Easy Beef and Noodle Recipe: Quick Comfort Food

Ever wondered how to make a hearty meal quickly? This easy beef and noodle recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. It tastes like it’s been simmering all day but is ready in minutes.

This dish combines tender beef with silky noodles in a rich broth. It’s a Midwestern classic that warms the soul. In just 30 minutes, you can have a meal that tastes like it’s been cooking for hours.

It uses lean ground beef, onions, garlic, and egg noodles. These ingredients make it affordable and easy to find. Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasoning add a deep flavor. This recipe is great for family meals or meal prep.

Key Takeaways

• Quick 30-minute meal perfect for busy weeknights
• Uses simple, affordable ingredients
• Can be customized with different cuts of beef or cooking methods
• Yields 6-8 servings, great for families or meal prep
• Packed with protein and nutrients for a balanced meal

Introduction to Midwestern Comfort Food

Midwestern comfort food is a big part of American cuisine. At its core is the simple yet hearty dish of homemade beef and noodles. This meal has been a family favorite for many years, showing the warmth and welcome of the Midwest.

The Nostalgia of Homemade Beef and Noodles

The smell of beef and noodles cooking for 9-10 hours in a slow cooker brings back memories for many. This dish uses 2 and ½ pounds of chuck roast. It’s a taste of home and family traditions.

The mix of Guinness beer, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce makes the meal comforting. It warms both the body and soul.

A Simple Yet Flavorful Dish for Family Gatherings

Beef and noodles are great for family meals, taking just 10 minutes to prepare. Cooks like Melissa Slyh have perfected the recipe, making 6 generous servings. It’s often served with mashed potatoes, making it a hit at gatherings.

This dish is loved for its simple egg noodles and tender beef in a rich gravy. It’s perfect for potlucks or Sunday dinners, bringing people together.

“There’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade beef and noodles to bring the family together. It’s comfort food at its finest.”

Midwestern comfort food fits every season, from cranberry orange cookies at holidays to creamy pasta salad in summer. Whether it’s a warm broccoli cheddar soup in winter or a light apple betty in fall, these dishes celebrate the region’s food traditions and the joy of sharing meals with others.

Essential Ingredients for Beef and Noodles

The key to a great beef and noodles dish is its ingredients. This classic comfort food needs a few important parts to taste rich and feel satisfying.

A tender beef roast is the base of this recipe. Pick a 3-pound cut of stew meat or beef tips for the best results. Two 14-ounce cans of beef stock are vital, adding a deep flavor. Egg noodles, added late in cooking, absorb the savory broth and finish the meal.

Aromatics add a lot to the flavor. Use one medium chopped onion and 2 1/2 cups of diced celery. Some recipes also add onion dip mix for more flavor.

With these ingredients, you can make a big meal for 6-8 people. It takes about 1 hour and 55 minutes to cook. The dish has a 4.51 out of 5 stars rating from 266 votes.

Choosing the Right Cut of Beef

Finding the perfect cut of beef is key for a delicious beef and noodle dish. The right choice greatly affects the flavor and texture.

Best Options for Tender Beef

For beef and noodles, beef chuck roast and sirloin are top choices. Chuck roast is great for slow-cooking and has a rich flavor. Sirloin is leaner and cooks faster, offering a mild taste and tenderness.

Marbling: The Key to Tenderness

Marbling, the fat inside the meat, is crucial for tender beef. These fat streaks melt while cooking, adding flavor and keeping the meat juicy. Cuts like chuck roast become tender and easy to shred after slow cooking.

For a quick and delicious meal, consider using lean ground beef as an alternative.

The quality of your beef greatly affects your dish. Choose cuts with visible marbling for the best results in your beef and noodle recipe.

The Perfect Egg Noodles for Your Dish

Wide egg noodles are key to a classic beef and noodles dish. They soak up the rich beef broth flavors, making the meal comforting and irresistible. Using homemade noodles can take your dish to the next level.

Store-bought wide egg noodles are a tasty and easy choice. Make sure they’re cooked until al dente to keep them tender in the sauce. You’ll need 1/2 lb. of uncooked noodles for 6 servings.

If you want to try something different, here are some pasta alternatives:

• Fettuccine
• Pappardelle
• Tagliatelle

These can work, but they might change the dish’s traditional taste. Each serving has about 16g of carbs, so it’s a filling meal.

