There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty soup on a cool day, and this Beef Noodle Soup Recipe hits all the right notes. It’s silky, meaty, and packed with tender beef, vibrant veggies, and perfectly cooked noodles that soak up every bit of that flavorful broth. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Beef Noodle Soup Recipe stands out because it combines a rich, homemade broth with tender seared beef and silky noodles, all baked slowly to develop deep, mouthwatering flavors. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but is surprisingly easy to pull together. Honestly, it’s become a go-to for cozy dinners with friends or family.
- Deep flavor development: Slow baking the beef in the broth creates melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and layers of savory goodness.
- Separate noodle cooking: Cooking noodles separately keeps them perfectly al dente and prevents them from turning mushy in the soup.
- Balanced creaminess: The addition of half and half adds just the right touch of creaminess without weighing down the broth.
- Flexible and customizable: You can tweak the veggies, spices, and proteins to make it your own, depending on what’s in your kitchen or your mood.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This soup’s magic comes from the blend of seared sirloin, aromatic vegetables, and a creamy broth infused with seasonings that elevate the humble stew into something unforgettable. Each ingredient plays a key role in texture and flavor, so here’s a bit why they’re awesome in this Beef Noodle Soup Recipe.
- Top sirloin steak: It sears beautifully, locking in juices and flavor before slow baking to tender perfection.
- Salt and pepper: The simplest seasoning that really brings out the natural meat flavors.
- Vegetable oil and unsalted butter: A combo that gives you a perfect sear plus rich sautéed veggies without overpowering.
- Onion, carrots, celery: Classic mirepoix that builds aroma and sweetness as the soup simmers.
- Garlic and red pepper flakes: Punchy aromatics that add depth and just a hint of warmth.
- Flour: Used to make a roux, it thickens the broth just right.
- Water and beef base or bouillon: The broth base can be customized—real beef broth makes it even richer, but the base works well too.
- Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard: Umami powerhouses that add layers of savory complexity.
- Dried herbs and paprika: Parsley, oregano, thyme, and paprika bring a fragrant and earthy backbone.
- Half and half or evaporated milk: Adds that luscious creamy texture that makes the soup feel indulgent.
- Cornstarch: Helps the creamy broth thicken luxuriously without clumping.
- Fire roasted diced tomatoes: Adds subtle smoky sweetness and fresh acidity.
- Frozen petite peas: Little pops of green freshness added right at the end to brighten the soup.
- Egg noodles: Their sturdy yet tender bite is perfect for soaking up the broth without falling apart.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I love most about this Beef Noodle Soup Recipe is how adaptable it is. I like to play around with the veggies and sometimes swap the half and half for evaporated milk to keep it lighter. Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spice it up with a kick of chili for a different vibe.
- Variation: Once, I added sliced mushrooms and swapped the egg noodles for thicker udon noodles—it turned into a lovely Asian-inspired twist that my family adored.
- Dietary modifications: Use gluten-free flour in the roux and gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version.
- Seasonal swaps: Roasted sweet potatoes or parsnips can substitute carrots for a fall variation that's just as cozy.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Beef Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Beef to Lock in Flavor
First things first: toss your chopped sirloin with salt and pepper right on your cutting board—that way it’s evenly seasoned without over-handling the beef. Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it’s almost smoking, then sear the beef in batches without crowding. You want that gorgeous golden crust—about 2 minutes per side. Don’t skip this step; it builds the rich beefy foundation of the soup. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and set aside but keep the drippings in the pot—they’re treasure.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Create a Roux
In the same pot with those wonderful beef drippings, melt butter and olive oil. Toss in your chopped onions, carrots, and celery and let them soften gently, about 8 minutes until the onions turn translucent and sweet-smelling. Add garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes, stirring just 30 seconds so the garlic doesn’t burn but releases fragrance. Then sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir it in, cooking for another minute or two to cook out the raw flour taste. This roux will thicken the soup perfectly.
Step 3: Build the Broth and Add the Beef
Turn heat down to low and begin slowly stirring in water while scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to get all those caramelized bits into the broth—flavor gold! Add beef base or bouillon (unless you’re using beef broth), Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and all the dried herbs and paprika. This combination creates a deep umami-rich broth. Stir the seared beef back into the pot so it begins to soak up all those flavors.
Step 4: Slow Bake for Tender, Flavorful Beef
Bring the pot to a gentle simmer, cover, and pop it into a preheated 325°F oven for about 90 minutes. This low-and-slow method breaks down the beef perfectly, making it fall-apart tender. If you’re using a slow cooker, you can transfer everything after this step and cook on low for 8-10 hours. When you’re about 20 minutes from done, start your noodles so they’ll be ready fresh and perfect.
Step 5: Cook Noodles Separately
While the beef cooks, boil salted water and cook your egg noodles until just al dente. It’s important to cook noodles separately to prevent them from getting mushy or tough. Drain, and if the beef isn’t ready yet, toss them with a little olive oil so they don’t stick together.
Step 6: Finish the Soup with Cream and Fresh Additions
Once the beef melts in your mouth, bring the Dutch oven back to the stove over medium heat. Whisk together half and half with cornstarch until smooth, then stir into the soup along with fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Let it simmer gently until thickened, about 3 minutes. Add frozen peas the last minute—they add a lovely pop of color and fresh flavor. Then fold in your cooked noodles, taste, and season with salt and pepper. If you like, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a bright finish.
