Beef and Noodles Recipe

Few meals bring as much comfort and satisfaction as a hearty bowl of beef and noodles. This dish combines tender chunks of beef with soft, savory noodles, all coated in a flavorful gravy that will have your family asking for seconds.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, beef and noodles is a dish that pleases everyone.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps of creating this delicious dish, from selecting the right cut of beef to perfecting the rich and savory sauce that ties it all together. Get ready to enjoy a meal that’s packed with warmth and flavor!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Beef

1. Season the Beef: Start by seasoning the beef stew meat with salt and pepper. This helps to enhance the flavor of the meat as it cooks.
2. Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, searing each piece until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add Broth and Flavorings: Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – this is where the deep flavor comes from!

Step 3: Simmer the Beef

1. Return Beef to the Pot: Add the browned beef back to the pot, along with any juices that have accumulated.
2. Simmer: Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. This will allow the beef to become tender and soak up all the flavors from the broth. If you’re adding carrots, celery, or mushrooms, toss them in during the last 30 minutes of simmering.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

1. Boil the Egg Noodles: While the beef is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and toss them with butter to prevent sticking and add richness.
2. Set Aside: Keep the noodles warm until the beef is ready.

Step 5: Combine the Beef and Noodles

1. Shred the Beef (Optional): If the beef is very tender, you can shred it with a fork or leave it in chunks, depending on your preference.
2. Mix Together: Add the cooked egg noodles into the pot with the beef and stir to combine. Let the noodles absorb some of the sauce for a few minutes over low heat.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of freshness.
2. Serve: Ladle the beef and noodles into bowls and enjoy a comforting, delicious meal.

Tips for the Best Beef and Noodles

• Use the Right Cut of Beef: Chuck roast or stew meat is perfect for this recipe because it becomes tender and flavorful as it simmers. Avoid leaner cuts like sirloin, which can dry out.
• Cook Low and Slow: The secret to melt-in-your-mouth beef is a long, slow simmer. Don’t rush this process!
• Add Veggies for Extra Heft: Carrots, celery, and mushrooms can bulk up the dish and add additional flavors. They also make the dish a bit healthier without changing the comfort factor.
• Make it Creamy: For a creamy version of beef and noodles, stir in ½ cup of sour cream or heavy cream right before serving.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish tastes even better the next day! Prepare it in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat when you’re ready to eat.

Variations of Beef and Noodles

Beef Stroganoff Style:

• Add sour cream at the end of the cooking process to make a creamy, tangy version that resembles beef stroganoff. Serve with egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a comforting twist.

Spicy Beef and Noodles:

• For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef while it simmers. This gives the dish a little heat without overwhelming the other flavors.

Beef and Noodles with Gravy:

• If you prefer a thicker sauce, make a quick roux (2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons flour) and stir it into the broth before adding the noodles. This will create a rich gravy to coat the noodles and beef.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 600-700
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g

How to Store and Reheat

Storing Leftovers:

• Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep.

Reheating:

• Reheat beef and noodles gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra beef broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Conclusion

Beef and noodles is the epitome of comfort food—simple, satisfying, and full of rich flavors. With tender beef and soft noodles swimming in a savory sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just learning your way around the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes! After searing the beef, transfer it and the remaining ingredients (except the noodles) to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then add the cooked noodles at the end.
2. Can I freeze beef and noodles? Yes, you can freeze the beef and sauce mixture (without the noodles) for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat, then mix with freshly cooked noodles.
3. What type of noodles should I use? Egg noodles are traditional, but you can use any pasta you prefer. Wide noodles or even mashed potatoes can be great substitutes.
4. Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat? Yes, ground beef can work as a quicker alternative. Simply brown the ground beef and proceed with the recipe, reducing the simmering time.

Yield: 6

Beef and Noodles Recipe

Print

Few meals bring as much comfort and satisfaction as a hearty bowl of beef and noodles. This dish combines tender chunks of beef with soft, savory noodles, all coated in a flavorful gravy that will have your family asking for seconds. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, beef and noodles is a dish that pleases everyone.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 2 hours

Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds beef chuck roast, cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 oz egg noodles
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Sear the Beef:
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
   Add the beef to the pot and sear on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
   
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
   In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
   Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   
3. Build the Broth:
   Pour in the beef broth and stir in the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and paprika.
   Return the beef to the pot, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
   
4. Cook the Noodles:
   In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
   
5. Combine Beef and Noodles:
   Once the beef is tender, stir in the cooked egg noodles. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
   If desired, stir in the sour cream for a creamy consistency.
   
6. Serve:
   Ladle the beef and noodles into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!

Notes

Slow Cooker Option: To make this in a slow cooker, sear the beef and sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet first. Then, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Add the cooked noodles at the end.

Noodle Substitutes: If you prefer, you can use different types of pasta such as wide egg noodles, pappardelle, or even mashed potatoes as a base.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.