Nothing beats the comforting hug of a warm bowl of homemade soup on a chilly day, and this Hearty Beef Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly that kind of soul food. Rich, tender beef and perfectly cooked noodles come together in a creamy, flavorful broth that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve reached for this Hearty Beef Noodle Soup Recipe when I want a meal that feels like it was made with love—because it really was. It’s one of those dishes that fills the kitchen with amazing aromas and fills you up both physically and emotionally.
- Robust, melt-in-your-mouth beef: The slow oven-bake gives the sirloin such tender, rich texture you’ll want to savor every bite.
- Creamy, flavorful broth: A beautiful blend of spices, tomatoes, and half and half makes the soup lush without being heavy.
- Perfectly cooked noodles: Egg noodles cooked separately stay firm and delicious, avoiding any mushiness.
- Versatile and easy to customize: You can swap veggies, add heat, or make it lighter with simple tweaks.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This soup combines some classic ingredients that work in harmony to create layers of flavor and comfort. Each ingredient plays a role, so picking quality beef and using fresh veggies really makes a difference.
- Top sirloin steak: I love sirloin for this soup because it’s got great flavor and becomes tender without falling apart completely.
- Egg noodles: Choose wide or sturdy noodles that won’t dissolve when you mix them in later.
- Onion, carrots, celery: These create a classic mirepoix base that builds deep flavor right from the start.
- Garlic and red pepper flakes: For that little extra punch and warmth—garlic is a must in hearty soups.
- Flour: Helps thicken the broth into a creamy, velvety texture.
- Water and beef base: Using water keeps it simple, but adding beef base or broth strengthens those meaty notes.
- Worcestershire & soy sauce: These umami-rich additions make the broth complex and crave-worthy.
- Dijon mustard and dried herbs: Adds a subtle tang and depth.
- Half and half or evaporated milk: For that lovely creamy finish without heaviness.
- Fire roasted diced tomatoes: Give the soup a little brightness and smoky flavor.
- Frozen petite peas: Added at the end for a pop of color and sweetness.
Make It Your Way
This recipe feels like a warm handshake, but I love to mix it up depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood. Don’t be afraid to put your spin on it — that’s the fun of making it your own!
- Spicy kick: Sometimes, I’ll add an extra pinch or two of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when I want a little heat.
- Veggie boost: Swap in diced potatoes or mushrooms if you want more texture and earthiness.
- Dairy alternatives: I’ve made this with evaporated milk instead of half and half—less rich but just as creamy.
- Slow cooker method: Perfect if you want to set it and forget it all day, just adjust water and beef base accordingly.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Beef Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Beef for Maximum Flavor
Start by seasoning the chopped sirloin with salt and pepper while it’s still on your cutting board—that way every piece is evenly coated. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven until it's smoking hot, then add half the beef. Sear each side until you get a rich golden crust, about 4 minutes total. Don’t crowd the pan; do the beef in batches so it browns properly and doesn’t steam. Set the browned beef aside, then repeat with the rest. Trust me, these browned bits at the bottom build tons of flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Comforting Veggie Base
In the same pot with the beef drippings, melt butter and olive oil together over medium-high heat. Toss in your chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 8 minutes until the onions soften and everything smells sweet. Then add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking just 30 seconds so they stay bright and don’t burn.
Step 3: Build the Soup with a Roux and Broth
Reduce the heat a bit and sprinkle the flour over the veggies, stirring for 1-2 minutes until the raw flour scent fades. This little step thickens the broth beautifully. Then, slowly whisk in water while scraping up those flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan. Mix in the beef base, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and herbs. Stir the seared beef back in.
Step 4: Bake for Tender, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef
Cover your pot and pop it in the oven at 325°F for about 90 minutes. The low, slow heat is the secret for the beef to become tender without drying out. While it bakes, go ahead and cook the egg noodles in salted water until just al dente—this might be a bit before the package timing so they stay firm in the soup.
Step 5: Finish the Soup and Bring It All Together
Once the beef is gorgeously tender, bring the pot back to the stove. Whisk cornstarch into the half and half, then stir into the soup along with the fire roasted tomatoes. Simmer gently until it thickens up nicely, about 3 minutes, tossing in frozen peas the last minute for a sweet pop. Finally, fold in the noodles, season with salt and pepper, and serve with fresh parsley if you like.
Top Tip
From making this soup a dozen times, I've learned a few tricks that really up your game and keep that beef tender and the noodles perfect.
- Don’t crowd when searing: Searing the beef in batches ensures you get that rich, caramelized flavor that makes this soup unforgettable.
