Beef and Noodles

Nothing says comfort food like a steaming bowl of Beef and Noodles. This dish is slow-cooked to tender perfection, combining rich, savory beef with buttery egg noodles in a luscious, thick gravy. It’s the kind of meal that brings families together, filling the kitchen with warmth and mouthwatering aromas. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home, this meal is easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving something warm and hearty, Beef and Noodles is a timeless classic that always delivers. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and enjoy pure comfort in every bite!

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

1 ½ pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
12 ounces egg noodles
2 tablespoons butter
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef and sear until browned on all sides.
Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir into the pot and simmer until the sauce thickens.
Meanwhile, cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with butter.
Add the cooked noodles to the beef mixture and stir to coat.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 6

A Classic, Hearty Dish Loved for Generations

Beef and Noodles is a timeless dish that has been passed down through generations, beloved for its comforting, hearty nature. With tender, slow-cooked beef in a rich, savory gravy served over buttery egg noodles, this meal is the epitome of home-cooked goodness. Whether you grew up eating this dish at your grandmother’s table or are just discovering it for the first time, it has an undeniable appeal that brings warmth to every bite. Originally inspired by Midwestern and Southern-style cooking, Beef and Noodles is a simple yet satisfying meal that has remained a staple in many households. It shares similarities with beef stroganoff but omits the sour cream, focusing instead on a deeply savory, gravy-like sauce. Traditionally made with beef stew meat or chuck roast, this dish is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Why This Recipe is the Best

There are countless reasons why this Beef and Noodles recipe stands out. Here’s what makes it a must-try:

Rich, Deep Flavor

The beef is slow-cooked in a combination of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and herbs, creating an incredibly rich and well-balanced flavor. The slow simmering process allows the meat to become tender while the broth thickens into a luscious, savory gravy that perfectly coats the noodles.

Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients

You don’t need fancy ingredients to make this dish—just beef, egg noodles, beef broth, and a few pantry staples. This makes it a go-to meal when you need something satisfying without an extra trip to the store.

Budget-Friendly

This dish uses affordable cuts of beef like stew meat or chuck roast, which become ultra-tender after slow cooking. Plus, egg noodles are an inexpensive yet filling ingredient, making this recipe a great option for families on a budget.

One-Pot Convenience

While some variations require separate cooking for the beef and noodles, this recipe keeps things simple. The beef is simmered in one pot, and the noodles are added at the end, cutting down on cleanup time.

Versatile and Customizable

You can easily adapt this dish to your tastes. Prefer a creamy version? Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end. Want to add some vegetables? Mushrooms, peas, or carrots make great additions. Love spice? A pinch of red pepper flakes will kick up the heat.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

Beef and Noodles stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can also freeze it for a quick, comforting meal on busy nights.

Nutritional Benefits of Beef and Noodles

While this dish is known for its indulgent, comforting qualities, it also has some great nutritional benefits:

High in Protein:

The beef provides a substantial amount of protein, which helps with muscle growth, repair, and overall energy levels.

Iron-Rich:

Red meat is a great source of iron, essential for healthy blood circulation and preventing fatigue.

Satisfying and Filling:

The combination of protein and carbohydrates makes this a balanced meal that keeps you full longer.

Can Be Made Healthier:

You can adjust the recipe to suit dietary preferences by using whole wheat noodles, adding more vegetables, or reducing the amount of butter.

The Best Cut of Beef for This Recipe

Choosing the right cut of beef is essential to achieving the best flavor and texture. Here are some great options:

Beef Stew Meat:

Pre-cut and easy to use, but requires a long simmering time to become tender.

Chuck Roast:

A budget-friendly cut with great marbling that breaks down beautifully during slow cooking.

Short Ribs:

If you want a more indulgent version, short ribs provide extra richness.

Sirloin:

A leaner cut that still works well, though it doesn’t have as much fat as chuck roast.

For best results, always sear the beef first. This step locks in flavor and gives the meat a caramelized crust that enhances the overall taste.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Beef and Noodles

This dish is incredibly satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides makes for a complete meal. Here are some delicious accompaniments:

Garlic Bread:

A crispy slice of garlic bread soaks up the rich sauce beautifully.

Side Salad:

A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.

Roasted Vegetables:

Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans add a nutritious touch.

Mashed Potatoes:

If you’re looking for extra comfort, serve the beef mixture over mashed potatoes instead of noodles.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Beef and Noodles makes excellent leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

Refrigerator:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer:

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. To prevent the noodles from becoming mushy, consider freezing the beef and sauce separately from the noodles.

Reheating:

Warm leftovers on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen up the sauce if needed. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

A Dish with Nostalgia and Heart

There’s something special about a meal that brings back memories of home. Beef and Noodles is one of those dishes that reminds people of childhood dinners, family gatherings, and cozy nights by the fire. It’s the type of meal that warms both the body and the soul. Whether you make this for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a Sunday family meal, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. The simplicity, flavor, and heartiness of this dish make it a staple you’ll want to keep in your recipe collection for years to come.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a meal that is comforting, hearty, and full of rich flavors, Beef and Noodles is the perfect dish. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe delivers on every level. Once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why Beef and Noodles is such a beloved classic. If you’re looking for a meal that is both rich in flavor and deeply comforting, this is the recipe for you. Give it a try tonight and enjoy every delicious, soul-warming bite! Try it today and see why it’s a beloved favorite!