Introduction:
Easy Beef and Noodles is a classic comfort food that brings together tender beef and egg noodles in a rich, savory sauce. This dish is not only quick and easy to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it an ideal weeknight dinner for busy families. With just a few ingredients, you can create a hearty meal that everyone will love!
Inspiration Behind the Recipe:
This dish is inspired by traditional beef stroganoff but simplified for a quicker preparation without sacrificing taste. It’s perfect for those nights when you crave a filling meal but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Ingredients Breakdown:
- 1 pound ground beef (or thinly sliced beef)
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Cook the Noodles:
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef:
- In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, for about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the Broth and Seasonings:
- Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine Noodles and Sour Cream:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cooked egg noodles and sour cream. Mix well until the noodles are coated in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Tips for the Perfect Beef and Noodles:
- Use Quality Beef: Opt for lean ground beef or tender cuts like sirloin for the best texture.
- Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the flavors by adding more soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to your preference.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
Variations and Customizations:
- Mushroom Beef and Noodles: Add sliced mushrooms along with the onions for an earthy flavor.
- Creamy Garlic Beef and Noodles: Increase the garlic to 4 cloves and add a splash of white wine for a gourmet touch.
- Spicy Kick: Include red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the dish for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
- Lower Fat Option: Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
- Whole Wheat Noodles: Substitute egg noodles with whole wheat noodles for a healthier choice.
FAQ:
Can I freeze Easy Beef and Noodles?
Yes, you can freeze the dish. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just cook the noodles when ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe
Enjoy the comforting flavors of Easy Beef and Noodles, a hearty dish featuring tender beef and egg noodles in a savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this simple recipe is sure to satisfy the whole family!
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 flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil a salted pot of water for the egg noodles and cook according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, add the ground beef and onion to a skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking the meat up as you go along, until it’s nicely browned (about 10 minutes). Don’t drain the fat unless you’re not using lean ground beef (then drain a bit but still leave at least a couple tablespoons of it in the pan).
- Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the flour and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring often (this cooks the raw flour taste out).
- Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring until the flour has dissolved and scraping any stuck-on bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes (stir occasionally) or until the gravy has thickened to your liking. If it gets too thick, add in a splash more beef broth.
- Drain the cooked egg noodles, add them to the skillet, and toss with the beef mixture. Season with salt & pepper if needed and serve immediately.
Notes
- This dish is designed to be a very simple, inexpensive, quick, and kid-friendly recipe that uses everyday (mostly pantry) ingredients, and so it’s very easy to jazz it up if you’re looking for something more than the base recipe. Readers have added veggies in (try mushrooms or green peppers), upped the herbs and seasonings, stirred in some sour cream or cream cheese at the end, and even added a splash of wine.
