Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy beef and noodles recipe is all about simplicity and comfort. It’s made with just a handful of pantry staples and ready in under 30 minutes. The rich, hearty gravy gives the dish its depth of flavor, while the tender beef and soft noodles create the perfect balance of textures. It’s a family-friendly meal that both adults and kids will love. Plus, the recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to easily tweak it to your liking by adding different vegetables or seasonings. You can make it your own while keeping it quick and affordable!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 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

Directions

1. Boil a salted pot of water for the egg noodles and cook according to package directions.

2. Meanwhile, add the ground beef and chopped onion to a skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking the meat up as you go, until it’s nicely browned (about 10 minutes). If you’re using lean ground beef, there’s no need to drain the fat, but if using fattier beef, drain a bit while leaving a couple of tablespoons in the pan for flavor.

3. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1 minute.

4. Stir in the flour and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to cook out the raw flour taste.

5. Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring to dissolve the flour and scraping any stuck bits from the bottom of the pan.

6. Continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of beef broth to reach your desired consistency.

7. Drain the cooked egg noodles and add them to the skillet, tossing them in the beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

This dish is wonderfully versatile. You can make it your own by adding vegetables like mushrooms or green peppers for extra flavor and nutrients. For a creamy twist, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end. Want a bit more depth? A splash of white wine can elevate the gravy. You can even play around with the seasonings, adding more herbs or spices to match your tastes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen up the gravy if needed. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef for this recipe?

Yes, ground turkey can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!

2. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Mushrooms, green peppers, peas, or even carrots can be added to the skillet for extra flavor and texture.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply cook the noodles and combine them with the reheated beef mixture.

4. How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you prefer a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce while cooking the beef.

5. What type of noodles should I use for this dish?

Egg noodles work perfectly for this recipe, but you can also use other types of pasta like rotini, fusilli, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.

6. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the beef and gravy mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop and cook fresh noodles when you’re ready to serve.

7. Can I use a different type of broth?

Beef broth is the traditional choice for this recipe, but you could substitute chicken broth if you prefer a lighter flavor.

8. How can I thicken the gravy further?

If you like your gravy extra thick, you can make a slurry by mixing a small amount of flour with water and stirring it into the gravy as it cooks.

9. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the gravy.

10. What other seasonings can I add to this dish?

Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings like paprika, thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra flavor.

Conclusion

This easy beef and noodles recipe is a quick, comforting meal that will become a staple in your kitchen. With simple ingredients, rich flavor, and endless possibilities for customization, it’s perfect for busy nights or cozy weekends. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a family favorite!

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