“The key to perfect beef and noodles is in the noodle choice. Wide egg noodles create that classic, comforting texture we all love.”

For those watching calories, a serving has about 460 calories. The noodles add 30g of protein, making it a great choice for dinner or lunch.

Aromatics and Seasonings: Enhancing Flavor

The secret to a tasty beef and noodle dish is its aromatics and seasonings. These elements turn simple ingredients into a meal that makes you want more. Let’s look at what makes this comfort food so special.

Onion and Garlic: The Base Aromatics

Onion and garlic are the starting points for any beef and noodle recipe. They add a savory base that brings out the dish’s flavors. By sautéing them in oil until they’re golden, you unlock their full taste in just 5 minutes.

Fresh Herbs for Depth

Fresh herbs take beef and noodles to the next level. Thyme and bay leaf add an earthy touch. For something different, try rosemary or sage. These herbs not only taste great but also make the dish smell amazing.

Seasoning is key to a balanced dish. Salt and black pepper are must-haves, but don’t stop there. Add Worcestershire sauce for a savory flavor or soy sauce for more depth. A bit of Italian seasoning can mix well with the fresh herbs.

• Onion and garlic: Base aromatics
• Fresh thyme and bay leaf: For depth
• Worcestershire sauce: Umami boost
• Italian seasoning: Herb medley

Remember, it’s all about balance. Use these aromatics and seasonings to boost the flavors of beef and noodles without overwhelming them. With the right mix, you’ll make a dish that’s both cozy and thrilling.

Beef and Noodle Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Get ready to make a comforting beef and noodle dish that everyone will love. This recipe makes 6-8 servings and takes about 8 hours and 35 minutes to complete. Let’s go through the steps together.

Preparing and Browning the Beef

Begin by seasoning 3 pounds of chuck roast. Mix 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic salt, celery salt, and onion powder with 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper and salt. Rub this mix on the meat.

Heat oil in a large skillet and brown the beef on all sides. This step is key for rich flavors.

Creating the Flavorful Broth

Put the browned beef in a slow cooker. Add 4 cups of beef broth, a can of beef consomme, and 2 seasoning packets (onion soup mix and brown gravy mix). Also, add 2 teaspoons of browning sauce for more flavor.

Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender. It should be easy to shred.

Cooking the Noodles to Perfection

About 30 minutes before serving, add a 12-ounce package of frozen homestyle egg noodles to the slow cooker. These noodles keep their texture well in slow-cooked dishes. Cook until they’re tender, stirring now and then.

If the broth is too thin, mix 3 tablespoons each of cornstarch and cold water to thicken it. Just stir it in.

For a quicker version, consider using an Instant Pot for homemade soup recipes. This can cut down cooking time while keeping the flavors. Just adjust the seasoning before serving your beef and noodles.

Cooking Methods: Stovetop, Slow Cooker, and Instant Pot

Beef and noodles can be made in different ways to fit your schedule and taste. Cooking on the stovetop is quick, taking about 20 minutes. It’s great for a fast weeknight dinner.

For busy days, using a slow cooker is a good choice. It cooks the dish slowly, taking 6 to 8 hours on low. This way, you can relax while dinner cooks.

The Instant Pot is another fast option, cooking beef and noodles in just 25 minutes on manual high. This dish is flexible, like the customizable chicken quesadilla, which can be made in various ways.

Every method makes the beef and noodles tender and delicious. The stovetop lets you watch and adjust as you go. The slow cooker slowly adds flavor. The Instant Pot cooks quickly but still makes the meat tender.

Choose the cooking method that suits your life best. Enjoy this comforting dish anytime.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture

Mastering beef and noodles is all about the texture. Let’s explore key techniques for tender beef tips and the right sauce consistency.

Ensuring Tender Beef

For tender beef, patience is crucial. Cook it until it shreds easily with a fork. Top sirloin is a great choice for flavor and tenderness without costing too much. Avoid stew meat, as it can cause uneven results.

Achieving the Ideal Sauce Consistency

For a perfect sauce, balance is key. Coat the beef in flour before cooking to thicken the broth naturally. If the sauce is too thin, add a cornstarch slurry. For a too-thick sauce, mix in more beef stock.

