There’s nothing quite like a piping hot bowl of the Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe to satisfy those comfort food cravings. Tender bites of beef are simmered in a rich broth with garlic, onion, and savory seasonings, then tossed with hearty egg noodles for a dish that’s both nostalgic and incredibly rewarding. This meal delivers big on flavor but keeps things manageable in just one pot, making it a total lifesaver for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. If you’re after something that tastes like hours in the kitchen (but really only takes under an hour!), this recipe is about to become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe is that the list of ingredients is blissfully basic, yet every component shines. Each item here is important for building layers of savory depth, the perfect noodle texture, and that crave-worthy finish your family will be raving about.
- Beef stew meat or sirloin (1 pound): Go for well-marbled beef for maximum tenderness and flavor as it simmers.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Just a little helps brown the beef and kickstarts the fond—the flavorful brown bits—on the bottom of your pan.
- Onion, diced (1 small): Adds natural sweetness and a welcoming aroma that infuses the dish.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Brings earthy, robust notes that take the broth over the top.
- Beef broth (3 cups): The backbone of the sauce, lending richness and a deeply savory character.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): A little goes a long way to give a hit of umami and depth.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the savory flavors.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Just enough spice for warmth—not heat.
- Egg noodles (8 ounces): These soak up the sauce and get delightfully tender—don’t substitute with other shapes for best results.
- Cornstarch mixed with water (2 tablespoons each, optional): Your go-to if you like a thick, glossy sauce at the end.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): A pop of color and a fresh, bright herbal note for serving.
How to Make Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the beef in a single layer. Let it sear without moving for a couple of minutes—this develops the richest flavor. Brown the beef on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes, building that delicious foundation for your Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
With the beef nicely seared, add the diced onion and minced garlic straight into the pot. Stir and sauté until the onion softens and turns translucent, about 3 minutes. This step adds a lovely sweetness and lots of aromatic flavor, all mingling together and getting ready for the broth bath.
Step 3: Simmer with Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then sprinkle in the salt and pepper. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let everything simmer for 30-40 minutes. This is where the magic happens—the beef gets beautifully tender and soaks up all those savory notes.
Step 4: Add the Egg Noodles
Remove the lid and stir in your egg noodles. They’ll cook right in that luscious beefy broth, soaking up the flavor and releasing a bit of starch to enrich the sauce. Simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring a couple of times to prevent sticking, until the noodles are perfectly cooked.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you love a silky, cling-to-your-fork sauce, this is your time to shine! Stir together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry, then drizzle it into the pot while stirring. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the broth thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
Right before serving, sprinkle on some chopped parsley for freshness and a splash of color. Grab those bowls—your Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe is officially ready to serve!
How to Serve Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
A finishing touch of chopped parsley wakes up the dish with its herbal brightness. For another layer, try sprinkling cracked black pepper or a handful of crispy fried onions on top for a hit of crunch and extra flavor. If you want to get fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil or a scoop of sour cream can take your serving to a new level.
Side Dishes
This Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe is filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad, buttery garlic bread, or steamed green beans adds freshness and balance. The dish also plays well with sautéed mushrooms or roasted carrots for more veggie goodness and a splash of color on your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve right from the stovetop in your Dutch oven for rustic family style, or ladle into large bowls and sprinkle with fresh herbs for a bistro-inspired touch. For a party, nestle portions into small ramekins topped with a puff pastry round for an elegant mini pot pie vibe. It’s fun to let kids sprinkle their own toppings, so everyone gets a little bite of what they love!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Stored properly, it’ll stay delicious for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen as they chill, making tomorrow’s lunch even more satisfying.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is a great option if you want quick comfort food on hand. Cool it completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It’ll keep well frozen for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that the noodles may soften a little once thawed, but the flavors remain fantastic.
Reheating
When you’re ready for leftovers, reheat the Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or beef broth if the noodles have soaked up too much sauce. For individual portions, the microwave works well too. Heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring between intervals to keep everything evenly warm and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While stew meat or sirloin is classic for this Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe, you can use chuck roast, round steak, or even ground beef for a faster version. Just be sure to cut everything into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
How can I make this dish creamier?
For a creamy spin, stir in half a cup of sour cream or heavy cream once the noodles are cooked and the pot is off the heat. This gives the sauce a luscious, velvety finish without overpowering the beefy goodness.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Add diced carrots, sliced mushrooms, or a handful of frozen peas during the simmering stage or when you add the noodles. This makes the Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe even heartier and adds a fresh pop of color.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This version is not gluten-free because of the egg noodles and cornstarch. However, you can swap in your favorite gluten-free noodles and use potato starch or arrowroot for thickening to keep things friendly for gluten-free diets.
What’s the best way to prevent the noodles from overcooking?
The trick is to add the egg noodles toward the end and simmer just until tender. Keep an eye on the pot and stir occasionally. If you plan to make ahead, consider cooking the noodles on the firmer side, as they’ll soften more when reheated.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that feels like a warm hug, this Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe is calling your name. It’s simple, nourishing, and endlessly customizable—a true family favorite in my house. So gather your ingredients, get that pot going, and don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds!
Print
Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Beef and Noodles recipe is a comforting one-pot meal that is perfect for a quick and delicious dinner. Tender beef stew meat or sirloin is simmered with onions, garlic, and egg noodles in a savory broth seasoned with Worcestershire sauce. A simple yet satisfying dish that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
Beef and Noodles:
- 1 pound beef stew meat or sirloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and brown the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef and brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add diced onion and garlic to the pan, sauté until onion is soft, about 3 minutes.
- Simmer with broth and seasonings: Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 30-40 minutes until beef is tender.
- Cook the noodles: Add egg noodles to the pot and simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes until cooked through.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): Stir in cornstarch slurry if desired, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute beef with ground beef for a quicker version.
- Add frozen peas or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- For a creamier texture, stir in ½ cup sour cream or heavy cream at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
