Easy Beef and Noodles is a comforting dinner recipe featuring tender egg noodles coated in a rich, savory beef and gravy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan meal is quick to prepare, hearty, and packed with flavor. Using simple pantry ingredients like ground beef, onion, and garlic, this dish offers a satisfying homemade option for the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a fast dinner solution or a budget-friendly meal, this beef and noodles recipe is a reliable choice. Pair it with fresh vegetables or garlic bread to round out the meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked egg noodles
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside when done.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for about 10 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. If using lean beef, do not drain the fat; otherwise, drain most of it but leave about 2 tablespoons in the pan for flavor.
Step 3: Add Seasoning and Garlic
3. Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Create the Gravy
4. Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, to eliminate the raw flour taste.
5. Gradually add the beef broth while stirring continuously to dissolve the flour and deglaze the pan. Scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
6. Continue cooking the mixture for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of additional beef broth.
Step 6: Combine with Noodles
7. Add the cooked and drained egg noodles to the skillet. Toss well to coat them in the beef and gravy mixture. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comforting Flavor: A hearty combination of tender noodles, savory beef, and rich gravy.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with straightforward preparation.
Tips
- Use lean ground beef to minimize excess grease.
- Stir the flour into the beef mixture thoroughly to avoid lumps in the gravy.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of paprika to the beef mixture.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
- Pasta: Swap egg noodles for fettuccine, rotini, or any pasta of your choice.
- Add Veggies: Include mushrooms, peas, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the beef mixture ahead and store it separately from the noodles. Combine and reheat when ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze the beef and gravy mixture separately. When ready to eat, cook fresh noodles and mix them together after reheating.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
Soy sauce or tamari can be used as a substitute.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a fresh garden salad.
- Pair with crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete meal.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for an elevated presentation.
Suggestions for Presentation
- Serve in shallow bowls for a rustic feel.
- Add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top for a touch of elegance.
- Use colorful veggies like peas or carrots to brighten up the dish visually.
Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe
4
servings10
minutes20
minutesIngredients
2 cups uncooked egg noodles
1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside when done.
- Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for about 10 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. If using lean beef, do not drain the fat; otherwise, drain most of it but leave about 2 tablespoons in the pan for flavor.
- Step 3: Add Seasoning and Garlic
- Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Create the Gravy
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add the beef broth while stirring continuously to dissolve the flour and deglaze the pan. Scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
- Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
- Continue cooking the mixture for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of additional beef broth.
- Step 6: Combine with Noodles
- Add the cooked and drained egg noodles to the skillet. Toss well to coat them in the beef and gravy mixture. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.
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