Easy Beef and Noodles

On days when dinner feels like a chore, I often turn to two things — ground beef and pasta. There are about a million and one ways to combine them, but on nights like that, my main requirements are that it has to come together in under thirty minutes and in a single pot. In the case of this Easy Beef and Noodles, you need an extra pot to boil the pasta, but it’s delicious enough that I’ll let it slide. This dish checks all the other weeknight boxes — it’s tasty, it’s comforting, and it’s uber quick. And the whole family will eat it. To me, it reminds me a lot of the Hamburger Helper from my childhood, but you know, better. And from scratch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Beef and Noodles recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s a comforting dish that brings back nostalgic flavors with a homemade touch. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, and the savory beefy sauce paired with tender noodles is sure to become a family favorite.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked egg noodles
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, add ground beef to a skillet over medium-high heat and cook, breaking up the meat as it browns, until the meat is partially cooked. Add onion and cook until soft and beef is no longer pink.
3. Reduce heat to medium and add garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute more. Stir in beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Let simmer until gravy has thickened, about 5-10 minutes. If the mixture gets too thick, thin with water or more broth.
6. If desired, stir in heavy cream for a creamy finish. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
7. Add drained noodles and toss to combine. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
• Cook the noodles until just al dente, as they will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
• Don’t skip browning the beef; it adds a lot of flavor to the dish.

Additional Tips or Variations

Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms or peas for extra nutrition. You can also swap the egg noodles for whole wheat pasta or gluten-free noodles if you prefer.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This dish provides a balanced meal with protein from the beef and carbohydrates from the noodles. If you add vegetables, it can also contribute to your daily fiber intake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the beef sauce ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Cook the noodles fresh for best texture.

What can I use instead of heavy cream? If you prefer a lighter version, you can use milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk.

Conclusion

Easy Beef and Noodles is the perfect recipe for those hectic nights when you crave something satisfying and homemade. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experiences and any creative twists you’ve added to the dish. Enjoy the comfort of a delicious meal made simple!