Nothing beats a bowl of warm, hearty soup on a cozy day, and this Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly the kind of meal that wraps you in comfort. It’s creamy, packed with tender beef and noodles, and so satisfying that you’ll find yourself savoring every spoonful.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can’t tell you how many times this Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe has come to my rescue on chilly evenings. It’s comforting but doesn’t feel heavy, and the creamy broth combined with tender beef and hearty noodles just hits all the right notes every single time.
- Rich and Creamy: The half and half adds just the perfect creamy texture without being too heavy or greasy.
- Tender Beef: Slow baking the beef makes it melt-in-your-mouth delicious and infuses the broth with deep flavor.
- Versatile Veggies: The combination of carrots, celery, peas, and fire-roasted tomatoes gives the soup wonderful texture and brightness.
- Easy Noodles: Cooking the noodles separately keeps them perfectly al dente without turning mushy in the broth.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe pulls its weight to create layers of flavor and texture. I recommend fresh, good quality veggies and a nice cut of sirloin for the best outcome.
- Top sirloin steak: Searing this high-quality cut creates a flavorful crust and results in juicy, tender beef after slow baking.
- Salt & pepper: Essential to season the beef right from the start and enhance every element.
- Vegetable oil: Used for searing the beef, it handles high heat without smoking too much.
- Egg noodles: Their firm texture holds up well in the soup and soaks up the creamy broth beautifully.
- Unsalted butter & olive oil: These fats add depth and help caramelize the veggies without burning.
- Onion, carrots, celery: Classic soup trio that brings sweetness and earthiness to the broth.
- Garlic & red pepper flakes: Garlic adds aromatic richness while the red pepper flakes give a subtle gentle kick.
- Flour: This is the base for the roux that thickens the soup, giving it that luscious creamy texture.
- Water & beef base/bouillon: Using water plus beef base gives you control over saltiness and a clean, rich beefy flavor.
- Worcestershire & soy sauce: These add umami depth and a little savory complexity.
- Dijon mustard: I love how it adds just a hint of tang to balance the creamy broth.
- Dried parsley, oregano, thyme, paprika: A blend of herbs and spice that rounds out the flavors perfectly.
- Half and half (or evaporated milk): The secret to silky creaminess without overpowering richness.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the broth just enough without turning it gluey.
- Fire roasted diced tomatoes: Adds a smoky, bright note and a tasty contrast to the creamy broth.
- Frozen petite peas: Last-minute pop of sweetness and texture.
Make It Your Way
This soup is fantastic as written, but I love making it my own with little tweaks—you should definitely try that too! It’s so adaptable that you can change up the veggies, swap half and half for creamier milk alternatives, or even make it spicier.
- Variation: One time, I swapped the peas for fresh green beans I had on hand, and the crunchiness added a fun twist.
- Vegetarian swap: Use mushroom broth and sautéed mushrooms instead of beef, and replace beef base with vegetable bouillon for a rich veggie-packed alternative.
- Low-carb option: Swap egg noodles for spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles when you want a lighter meal.
- Make it extra creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for a luscious boost.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Beef
Start by seasoning your chopped sirloin with salt and pepper right on your cutting board—that way the pieces get evenly coated without missing a bit. Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven until it’s shimmering. Sear half the beef pieces in a hot pan for about 4 minutes total, turning to get a nice deep golden crust all around. Don’t crowd the pan, or the meat will steam instead of sear. Transfer the beef to a plate, then repeat with the rest of the beef, keeping all those delicious browned bits in the pot—they’re flavor gold!
Step 2: Sauté Your Vegetables
In the beef drippings, melt butter with olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in your onions, carrots, and celery, cooking them until the onions soften around 8 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This slow sauté brings out the sweetness of the veggies and builds the flavor base for your soup.
Step 3: Make the Roux and Add Broth
Lower the heat to medium before sprinkling in the flour. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes—this cooks out the raw flour taste and starts thickening the base. Slowly add water while scraping all the tasty bits off the bottom of the pot. Next, stir in beef base, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and your herbs and spices. Then return the seared beef to the pot and give it all a good stir.
Step 4: Bake Until Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tender
Bring everything up to a simmer, cover the Dutch oven, and pop it in the oven at 325°F. Let it bake for about 90 minutes, until the beef is tender and falling apart. This slow, gentle cooking is key for that signature tenderness—if you try to rush this step on the stovetop, the beef won’t get as soft.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles Separately
About 20 minutes before the beef is done, get your egg noodles boiling in salted water. Cooking them separately prevents the noodles from turning mushy or tough, which can happen if boiled right in the soup. Drain the noodles and toss with a touch of olive oil to keep them from sticking together while you finish the soup.
