Pin it
This hearty beef and noodles dish is pure magic. Whip it up in half an hour with ingredients you already have, and dinner's all taken care of. The savory gravy will keep you coming back for more. Once this becomes your family favorite, you'll definitely want to check out my hamburger sauce and beef recipes too.
What Makes This Special
Seriously, cooking doesn't come any simpler than this. Some ground beef, pasta, and a handful of basic items create a meal nobody can resist. The kids will clean their plates, and it's exactly what you need when fancy cooking just isn't happening tonight. And it's budget-friendly too. That's a double win.
Ingredients List
- Egg Noodles: You'll need 2 cups. They're usually stocked next to other pasta types. Don't worry, standard pasta works fine in a pinch.
- Ground Beef: One pound, preferably lean. Ground turkey makes a nice swap if you prefer.
- Onion: A single diced one. The variety doesn't matter much.
- Garlic: About 2-3 cloves. Pre-minced from a jar saves time if needed.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Just a tablespoon. It really boosts the flavor profile.
- Italian Seasoning: A small amount does wonders for the taste.
- Flour: Use 1/4 cup to create that perfect sauce consistency.
- Beef Broth: 2 cups forms the base of your gravy.
- Salt & Pepper: Season to your own taste preferences.
Pin it
Simple Instructions
- Prepare Noodles:
- Get them cooking in well-salted water. Just follow what the package says.
- Brown Meat:
- Sauté the beef with onions until no pink remains, roughly 10 minutes. Keep breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Season Mixture:
- Add your garlic, Worcestershire, and herbs. Let it cook briefly.
- Thicken Base:
- Mix in your flour and give it another minute on the heat.
- Create Gravy:
- Add your broth and stir constantly until it reaches the perfect thickness.
- Combine Everything:
- Drain those noodles well, then mix all components together. Adjust salt and pepper and dig in!
Ultimate Comfort Dish
There's something special about this beef and noodles combo. It's the kind of dinner that feels like a warm hug. Nothing complicated - just simple ingredients that transform into something absolutely delicious. Every bite gets covered in that amazing gravy, and suddenly your plate's empty. It's perfect when you want food that reminds you of home.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
Here's what matters most. Your egg noodles create the foundation - they catch sauce beautifully. The ground beef delivers rich flavor without costing too much. Onions and garlic build the taste base. A bit of Worcestershire adds depth. Sprinkle in some herbs, use flour for thickness, and pour beef broth over everything. That's all it takes. Basic ingredients that deliver big results.
Helpful Hints
Try to buy lean beef when possible - you'll deal with less fat. Make sure it browns properly for better flavor. Add the flour gradually to avoid lumps. Don't forget to scrape the pan when adding broth - that's where flavor hides. Give the sauce some time to reach the right thickness. Need a thinner consistency? Just pour in extra broth.
Easy Variations
Want something different? Toss in some frozen mixed veggies or sweet corn at the final stage. Craving creaminess? Drop in a dollop of sour cream. Tired of egg noodles? Swap in any pasta shape you fancy, or even try it over rice. Each change makes it feel like a brand new meal.
Serving Ideas and Storage
This pairs wonderfully with some toasted bread or soft dinner rolls. A simple green salad balances the meal perfectly. Got leftovers? They'll stay good in your fridge for about 4 days. Warm slowly so the sauce stays smooth. If you plan to freeze portions, store just the meat and sauce - make fresh noodles when you're ready to eat again.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → No egg noodles around?
Use whatever pasta you’ve got! Spaghetti, macaroni, or fettuccine will all work with the beef and gravy mix.
- → How do I make it tastier?
Throw in some fresh thyme or basil. Sprinkle cheese on top or add a splash of heavy cream. You can also bump up the garlic for a deeper flavor.
- → Can this be prepped ahead?
Yes! Make the beef mixture and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, heat it up, toss in hot noodles, and enjoy. If the sauce’s too thick, just stir in some beef stock to loosen it.
- → What veggies can I add?
Add mushrooms, peas, peppers, or even carrots and corn. Just chop them small and cook with the beef until tender.
- → Out of beef?
Ground turkey or chicken works, too. Cook them just like beef. They’re lighter and still pair well with the gravy and noodles.
Conclusion
If you like this, try something similar! Beef stroganoff or chicken alfredo both have that same comforting, hearty feel. Great for when you want something warm and delicious.