Top Tip
From my experience making this Beef Noodle Soup Recipe a dozen times or more, there are a few details that really make it shine and keep it from being just “okay.” These little nuggets have saved me from mistakes and helped me nail the perfect bowl each time.
- The Sear Matters: Don’t rush the browning step — a good crust is the flavor anchor for the soup, so take your time and don't overcrowd the pan.
- Roux Timing: Cook the flour with the veggies long enough to avoid a raw flour taste but don’t let it brown too much or you’ll darken your broth unnecessarily.
- Separate Noodles: Always cook noodles separately; boiling them in the soup makes them gummy or tough, depending on timing.
- Use Half and Half or Evaporated Milk: Full cream gives you decadent richness, but if you freeze leftovers, evaporated milk is less likely to separate.
How to Serve Beef Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I always reach for fresh parsley to brighten the bowl with a pop of green and freshness, but chopped scallions or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice add a lovely zing. Sometimes I sprinkle just a bit of Parmesan for a savory finish, especially when serving for guests. You could also toss in some thinly sliced fresh chili if you want a little heat.
Side Dishes
This soup is a meal in itself, but I love serving it with crusty bread or a warm baguette to soak up every last drop. A crisp green salad with a tart vinaigrette nicely balances the creamy richness. For something heartier, buttery roasted potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes hit the spot.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve individual bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a little drizzle of chili oil or browned butter on top. Using rustic bowls with a wooden spoon really adds to the homey, comforting vibe. I’ve also served this soup in bread bowls for a fun presentation that guests always love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. I usually keep the noodles separate if possible or add them just before reheating to avoid sogginess. This keeps everything tasting fresh and maintains the perfect noodle texture.
Freezing
Freezing this soup can be tricky because the noodles and creamy broth don’t freeze well together. My trick is to leave the noodles out when freezing and use evaporated milk instead of half and half to reduce separation. When you’re ready, thaw overnight and cook fresh noodles to stir in after reheating the soup.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat while stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Add noodles late in the process to keep them fresh and tender.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Definitely! While top sirloin is great for searing and tenderness, you can use chuck roast or brisket if you prefer. Just plan on adjusting your cooking time accordingly, as tougher cuts benefit from longer braising.
Yes, you can substitute the half and half with coconut milk or another dairy-free creamer. Keep in mind this will alter the flavor slightly, but it still makes a wonderfully creamy soup.
Cook the noodles separately, drain them well, and toss lightly with a little olive oil if you’re not adding them to the soup immediately. Add them to the soup just before serving for the best texture.
Absolutely, follow the stove-top recipe through adding the beef to the broth, then transfer to a slow cooker. Use less water and beef base because there’s less evaporation. Cook for 4-6 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low until beef is tender.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Noodle Soup Recipe has a special place in my heart — it’s everything a comforting soup should be: hearty without heaviness, easy enough for weeknights, but impressive enough to serve guests. I hope you enjoy making and savoring it as much as I do. Sometimes, it’s the simple recipes made with love that stick with us the longest, and this one is definitely a keeper in my kitchen.
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Beef Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Hearty and comforting Beef Noodle Soup featuring tender top sirloin steak simmered with a flavorful blend of vegetables, herbs, and a creamy broth, served over perfectly cooked egg noodles. This recipe combines oven-baked rich beef with aromatic vegetables and a touch of creaminess for a satisfying meal perfect for cooler days.
Ingredients
Beef and Noodles
- 2 pounds top sirloin steak, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 2 cups egg noodles, or your favorite sturdy pasta
Soup
- 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
- ¼ cup flour
- 5 cups water
- 2 tablespoons beef base or beef bouillon (crushed 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
Add Later
- 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 the beef baking process.
- 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 of the beef and sear each side until deeply golden, about 4 minutes total. Remove with a slotted spoon and 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 beef drippings over medium-high heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery and sauté until onions are softened, about 8 minutes. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for 30 seconds to release their flavor.
- Make Roux: Reduce heat to medium and add the flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Lower heat to low and slowly stir in the water while scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add beef base, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, dried parsley, oregano, thyme, and paprika. Stir in the seared beef pieces.
- Bake Soup: Bring to a simmer, cover the Dutch oven, and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 90 minutes or until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Begin cooking the egg noodles in salted boiling water during the last 20 minutes of baking.
- Cook Noodles: Cook egg noodles in a separate pot until just al dente. Drain and lightly drizzle with olive oil if not adding to soup immediately to prevent sticking.
- Add Cream and Tomatoes: Once beef is tender, transfer the Dutch oven back to the stovetop. Whisk half and half with cornstarch and stir into the soup along with the fire roasted diced tomatoes. Simmer gently until thickened, about 3 minutes. Add frozen peas during the last minute of cooking.
- Combine and Season: Stir cooked noodles into the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Broth: For richer flavor, substitute 5 cups reduced sodium beef broth for water and omit the beef base or bouillon.
- Slow Cooker: After step 5, transfer to a slow cooker with 4 cups water and 1 ½ tablespoons beef concentrate. Cook on HIGH for 4-6 hours or LOW for 8-10 hours until beef is tender. Then proceed with adding half and half, tomatoes, and peas as directed.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Meal Prep: You can prepare the recipe completely ahead and reheat, or pre-cook elements separately for quick assembly. Alternatively, prepare through adding beef to soup, refrigerate overnight, then bake before serving.
- Freezing: Avoid freezing composed soup due to texture changes in noodles and broth. Freeze soup base (using evaporated milk instead of half and half) separately, then add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
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