Beef And Noodles Recipe

Hearty Beef and Noodles Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Hearty comfort flows through every bite of this classic beef and noodles recipe that promises pure culinary warmth.

Tender strips of beef merge seamlessly with silky, perfectly cooked noodles in a rich, savory sauce.

Home cooks love this straightforward dish that comes together with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Generations have cherished these simple ingredients that create something truly magical on the dinner table.

The gentle simmering melds flavors into a symphony of deliciousness that beckons hungry diners.

Each forkful delivers a nostalgic embrace of home-style cooking that feels both familiar and deeply satisfying.

This recipe stands ready to become your new weeknight dinner champion, offering comfort and joy in every single serving.

Why Beef and Noodles Is Comfort Food Gold

  • A classic, hearty dish that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, perfect for those craving a satisfying home-cooked meal.
  • Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe a go-to for busy families looking for a quick and delicious dinner solution.
  • Prepare the entire meal in a single pan, reducing cleanup time and making the cooking process super smooth and stress-free.
  • Flexible recipe allows for personal touches like adding extra spices, swapping beef for ground turkey, or tossing in additional vegetables to suit your taste preferences.

Beef and Noodles Ingredient Lineup

Main Ingredients:
  • Egg Noodles: A classic pasta that provides a tender and satisfying base for this hearty beef dish.
  • Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that forms the core of this comforting meal.
  • Beef Broth: Creates a rich and savory gravy that brings the entire dish together.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion, Garlic: These ingredients add depth and a robust flavor profile to the beef mixture.
  • Worcestershire Sauce, Italian Seasoning: Enhances the overall taste with a complex and zesty dimension.
Thickening Agents:
  • Flour: Helps create a smooth and velvety gravy by absorbing moisture and providing thickness.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the flavors of the dish.

Cooking Beef and Noodles the Easy Way

Step 1: Boil Delicious Egg Noodles

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in salt.

Bring the water to a vigorous boil.

Drop in the egg noodles and cook following package directions.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Once perfectly cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.

Step 2: Sizzle Ground Beef and Onions

Heat a skillet over medium-high temperature.

Add ground beef and chopped onions.

Break the beef into small crumbles using a wooden spoon.

Cook for about 10 minutes until onions soften and beef turns a rich golden brown.

If using fatty beef, drain some excess grease.

Step 3: Enhance with Aromatic Seasonings

Reduce heat to medium.

Add:
  • Minced garlic
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Italian seasoning

Stir the ingredients and let them meld together for one minute, releasing incredible flavors.

Step 4: Dust with Flour Magic

Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture.

Stir thoroughly and cook for 1-2 minutes.

This eliminates raw flour taste and begins the thickening process, creating a light paste-like consistency.

Step 5: Build Luxurious Gravy

Gradually pour beef broth into the skillet, stirring continuously.

Scrape the pan’s bottom to incorporate all delicious browned bits.

Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sauce reaches a perfect, rich consistency.

Add more broth if it becomes too thick.

Step 6: Marry Noodles and Beef

Combine the cooked egg noodles with the beef mixture.

Toss everything together until noodles are completely coated.

Warm thoroughly and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve immediately for a comforting, homecooked meal.

Smart Tips for Beef and Noodles

  • Cook egg noodles just until al dente to maintain a perfect, slightly firm bite that complements the rich beef sauce.
  • Use lean ground beef and keep a small amount of fat for enhancing the overall taste and creating a more robust sauce.
  • Adjust the beef broth gradually to achieve your desired sauce thickness, preventing it from becoming too thin or too dense.
  • Bloom spices and garlic briefly in the skillet to release their full aromatic potential and add depth to the dish.
  • Taste the final dish and season with salt and pepper as needed, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

Best Storage for Beef and Noodles

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled beef and noodles to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add splash of beef broth if mixture seems dry.
  • Pour leftovers into skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of beef broth or water to prevent sticking. Stir gently and consistently until heated evenly, approximately 5-7 minutes. This method helps maintain original texture and flavor.

What to Serve with Beef and Noodles

  • Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich beef flavors, balancing the hearty dish with smooth tannins and fruity undertones.
  • Craft Beer Companion: Choose a robust amber ale or dark lager that matches the beef's depth, offering malty notes that enhance the savory Worcestershire and Italian seasoning profile.
  • Comfort Beverage Boost: Opt for a classic cream soda or root beer to provide a sweet counterpoint to the meaty, spiced gravy, creating a nostalgic and satisfying dining experience.
  • Fresh Side Suggestion: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, adding a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty beef and noodles.

Unique Spins on Beef and Noodles

  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap traditional egg noodles with gluten-free rice noodles or chickpea pasta. Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or potato starch for thickening the gravy, ensuring a celiac-friendly meal without compromising flavor.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Trade egg noodles for spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice. Use a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum instead of flour, creating a lighter dish perfect for ketogenic diets.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms. Enhance umami flavor with soy sauce or miso paste, maintaining the rich, savory profile of the original recipe.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Omit any potential dairy ingredients and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Ensure all seasonings are dairy-free, making this recipe accessible for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

FAQs

  • Why use egg noodles for this recipe?

Egg noodles have a rich, buttery texture that absorbs the beef gravy perfectly and provides a more tender bite compared to regular pasta.

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and seasoned similarly to maintain the dish’s flavor profile.

  • What makes Worcestershire sauce important in this recipe?

Worcestershire sauce adds a deep, umami flavor that enhances the beef’s richness and provides a subtle tangy complexity to the overall dish.

  • How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?

Cook the egg noodles just until al dente and avoid overcooking. Drain them immediately and add to the beef mixture quickly to maintain their ideal texture.

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Beef And Noodles Recipe

Beef And Noodles Recipe


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4.6 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty beef and noodles promise comfort in a bowl, bringing German culinary warmth to your kitchen. Tender meat and silky pasta dance together, creating a simple yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef

Noodles:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) uncooked egg noodles

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) flour
  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, maintaining a slightly firm texture.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high temperature. Add ground beef and chopped onions, breaking the meat into small crumbles. Cook for approximately 10 minutes until beef browns and onions soften.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and incorporate minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir and allow aromatics to develop for one minute.
  4. Dust flour over the beef mixture, stirring thoroughly to eliminate raw flour taste. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture transforms into a paste-like consistency.
  5. Gradually pour beef broth into the skillet, stirring continuously to create a smooth gravy. Scrape pan bottom to incorporate flavorful remnants. Simmer 5-10 minutes until sauce thickens, adjusting liquid if needed.
  6. Combine cooked noodles with beef mixture, tossing until completely integrated and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately for a comforting, hearty meal.

Notes

  • Enhance noodle texture by cooking them just until al dente, preventing mushiness when mixed with beef gravy.
  • Select lean ground beef with 85-90% meat content for optimal flavor and reduced greasiness.
  • Create a gluten-free version by substituting wheat noodles with zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for dietary alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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