If you’re craving cozy comfort with minimal effort, this Easy Beef And Noodles recipe is your new best friend. Tender strips of beef simmer in a savory, velvety sauce before being tossed with egg noodles for the kind of dinner that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. No fancy ingredients here—just everyday pantry staples delivering maximum flavor. It’s a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, and once you master it, you’ll never look at beef and noodles the same way again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Beef And Noodles is how you can turn just a handful of basic ingredients into something truly extraordinary. Each item on this list plays a big role in building depth, richness, and irresistible texture—don’t be tempted to skip a thing!
- Beef sirloin or stew meat: Choose sirloin for tenderness, or stew meat if you like deeper, slow-simmered flavor.
- Wide egg noodles: Their shape and bite perfectly soak up the luscious sauce.
- Beef broth: The broth lays the savory foundation of the dish—opt for low sodium if you like to control seasoning.
- Onion: Sautéed onions add way more sweetness and aroma than you’d expect for such a humble veggie.
- Garlic: A small amount boosts the overall savoriness, creating that addictive “can’t-stop-eating” quality.
- Olive oil or butter: Use oil for a lighter touch or butter for an extra indulgent base.
- Flour: Helps thicken that sauce into a dreamy consistency.
- Worcestershire sauce: It quietly deepens the beefy flavor and adds a little tang.
- Salt and black pepper: For perfect seasoning from the first bite.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top brings bright color and freshness to the finished plate.
How to Make Easy Beef And Noodles
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a big sauté pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil (or butter), then toss in your beef pieces in batches so they get a nice sear—don’t crowd them! Brown all sides for a few minutes, then scoop them onto a plate. This important step locks in flavor for your Easy Beef And Noodles and gives your sauce that delicious, slightly caramelized base.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Drop the chopped onion into the same pan (don’t clean it out—you want that beefy goodness). Sauté for about 2–3 minutes until softened and just starting to color. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release those aromatic oils. This foundation adds an irresistible depth and sets the stage for the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring for about a minute—it’ll look a little pasty, but that’s exactly what you want. Gradually whisk in the beef broth and Worcestershire, scraping up any bits stuck to the pan. Return the browned beef (and any juices) to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This is where Easy Beef And Noodles starts smelling amazing.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Cover your pot and let it simmer on low for about 20–25 minutes, or until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened to coat a spoon. Stir occasionally and keep an eye out for sticking—if it gets too thick, add a splash of extra broth. This step transforms simple ingredients into silky, savory magic.
Step 5: Cook and Combine the Noodles
While your beef finishes up, cook the egg noodles according to the package directions. Drain them well, then gently fold them right into the saucy beef mixture. Toss everything together so every noodle gets coated—this is what makes Easy Beef And Noodles so satisfyingly hearty.
How to Serve Easy Beef And Noodles
Garnishes
Once you’ve spooned your Easy Beef And Noodles into bowls, don’t forget the garnishes! A shower of freshly chopped parsley brightens everything, while a dusting of cracked black pepper or a pinch of grated Parmesan adds another layer of flavor. Even a little drizzle of good olive oil can make each bite feel restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This dish is already a complete comfort meal, but you can dress it up with simple sides. A crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or garlicky green beans are all perfect counterpoints to the rich, savory noodles. And if you’re extra hungry, some warm, crusty bread works wonders for soaking up every last bit of that sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve Easy Beef And Noodles in a big, shallow serving bowl and let everyone help themselves. If you’re feeling a little fancy, portion individual servings into wide, shallow bowls and garnish each with a swirl of parsley and a wedge of lemon. This is a dish that looks as good as it tastes, especially with a few colorful touches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Easy Beef And Noodles keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container, making sure the noodles are tucked under the sauce to keep them moist. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers can be even more delicious!
Freezing
You can definitely freeze this dish, though for best texture, freeze the beef and sauce separately from the noodles. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and cook fresh noodles to stir in before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, warm Easy Beef And Noodles gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave—just cover loosely and stir halfway through for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While sirloin is quick-cooking and tender, chuck roast or stew meat are great slow-simmered options for Easy Beef And Noodles. Just be sure to extend the cooking time until the beef is meltingly soft.
What if I only have dried herbs?
Dried parsley or thyme work just fine—use about a third of the amount as fresh, and add them with the broth so they have time to infuse the sauce.
Can I add vegetables to Easy Beef And Noodles?
Definitely! Stir in peas, carrots, or even sautéed mushrooms for extra color and nutrition. Add them to the pan along with the beef so they absorb that sensational sauce.
Are there gluten-free options?
You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting a trusted gluten-free flour for the sauce and using gluten-free egg noodles. The taste and texture remain every bit as delicious, so no one will miss out.
Can I make Easy Beef And Noodles in a slow cooker?
Yes! Just brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic as usual, then transfer to your slow cooker with the broth and seasoning. Cook on low for 6–8 hours. Add cooked noodles just before serving for a fuss-free meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something undeniably satisfying about serving up a steaming bowl of Easy Beef And Noodles—every bite is full of heart and homey flavor. I hope you’ll give this recipe a spot in your dinner rotation and discover how simple ingredients can create some truly memorable meals. Enjoy every forkful!
Print
Easy Beef And Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Searing, simmering, boiling
- Cuisine: American comfort food
- Diet: None
Description
Easy Beef And Noodles is a comforting, hearty meal of tender beef strips simmered in a savory, velvety sauce and tossed with wide egg noodles—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into 1″ strips
- 8 oz wide egg noodles
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 tbsp all‑purpose flour
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium‑high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper and brown in batches, 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Add onions to the same pan; sauté 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over onions and garlic; stir 1 minute. Gradually whisk in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up brown bits.
- Return beef (and juices) to the pan. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook 20–25 minutes until beef is tender and sauce is thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, cook egg noodles according to package directions; drain well.
- Stir cooked noodles into the beef mixture until coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Spoon into bowls, garnish with parsley and additional black pepper, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use well-marbled beef for richer flavor; slow-cook chuck or stew meat if preferred.
- Dry both beef and pan surface before searing to get a good crust.
- For gluten-free version, use GF flour and noodles.
- Having sauce and noodles separately freeze best—combine after reheating noodles.
- Enhance with veggies like peas, carrots, or mushrooms added with the beef.
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