Easy Beef and Noodles
DifficultyEasy
Total time30 minutes
Hearty Homemade Beef and Noodles: a Family Favorite
Introduction
Welcome to the cozy corner of my kitchen, where today, I'll share with you a marvelous secret to conquering those busy weeknights with a smile. Imagine a dish so comforting, it not only warms your belly but also your heart. Yes, I'm talking about our Easy Beef and Noodles recipe, a dish that stands as a testimony to the magic of simple ingredients transforming into something truly spectacular. This no-fuss, homely recipe promises to be your armor against the hustle and bustle of daily life, bringing the whole family together over a bowl of tender beef chunks, perfectly cooked noodles, and a sauce so rich and creamy, it's like a hug from the inside.
Key Takeaways:
- Simple Ingredients, Spectacular Outcome: Discover how basic ingredients can create the ultimate comfort food.
- Family-Friendly: A perfect meal that promises to bring the whole family together on any day of the week.
- Hearty and Homely: The ideal blend of tender beef, delicious broth, and noodles recipe that serves as the epitome of comfort food.
Why This Recipe Works
I've always believed in the magic of simple ingredients coming together to create something utterly delicious and comforting. That's exactly why this easy beef and noodles recipe is such a winner. It's not just about throwing together some beef broth, ground beef, and noodles. Oh no, it's about how these basic ingredients harmonize to make a dish that's both unpretentious and utterly satisfying. Think about it - tender chunks of beef, simmered slowly in a rich beef stock, seasoned perfectly with black pepper, and then poured over al dente noodles. This isn't just food; this is the ultimate comfort food.
And guess what? It doesn't matter if you're using a large skillet for a quick simmer or a slow cooker for beef that falls apart at the touch. Whether you choose to enrich the dish with a dash of Worcestershire sauce or create a richer sauce with a cornstarch slurry, the result is the same - delicious beef and noodles that promise to become a go-to recipe for busy weeknights. It's the perfect meal for when you want something deeply satisfying without the fuss, making it a favorite that the whole family will gather around the table for.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Before we dive into the heart of our kitchen adventure, let's ensure we've got every single ingredient we need on the counter, ready to transform into something magical. This recipe is all about simplicity, comfort, and gathering around with the whole family for a sumptuous meal. Here’s what you'll need:
- Beef Roast: Start with about 1 ½ lbs of beef roast, the star of our show, cut into tender chunks that promise melt-in-your-mouth goodness with every bite.
- Wide Egg Noodles: About 12 oz - they’re not just any noodles, they’re the homely embrace to our flavorful beef.
- Beef Broth: 3 cups to enrich our dish with depth and warmth. It's all about building those layers of flavor.
- Bay Leaves and Dried Thyme: For that hint of earthiness and a touch of herbal wonder.
- Cornstarch Slurry: A tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water brings our rich sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Optional Add-ins: A dash of Worcestershire sauce for a tangy twist, a spoonful of cream of mushroom soup for creamy depth, or even a burst of soy sauce for an umami kick. Customize it to your heart's content!
Gathering these ingredients is just the beginning of our culinary journey. Each one brings something unique to the table, creating not just a meal, but memories to cherish.
Key Ingredients Explained
Let me tell you about the stars of the show in our hearty homemade beef and noodles recipe. First off, we've got beef broth, our liquid gold here. It doesn’t just add moisture; it deeply enriches every bite, making those tender chunks of beef sing with flavor. Imagine the coziness of a perfect meal on a chilly evening - that's what beef broth brings to the table.
And then, there's cornstarch, our little secret to that rich, glossy sauce that just clings to the noodles and beef tips. When mixed with a little bit of cold water and added to the simmering beef mixture, it works its thickening magic. It transforms our beef and broth from a simple stew into a sumptuous, creamy beef hug that wraps around every noodle. Trust me, it's the touch that elevates the dish, making it the ultimate comfort food.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Heat your large skillet over medium heat, adding a touch of olive oil and gently browning the tender chunks of beef until they sing with a rich, caramelized tune. This could take about 8-10 minutes, but who's counting when you're dancing in the kitchen?
- Whisk in the beef broth, stirring in the worcestershire sauce, a sprinkle of salt, and black pepper to taste. Let this symphony of flavors come to a gentle boil before reducing the heat. Simmer away and let those beef tips become tantalizingly tender, about 20-30 minutes. Reminds you of slow cooker beef without the wait, doesn’t it?
