water for noodles in the last 20 minutes of baking.
- Cook Noodles: Cook egg noodles in salted boiling water until just al dente, a couple minutes before package directions. Drain and toss lightly with olive oil if beef is still cooking to prevent sticking.
- Thicken Soup and Add Dairy: Remove pot from oven and return to stovetop. Whisk half and half with cornstarch until smooth. Stir into soup with fire roasted diced tomatoes. Simmer gently until thickened, about 3 minutes, adding frozen peas during the last minute.
- Combine and Season: Stir noodles into the soup. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- This soup is a creamy, comforting meal that requires about 30 minutes hands-on prep time, with oven baking doing most of the work.
- Use beef broth instead of water for richer flavor if desired.
- The noodles are cooked separately to prevent beef toughness from boiling.
- The recipe is adaptable—you can adjust creaminess, use different veggies, or swap pasta types.
- Reheats very well, making it great for leftovers.
- Serve it as a complete meal or alongside a fresh garden salad and dinner rolls for extra heartiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 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: 90 mg
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