Step 6: Stir in Creaminess and Tomato Goodness
Once your beef is tender, bring the pot back to the stovetop. Whisk the half and half with cornstarch until smooth and slowly stir it into the soup. Add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with their juices), and warm everything over gentle heat until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Add peas during the final minute—their sweetness and texture freshen things up.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Finally, stir in the cooked noodles and season with salt and pepper to taste. I like to garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Now dig in and enjoy that rich, flavor-packed bowl of goodness!
Top Tip
Making this Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe taught me that patience is everything. The slow bake unlocks rich beefy flavor and keeps the meat tender. Here are some tips I found invaluable to make sure your soup turns out amazing every time.
- Don’t skip searing: That step creates a deep flavor foundation—just take your time and get a good crust.
- Cook noodles separately: It avoids overcooked, mushy noodles and helps keep soup texture perfect.
- Slow oven bake: Low and slow tenderizes beef unlike anything else—avoid rushing it!
- Thicken gently: Mix cornstarch with half and half before adding to prevent clumps and maintain silky broth.
How to Serve Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I often sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or a handful of chopped chives on top. Sometimes a swirl of sour cream or a bit of grated Parmesan adds a beautiful creamy tang that’s just irresistible. If I want a touch of brightness, a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the creamy broth wonderfully.
Side Dishes
A big leafy garden salad dressed with vinaigrette pairs perfectly and cuts through the richness. Crusty bread or soft dinner rolls are a must to soak up every last drop of that luscious broth. For a heartier meal, I sometimes add roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple garlic bread on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I serve the soup in pretty bowls with a dollop of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. You can even add crispy fried onions or garlic chips on top for an unexpected textural contrast. It makes the meal feel extra special without any fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before reheating, I take the noodles out if I can so they don’t become soggy overnight. It keeps the soup tasting fresh and ensures the noodles retain their texture when you reheat.
Freezing
This soup freezes well but I recommend freezing the broth and beef separately from the noodles to prevent mushiness. Freeze the beef and broth in portioned containers and the noodles in a sealed bag. Reheat broth and beef thoroughly, then add the noodles after warming to keep them firm.
Reheating
Gently warm your soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent the cream from separating. If the soup thickens too much, whisk in a little water or half and half to loosen it back up. Add noodles at the very end to avoid overcooking.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While top sirloin works beautifully here because it’s flavorful and tender, you can also use chuck roast cut into chunks. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if needed to get the meat nice and tender.
Cooking the noodles separately prevents them from getting overcooked and mushy in the soup, especially since the beef requires a long baking time. Adding noodles at the end ensures they stay al dente and pleasant to eat.
You can make a dairy-free version by swapping half and half with coconut milk or a cashew cream alternative, and omitting the butter or using plant-based butter. For a vegan version, replace beef with mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth with vegan substitutes for Worcestershire sauce and beef base.
Stored in an airtight container, this soup will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. It’s best enjoyed reheated gently on the stove to maintain flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe really is one of those trusty dishes I turn to when I want something hearty, delicious, and reliably comforting. It’s straightforward enough to make during a busy week yet impressive enough to serve guests. I hope you give it a try and find the same joy I do in every loving spoonful!
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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 Fat
Description
A hearty and creamy Beef Noodle Soup featuring tender top sirloin, vegetables, fire roasted tomatoes, and egg noodles simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for a comforting meal with a balance of textures and robust 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
Noodles
- 2 cups egg noodles or your favorite sturdy pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 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
Sauce and Broth
- 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
Cream and Finish
- 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 while still on the cutting board.
- Sear the Beef: 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 and set aside. Repeat with the 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; sauté until onions soften, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté 30 seconds.
- Make Roux: Reduce heat to medium. Add flour and cook 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until raw flour smell disappears.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Reduce heat to low. Slowly whisk in 5 cups water, scraping browned bits from the bottom. Stir in beef base, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, dried parsley, oregano, thyme, and paprika. Return seared beef to pot.
- Bake to Tenderize: Bring to a simmer, cover, and transfer Dutch oven to preheated oven. Bake for 90 minutes or until beef is tender. Start cooking noodles during the last 20 minutes of baking.
- Cook Noodles: Boil egg noodles in salted water until just al dente, slightly under the package recommended time. Drain and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking if beef isn’t ready yet.
- Add Cream and Tomatoes: Remove pot from oven and set on stove. Whisk half and half with cornstarch until smooth, then stir into soup along with diced tomatoes. Simmer gently, stirring, until broth thickens, about 3 minutes. Add frozen peas during the last minute of cooking.
- Combine and Season: Stir cooked noodles into soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- This Beef Noodle Soup is creamy and comforting with a quick 30 minutes prep followed by slow cooking in the oven for tender beef flavor.
- The soup is versatile—you can adjust creaminess, swap vegetables, or make it less soupy as preferred.
- Use beef broth instead of water for deeper flavor if desired (see notes).
- Cooking noodles separately prevents beef from toughening by boiling.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a satisfying meal the next day.
- Serve with a big garden salad and dinner rolls for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg

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