Beef and noodles is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or when you need a cozy meal. Tender beef simmered in a savory sauce combined with egg noodles creates a rich and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and satisfies every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort food classic: A dish that warms the soul and fills the belly.
- Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples and easy-to-find items.
- Quick and versatile: Perfect for weeknights, yet elegant enough for guests.
- Customizable: Add vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb (450 g) beef stew meat or sirloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz (340 g) egg noodles
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Cook the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef and season with salt and pepper. Sear on all sides until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Deglaze and simmer: Return the beef to the skillet. Add beef broth, water, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes until the beef is tender.
- Cook the noodles: While the beef is simmering, cook the egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine and serve: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to combine the flavors. Garnish with parsley or green onions, if desired, and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Vegetables: Add mushrooms, peas, or green beans for added nutrition and texture.
- Spices: Enhance the flavor with paprika, thyme, or red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Creamy version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream for a creamy sauce.
- Alternative meat: Use ground beef for a quicker version or leftover roast beef for convenience.
- Gluten-free: Substitute with gluten-free noodles or rice and ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, stew meat, sirloin, or even ground beef works well. Adjust the cooking time based on the cut.
Do I have to use egg noodles?
No, any pasta or even rice can be used as a substitute.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Sear the beef first, then add all ingredients except noodles to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours. Add cooked noodles before serving.
How do I make the dish richer in flavor?
Use a splash of red wine to deglaze the pan or add a dollop of tomato paste to the sauce.
Can I freeze beef and noodles?
Yes, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
A fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread are excellent options.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Yes, shredded Parmesan or cheddar cheese sprinkled on top adds a delicious touch.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting soggy?
Add the noodles just before serving and toss to coat. This keeps them from absorbing too much sauce.
Is this dish spicy?
No, but you can add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for some heat.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, simply avoid adding any dairy-based garnishes or sauces.
Conclusion
Beef and noodles is a timeless dish that combines simplicity with satisfying flavors. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal, this recipe is sure to please. Customize it to suit your taste, and enjoy the comfort of this hearty classic!
Print
Beef and Noodles
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Beef and Noodles recipe features tender beef, savory broth, and hearty egg noodles for a classic, satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, it’s simple to make yet full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup water (optional for adjusting consistency)
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz (340 g) egg noodles
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Add the beef to the pot and sear until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Beef:
- Return the beef to the pot. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
- Cook the Noodles:
- Add the egg noodles to the pot and stir well. Cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. If needed, add the additional cup of water for desired consistency.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Serve:
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
- Beef Options: Chuck roast, stew meat, or leftover pot roast work perfectly in this recipe.
- Make It Creamy: Add ½ cup of heavy cream or sour cream for a creamy variation.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.