Are you ready to indulge in a heartwarming dish that has all the cozy vibes? Beef and Noodles is the perfect comfort food, ideal for those chilly evenings when you’re looking for something hearty and satisfying. This dish combines tender chunks of beef steeped in savory broth with egg noodles, creating a meal that envelops you in warmth. I remember countless family dinners where the savory aroma of this recipe would waft through the house, enticing everyone to gather around the table.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Beef and Noodles stands out as a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor. Here’s why you should consider adding it to your dinner lineup:

Quick and Budget-Friendly: Using affordable cuts like beef chuck, this dish won’t break the bank. Plus, it cooks up surprisingly fast for how rich and satisfying it is!
Kid-Approved: The gentle, savory flavors are always a hit with little ones, making it an excellent choice for family meals.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special family gathering, this recipe fits right in.

"This is a classic comfort meal that satisfies everyone at the table!" – A satisfied home cook.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Ready to get started? Making Beef and Noodles involves simple steps that yield a wholesome meal in no time. Here’s a quick overview:

Brown the Beef: First, sauté your beef until it’s beautifully golden.
Simmer: Combine broth, seasonings, and let it simmer until tender.
Thicken the Sauce: Add a cornstarch mixture to achieve that luscious sauce.
Cook the Noodles: Meanwhile, prepare your egg noodles.
Combine & Serve: Serve the beef mixture over the noodles and enjoy!

Gather Your Ingredients

To make this delicious Beef and Noodles, here’s what you’ll need:

1 1/2 lbs beef chuck (cut into 1-inch pieces)
3 cups beef broth
1/4 cup cold water
2 tablespoons butter
12 oz wide egg noodles
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 whole bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper

Feel free to substitute any ingredients according to your taste or dietary needs—like using low-sodium broth or gluten-free noodles!

Step-by-Step Directions

Now that you’re all set with ingredients, let’s dive into the cooking process:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and allow it to melt.
Brown the beef in the skillet for 8-10 minutes until golden.
Pour in 2 cups of beef broth, followed by the salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes until the beef is tender. Gradually add the last cup of broth as it cooks off.
In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water. Stir this mixture into the skillet and let it cook for another 10 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
While you wait, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions.
Serve the beef mixture over the cooked noodles and enjoy your meal!

Tips for Serving

Now that you’ve plated up this delightful dish, let’s talk about how to make it even better:

Greens on the Side: Pair with a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Top it Off: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan adds a lovely finishing touch.
Serve with Bread: Crusty bread is perfect for scooping up those delicious juices!

Best Way to Store Beef and Noodles

Want to enjoy leftovers? Here’s how to keep your Beef and Noodles fresh:

Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tips: Warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to keep it moist.

Pro Chef Tips

Elevate your Beef and Noodles with these expert secrets:

Brown Well: Don’t rush the browning step! It adds depth to the flavor.
Season Gradually: Tasting during cooking allows you to adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations to consider:

Add Veggies: Throw in some mushrooms or green beans for a pop of color and nutrition.
Spice it Up: Incorporate some chili powder or red pepper flakes for a kick.
Use Different Noodles: Swap out wide egg noodles for macaroni or rice noodles based on personal preference.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

Preparation and cooking time is roughly 1 hour, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! Cuts like beef stew meat or brisket work wonderfully as well.

How should I store leftovers safely?

Always ensure your leftovers are cooled and stored in an airtight container in the fridge within two hours of cooking.

Creating a steaming pot of Beef and Noodles is not just a recipe, but a heartwarming experience that wraps you in comfort. Enjoy every bite!

Beef and Noodles

Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Description

A heartwarming Beef and Noodles dish perfect for chilly evenings, combining tender beef in a savory broth with egg noodles.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 cups beef broth
1/4 cup cold water
2 tablespoons butter
12 oz wide egg noodles
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 whole bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and allow it to melt.
Brown the beef in the skillet for 8-10 minutes until golden.
Pour in 2 cups of beef broth, followed by the salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes until the beef is tender, adding the last cup of broth as it cooks off.
In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water. Stir this mixture into the skillet and let it cook for another 10 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
While you wait, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions.
Serve the beef mixture over the cooked noodles and enjoy your meal!

Notes

Pair with a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal. For added flavor, top with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: beef, noodles, comfort food, family meal, quick recipe