If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that comes together faster than you’d expect, this Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Picture tender egg noodles wrapped in rich, savory beef gravy, flavored with just the right hints of garlic and Italian seasoning. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for weeknight dinners or anytime you want to treat yourself without too much fuss. Stick with me, and I’ll show you how simple ingredients can transform into this satisfying classic that everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe plays a starring role, delivering layers of flavor and a comforting texture that’s hard to beat. They’re straightforward, easy to find, and come together effortlessly to create a dish bursting with goodness.
- 2 cups uncooked egg noodles: These bring a soft, tender bite that soaks up all the delicious beef gravy.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides rich, savory flavor while keeping things lighter with less fat.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2-3 cloves garlic (minced): Gives a fragrant, aromatic boost that enhances the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Introduces a subtle tang and savory umami richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that lifts the taste with a Mediterranean touch.
- 1/4 cup flour: Used to thicken the gravy, ensuring a luscious consistency.
- 2 cups beef broth: The base liquid that infuses the beef mixture with deep, hearty flavor.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to balance and elevate every bite.
How to Make Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This step is key for seasoning the noodles from the get-go, so don’t skip the salt! Add the egg noodles and cook them just until tender according to the package directions. Al dente noodles give a lovely bite that holds up well once tossed in the beef gravy.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Onion
While the noodles cook, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the lean ground beef along with chopped onions. Break up the meat gently as it cooks, letting it brown beautifully. This browning is where a lot of flavor develops, so take your time—about 10 minutes should do it. If using lean beef, leave a bit of the fat for richness and only drain excess if there’s a lot.
Step 3: Add Garlic, Worcestershire Sauce, and Italian Seasoning
Reduce the heat to medium, then stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Cook for just about a minute, until you can smell the wonderful aromas coming together, waking up the pan with savory goodness.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour
Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. This step is crucial because it cooks off the raw flour taste and starts building the thick, velvety texture that will make your gravy so comforting.
Step 5: Pour in the Beef Broth
Slowly add the beef broth to the skillet, stirring as you go. This helps dissolve the flour evenly and picks up any tasty browned bits stuck to the pan, which adds amazing depth to your sauce.
Step 6: Simmer Until Thickened
Let the mixture cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy reaches your desired thickness. If it gets too thick, no worries—just splash in a little more beef broth. This step is all about reaching that perfect balance where the sauce clings deliciously to the noodles.
Step 7: Combine Noodles and Beef Mixture
Drain the cooked noodles well, then add them directly into the skillet with the beef gravy. Toss everything together gently to coat the noodles evenly with that rich sauce. Give it a final seasoning check with salt and pepper, and get ready to serve up this comfort-filled meal.
How to Serve Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish can elevate this dish from everyday to special. Try fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a pop of color and a subtle, tasty finish. A few fresh herbs brighten the heavy flavors and make the presentation inviting and homey.
Side Dishes
Pair your Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe with crisp green salads, steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli, or even a side of roasted root veggies. These lighter accompaniments provide balance to the rich noodles and make your meal more vibrant and nutritious.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the beef and noodles in individual baking dishes topped with a bit of shredded cheese and broil for a couple of minutes until bubbly and golden. Or spoon the mixture over mashed potatoes or roasted cauliflower for a comforting variation that’s still easy and satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may soak up more liquid over time, so storing separately if possible is a good idea to preserve texture. When you’re ready to eat, just mix back together and reheat gently.
Freezing
You can freeze the Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Before freezing, let the dish cool completely to preserve flavor and texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it. You can also reheat in the microwave, just cover and stir halfway through to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use different types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional and provide the perfect texture, wide pasta ribbons or even pappardelle work well too. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep because it reheats beautifully. Just store the noodles and sauce separately to keep everything fresh and tasty during the week.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or cooked mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep the flavors balanced.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
A splash of soy sauce mixed with a bit of vinegar can mimic Worcestershire sauce’s tangy umami flavor. It won’t be exact but works well in a pinch.
How can I make the gravy thicker or thinner?
For a thicker gravy, add a little more flour during step 4 or let it simmer longer to reduce. For a thinner consistency, simply add more beef broth a little at a time until it reaches your preferred thickness.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a simple yet deeply satisfying meal anytime you need something comforting without the fuss. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s designed to make your kitchen feel warm and welcoming. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy this dish brings with your loved ones!
Print
Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Easy Beef and Noodles is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender egg noodles tossed with a savory ground beef gravy flavored with garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Quick to prepare and perfect for a family dinner, this recipe balances rich flavors with simple ingredients for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 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
Noodles
- 2 cups uncooked egg noodles
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef and onion: While the noodles cook, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook until beef is browned and onions are softened, about 10 minutes. Drain excess fat if using non-lean beef but leave a couple tablespoons of fat in the pan for flavor.
- Add seasonings: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1 minute to release flavors.
- Incorporate flour: Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and form a roux.
- Add beef broth: Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to dissolve the flour and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer to thicken: Cook the gravy for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your liking. If too thick, add a splash of beef broth to adjust consistency.
- Combine noodles and beef gravy: Add the drained egg noodles to the skillet and toss to evenly coat with the beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the beef and noodles hot immediately for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for less grease, but leaving some fat in the pan adds flavor.
- Adjust the thickness of the gravy by adding more or less beef broth depending on preference.
- For extra vegetables, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth to loosen if needed.
