Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can beat a hearty serving of beef and noodles. Whether you’re craving something filling after a long day or need a quick meal that satisfies the whole family, this recipe is the answer. It’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients that come together in less than an hour.

Why Beef and Noodles is the Ultimate Comfort Food

Beef and noodles is the ultimate comfort food because it combines rich flavors, tender meat, and chewy noodles. The savory beef broth wraps everything in a warm, flavorful hug, making it perfect for cozy nights in. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out.

The Simplicity of This Recipe

This recipe requires minimal effort and ingredients, yet the flavors are far from basic. Even if you’re not a seasoned cook, you’ll have no trouble whipping up this beef and noodles dish. It’s a fantastic option for beginners or anyone looking to make a no-fuss meal with maximum flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Beef

1. Start by cutting the beef into bite-sized pieces. Season it with salt and pepper.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, set the beef aside.

Cooking the Noodles

1. While the beef is searing, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions. Usually, this takes around 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Combining Everything for a Flavorful Finish

1. In the same skillet you cooked the beef, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
2. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring it to a simmer and add the seared beef back into the pan.
3. Let everything simmer together for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss them in the sauce, making sure everything is evenly coated.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Tips for Making the Best Beef and Noodles

Choosing the Right Cut of Beef

Choosing a tender cut like chuck roast or sirloin will ensure your beef is juicy and flavorful. Tougher cuts can become chewy, so avoid cuts like brisket for this quick recipe.

How to Achieve Perfectly Cooked Noodles

To avoid soggy noodles, cook them until just al dente. Since they will cook a bit more in the sauce, this ensures they maintain a good texture.

Variations of Beef and Noodles

Beef Stroganoff Variation

Want a creamy twist? Add a dollop of sour cream at the end to transform this dish into a version of beef stroganoff. It gives the dish a tangy, velvety texture.

Creamy Beef and Noodles

To make this dish richer, stir in half a cup of heavy cream or a splash of milk. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with the tender beef.

Spicy Beef and Noodles

For a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce. This variation adds a kick to the classic dish without overpowering the beefy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Beef and Noodles

This dish pairs wonderfully with side salads, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. A simple Caesar salad with crunchy croutons can be a refreshing side.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the beef and noodles in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if it looks too dry.

Nutritional Information

Is This Recipe Healthy?

While this beef and noodles recipe is hearty and filling, it can be adapted to fit a healthier diet. Choose lean cuts of beef and whole grain noodles to boost the nutritional value. You can also reduce the amount of oil used to lower the fat content.

Conclusion

This easy beef and noodles recipe is the perfect meal for any occasion. Its simplicity, rich flavors, and versatility make it a dish you’ll want to keep on rotation. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, it’s a surefire way to impress with minimal effort. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and tips to make this dish uniquely yours!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta, and ensure your broth is also gluten-free.

What type of noodles works best?

Egg noodles are ideal for this dish because they soak up the sauce well and have a hearty texture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time and cook the noodles fresh when you’re ready to serve.

How do I make it more flavorful?

For an extra punch of flavor, add a splash of red wine or soy sauce to the beef broth.

Can I add vegetables to the recipe?

Yes, feel free to throw in vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to make the dish even more nutritious.

Yield: 4

Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe

Print

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can beat a hearty serving of beef and noodles. Whether you’re craving something filling after a long day or need a quick meal that satisfies the whole family, this recipe is the answer. It's not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients that come together in less than an hour.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 oz (225g) egg noodles
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Sear the Beef:Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper. Add the beef to the pot and sear until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set it aside.
2. Cook the Onion and Garlic:In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add the Broth and Seasonings:Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and paprika. Stir to combine, and return the seared beef to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for about 30 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
4. Cook the Noodles:After the beef has cooked, add the egg noodles directly to the pot. Stir to submerge the noodles in the broth. Cover the pot and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
5. Thicken the Sauce:In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the pot to thicken the sauce. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
6. Serve:Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve the beef and noodles hot.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the beef broth with beef consommé or red wine.

You can use chuck roast or another cut of beef instead of stew meat if preferred.

This recipe can also be made in a slow cooker. Sear the beef as instructed, then combine all ingredients (except the noodles) in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender, then stir in the noodles and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high.