- Cook noodles separately: Adding cooked noodles later keeps them from getting mushy and helps maintain the soup’s lovely texture.
- Slow and steady oven bake: The low temp breaks down connective tissue so the beef turns tender without drying out or getting tough.
- Whisk cornstarch with half and half: This prevents clumps and helps thicken your broth smoothly without simmering too long.
How to Serve Hearty Beef Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I always garnish with a handful of chopped fresh parsley—it adds a bright contrast to the rich soup. Sometimes, a little cracked black pepper over the top or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan makes a nice touch. For extra indulgence, I’ve even stirred in a pat of butter or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving.
Side Dishes
This soup stands beautifully on its own, but I love pairing it with crusty bread or garlic toast for dunking. A simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette also refreshes the palate and keeps things balanced especially on cozy nights in.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try serving this soup in mini Dutch ovens or rustic bread bowls—that personal touch always impresses guests and adds a fun, cozy vibe to the meal. You could even top with a sprinkle of crispy fried onions or fresh chives for a bit of elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheating is easy and it often tastes even better the next day once all those flavors have melded even more.
Freezing
Freezing this soup calls for a little care, especially with the noodles and cream. I usually freeze the soup base without noodles to avoid texture changes, swapping half and half for evaporated milk which freezes better. When thawed, I add freshly cooked noodles before serving to keep texture just right.
Reheating
When reheating, warm gently over medium-low heat to avoid breaking the creamy broth or overcooking the beef. Stir often and add fresh noodles or a splash of broth if it’s too thick. This keeps it deliciously smooth and comforting.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Chuck roast or brisket are wonderful alternatives because they’re flavorful and become tender when cooked low and slow like in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times if needed.
Cooking the noodles apart keeps them from absorbing too much liquid and turning mushy. Adding already cooked noodles just before serving maintains their texture and prevents the soup from becoming thick or gummy.
Yes! Follow the recipe through adding the beef and broth, then transfer it all to the slow cooker. Use a little less water and beef base since less liquid evaporates. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours until beef is tender.
You can use milk instead of half and half or evaporated milk, or simply reduce the amount of dairy to make the broth lighter. Adding extra veggies or using vegetable broth can also lighten the soup without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Beef Noodle Soup Recipe really has a special place in my recipe collection. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you up in warmth and nostalgia, perfect for cold nights, busy weekends, or anytime you want a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. I hope you give it a try and make it your own—you won’t regret it, promise!
Print
Hearty 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
A rich and hearty Beef Noodle Soup featuring tender sirloin chunks, savory vegetables, and creamy broth, baked to perfection. This comforting main course combines seared beef, sautéed veggies, and a blend of seasonings with egg noodles for a satisfying meal perfect for chilly days or family dinners.
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 (or 5 cups reduced sodium beef broth as an option)
- 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 baking the soup.
- Sear Beef: Toss the chopped beef with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear half the beef pieces until golden on all sides, about 4 minutes total. Remove to a plate with a slotted spoon and repeat with remaining beef, leaving drippings in the pot.
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt butter and olive oil in the beef drippings over medium-high heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery; cook until onions soften, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make Roux: Reduce heat to medium and stir in flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes until raw flour smell disappears, stirring constantly.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Lower heat to low and slowly whisk in water (or broth), scraping browned bits off the pan bottom. Stir in beef base, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, parsley, oregano, thyme, and paprika. Return seared beef to the pot.
- Bake Soup: Bring to a simmer, cover, and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 90 minutes or until beef is tender and falls apart easily. Start boiling salted water to cook egg noodles about 20 minutes before the soup is ready.
- Cook Noodles: Boil egg noodles in salted water until just al dente, slightly less than package instructions. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking if not combining immediately.
- Add Half and Half and Tomatoes: Remove soup from oven and place pot on the stove. Whisk cornstarch into half and half, then stir into the soup with the diced tomatoes. Simmer gently for about 3 minutes until slightly thickened, adding frozen peas during the last minute.
- Combine and Serve: Stir noodles into the soup. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, substitute 5 cups reduced sodium beef broth instead of water and omit beef base.
- Slow Cooker Alternative: After step 5, transfer contents to slow cooker with 4 cups water and 1 ½ tablespoons beef concentrate. Cook on HIGH 4-6 hours or LOW 8-10 hours until beef is tender.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For meal prep, cook elements separately and combine when ready, or refrigerate partway through and finish cooking later.
- Freezing is not recommended for the whole soup due to noodle texture and cream splitting; freeze soup separately without noodles and add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
- Use evaporated milk instead of half and half for freezing to help reduce splitting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
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