Here are some cooking tips for the best results:

• Sear the beef to lock in juices and enhance flavor
• Simmer for about 90 minutes to achieve tenderness
• Use half and half with cornstarch for a creamy, thick sauce without excess calories

For extra flavor, consider adding Worcestershire sauce to your dish. Its mix of salty soy, tangy tamarind, and sweet molasses adds depth to your beef and noodles.

The goal is a rich, gravy-like consistency that coats the noodles and beef perfectly. With these tips, you’ll make a comforting dish that rivals any restaurant version.

Customizing Your Beef and Noodle Recipe

The classic beef and noodle dish is perfect for adding your own twist. You can make it healthier and tastier by adding veggies and herbs. It’s a great way to keep the comfort food feeling while making it more nutritious.

Boosting Nutrition with Vegetables

Add some veggies to your dish for a nutritional boost. Try using sliced mushrooms, diced carrots, or chopped celery. These add texture and flavor, making your meal more interesting.

For extra color and vitamins, add leafy greens like spinach or kale right before serving. It’s a simple way to make your dish look and taste better.

Exploring Herb Combinations

Try different herbs to change up the flavor. While thyme is classic, rosemary or sage can add a new twist. Fresh parsley brings brightness, and a bay leaf adds depth. Just remember to take out the bay leaf before you serve.

For a richer taste, add red wine or sour cream. These small changes can turn your beef and noodles into a gourmet dish. The secret is to balance the flavors while keeping the dish comforting.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Make your beef and noodle dish even better with some great serving ideas and side dishes. This meal is perfect on its own but also pairs well with other flavors. Try it with a crusty bread or warm dinner roll to soak up the sauce.

• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts
• Crisp garden salad with vinaigrette
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Buttered corn on the cob

Choosing the right drink can make your meal even better. A full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot goes great with beef and noodles. Or, if you prefer not to drink alcohol, try iced tea or sparkling water with lemon.

To finish it off, add some fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can also add a lot of flavor. With these tips, your beef and noodle dish will be the highlight of any meal.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

After enjoying your delicious beef and noodle dish, you might have leftovers. It’s important to store and reheat them right to keep the flavor and ensure they’re safe to eat.

Proper Storage Techniques

Keep your beef and noodles fresh by storing them in airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll last 3-4 days. For longer, freeze them in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Always label the containers with the date so you know when they were stored.

Best Practices for Reheating

When reheating your leftovers, use gentle methods to keep the texture and taste. The stovetop is a great choice – just add a bit of beef broth to keep it moist. If you’re using a microwave, heat in short bursts and stir each time to warm it evenly.

Always heat leftovers to 165°F (74°C) to make sure they’re safe to eat. With these tips, you can enjoy your beef and noodles just as much the second time around!

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Beef and noodles are a tasty and nutritious choice. They have about 600 calories per serving. This includes 26g of protein, which is great for muscle repair and growth.

This dish is a balanced meal with 57g of carbs from the noodles. It gives you energy for your day. The beef adds iron, zinc, and B vitamins, including B12, which is important for nerves and blood cells.

Beef and noodles can be high in sodium, but you can use low-sodium broth to reduce this. Adding vegetables can make the dish healthier. It increases fiber and vitamins, making it a more complete meal.

If you’re watching your calories, choose leaner beef or try chicken or mushrooms instead. Remember, it’s important to eat this comfort food in moderation for a healthy diet.

Conclusion

Beef and noodles are a classic comfort food that warms any family meal. This easy dinner idea combines tender meat with tasty pasta. It’s simple yet flavorful, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a small gathering.

Our recipe uses ½ pound of thinly sliced flank steak and 1 pound of fresh Chinese egg noodles. This gives a unique twist to the classic dish. The sauce blends fresh and canned tomatoes, onion, celery, and bell pepper for depth and nutrition. The beef marinates for at least 30 minutes to soak up lots of flavor.

This comfort food recipe is tasty but consider its nutritional facts. Each serving has 1149 calories, 112g total fat, and 69g saturated fat. It also has 21g of protein and 26g of carbs. If you’re watching your sodium, know it has 401mg per serving.

The dish cooks quickly and thickens the sauce with cornstarch. This beef and noodle dish is an easy dinner idea. Serve it hot to make it a favorite in your family meals. It brings comfort and satisfaction with every bite.