- Get your noodles going in a large pot of salted boiling water, cooking them until al dente according to the package directions. Because who doesn’t love perfectly cooked noodles?
- Combine the cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch and cold water in a little bowl, then stirring it into your beef mixture over medium-high heat. Watch as the sauce thickens into a rich gravy, the kind that coats the back of a spoon and promises ultimate comfort food deliciousness.
- Serve the beef mixture over cooked noodles, perhaps with a dollop of sour cream or a scatter of fresh herbs. There you have it, a noodle dish so heartening it might just become one of your favorite meals.
Tips and Tools for this recipe
Check out my kitchen essentials, where you'll find my favorite kitchen tools, spices and more!
- Here is the dutch oven I use and love for my stovetop recipes!
- Keep your left over dry pasta in a airtight container to keep it fresh.
Variations of the Recipe
Who says you can't teach an old recipe new tricks? I'm all about keeping things fresh in the kitchen, especially when it comes to comfort food like my beef and noodles. Now, I've been experimenting, and let me tell you, there's more than one way to bring joy to your dinner table with this dish. Let's dive into some delicious variations that you can whip up next time you're craving that hearty goodness.
- Quick Beef Fix: On those nights when time isn't on your side, switch out the beef roast for ground beef. It cooks up fast on medium heat, getting that perfect meal on the table in no time.
- Stroganoff Twist: Who doesn't love a good stroganoff? Stir in a dollop of sour cream into your beef mixture after it thickens. It's creamy, it's dreamy, and it turns a simple noodle recipe into an instant classic.
- Slow Cooker Comfort: For those busy weeknights, let your crock pot do the work. Chuck roast, beef broth, and a splash of worcestershire sauce simmered on low heat transforms into tender chunks of beef by dinner time.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Now comes my favorite part, folks, pairing this delightful beef and noodles recipe to make a meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds. Imagine those tender chunks of beef and perfectly cooked noodles, just waiting to be complemented by the right side dishes and beverages. Let me guide you through my go-to recommendations that will turn your dinner time into an unforgettable culinary experience.
- Sautéed Green Peppers in Olive Oil: A simple yet flavorful addition. The slight crunch and zest of green peppers sautéed in olive oil bring a fresh contrast to the rich gravy of our main dish.
- Bean Sprout Salad: For a lighter touch, a bean sprout salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette can add a crisp, clean flavor that balances the hearty beef mixture.
Together, these sides not only offer a delightful array of textures and tastes but also turn our easy beef and noodles recipe into the ultimate comfort food experience. Trust me, your whole family will be raving about it until the next time you whip up this delicious beef feast.
A Dish to Remember
After a whirlwind of tasting and tweaking, I’m thrilled to share that this easy beef and noodles recipe has nestled comfortably into the heart of my go-to collection. It’s that perfect amalgamation of tender beef, rich gravy, and lusciously cooked noodles that dances under your fork, beckoning for that first delectable bite. This isn’t just another meal; it’s the meal that promises to gather the whole family around the table, bridging the day's gaps with shared delights and savory satisfaction.
For us, it’s become so much more than just easy recipes filling our dinner times; it’s about crafting those ultimate comfort food experiences that stick with us, long after the plates have been cleared. Whether it’s a busy weeknight where time slips through fingers like grains of salt, or a leisurely weekend gathering, this dish has the uncanny ability to adapt, delivering delicious beef and happy smiles around.
And for you? Let this hearty homemade beef and noodles adventure be the recipe card you reach for when in need of a quick beef solution that doesn’t skimp on taste. Let it be your culinary hug on days when the world seems a tad too much. Because at the end of it all, it’s about creating those favorite meals that speak directly to the soul, making everything seem just a little bit better. A simple ingredient list, a heart full of love, and a table surrounded by your nearest and dearest – that’s what truly makes this dish a dish to remember.
If you like this recipe check out my Cheesy Hamburger Helper Casserole!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs beef roast cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 whole bay leaves
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup cold water
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add butter and beef. Brown the beef in the skillet for 8-10 minutes over medium heat.
- Pour 2 cups of beef broth into the skillet, add seasoning, stir to combine, and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-30 minutes until the beef is tender. Be sure to add the last cup of beef broth slowly as it cooks off.
- Mix cornstarch into ¼ cup of cold water in a separate bowl, then stir this mixture into the skillet. Allow it to cook for 10 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
- While the sauce thickens, prepare the egg noodles in a separate pot following the package instructions.
- Serve the beef mixture over the egg noodles and enjoy your meal!
Leave a Reply