Beef and Noodles – Hearty, Comforting & Easy!

Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add liquids & seasoning: Return beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Simmer: Cover and simmer on low heat for 60–90 minutes, or until the beef is tender and flavorful. If you’re adding vegetables like carrots or mushrooms, stir them in halfway through the simmering time.

Cook the noodles: In a separate pot, cook egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Thicken the gravy: Optional — If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir the cornstarch slurry into the beef mixture and simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened.

Combine & serve: Add the cooked egg noodles to the pot with the beef and gravy, or serve the beef and gravy over a bed of noodles on each plate. Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving and Storage

Serving

• Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan.
• Pair with a crisp green salad or buttery dinner rolls for a balanced meal.
• Top with sautéed mushrooms or peas for added color and flavor.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftover beef and noodles in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooled portions (without noodles) up to 2–3 months; add fresh noodles when reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Tips

• Brown well: Properly browning the beef builds deeper flavor in the dish.
• Low and slow: Simmering slowly makes the beef more tender and the flavors more developed.
• Don’t overcook noodles: Cook egg noodles separately so they don’t become mushy during reheating.
• Vegetable boost: Add carrots, peas, or mushrooms to make it a one‑pot meal.

Variations

• Creamy Beef and Noodles: Stir in a splash of cream or sour cream at the end for a richer sauce.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs to the simmering pot for extra aromatic depth.
• Savory Mushroom Beef Noodles: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for earthy flavor.
• Slow Cooker Version: Transfer browned beef and ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours.

FAQ

• Can I use stew meat?
  Yes — stew meat works wonderfully in this recipe and gets very tender when simmered.
• Can I add other vegetables?
  Absolutely! Carrots, peas, green beans, or mushrooms all add wonderful texture and flavor.
• Is this recipe gluten‑free?
  To make it gluten‑free, use gluten‑free egg noodles or substitute with rice noodles or gluten‑free pasta.
• Can I make this ahead?
  Yes — this dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld!

Conclusion

**Beef and Noodles** is a timeless comfort classic that delivers tender beef, rich gravy, and soft noodles in every bite. Simple to prepare but deeply satisfying, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation!