Beef and Noodles
Beef and Noodles is a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This classic American recipe features tender beef simmered in rich broth, served over silky egg noodles. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, Beef and Noodles combines bold flavors with simple ingredients, making it an easy choice for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 60 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves creates a savory sauce that enhances the beef’s natural taste.
- Versatile Dish: This recipe pairs well with various sides, from steamed vegetables to crusty bread, making it adaptable for any meal.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this hearty dish, making it a great choice for family dinners.
- Leftover Friendly: Beef and Noodles taste even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing Beef and Noodles is straightforward. Having the right tools will make the process even smoother.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- A large skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Pot for cooking noodles
Importance of Each Tool
- Large Skillet: Ideal for browning the beef evenly and simmering the sauce without overcrowding.
- Mixing Bowl: Necessary for combining cornstarch with water to create a smooth sauce.
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 1 1/2 lbs beef chuck (cut into 1 inch pieces)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 whole bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Noodles
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
For Seasoning
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
How to Make Beef and Noodles
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and then add the beef. Brown the beef in the skillet for 8-10 minutes until all sides are golden brown.
Step 2: Simmer in Broth
Pour 2 cups of beef broth into the skillet. Add salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes until the beef is tender. Don’t forget to add the last cup of beef broth slowly as it cooks off.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water. Stir this mixture into the skillet with the cooked beef. Allow it to cook for another 10 minutes or until you see that the sauce has thickened nicely.
Step 4: Cook Egg Noodles
While your sauce thickens, prepare your wide egg noodles. Follow package instructions until they are cooked al dente.
Step 5: Serve Your Dish
Serve your flavorful beef mixture over the prepared egg noodles. Enjoy your warm plate of Beef and Noodles!
How to Serve Beef and Noodles
Serving beef and noodles is all about highlighting the rich flavors of the dish while keeping it simple. Here are some enjoyable ways to serve your meal.
Classic Presentation
- Serve the beef mixture over a generous portion of egg noodles, ensuring every bite has a piece of beef and sauce.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Top your dish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and flavor.
Add Fresh Vegetables
- Include steamed green beans or broccoli on the side for a healthy crunch that complements the savory beef.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Serve with warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping into the delicious sauce.
Create a Beef and Noodle Bowl
- Layer the noodles in a bowl, top with beef, and drizzle extra sauce for a hearty meal option.
How to Perfect Beef and Noodles
To achieve the perfect beef and noodles, follow these essential tips for flavor and texture.
- Choose Quality Meat: Select fresh beef chuck for tenderness and flavor.
- Brown Meat Properly: Ensure you brown the beef well to develop rich flavor before adding broth.
- Slow Cooking: Allow sufficient simmering time to make the beef tender and soak up flavors.
- Thicken Sauce Wisely: Mix cornstarch thoroughly into cold water before adding it to avoid lumps in your sauce.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning by tasting throughout cooking; this ensures balanced flavors.
- Don’t Overcook Noodles: Cook egg noodles until al dente; they will continue to soften when mixed with the hot beef mixture.
Best Side Dishes for Beef and Noodles
Complementing your beef and noodles dish enhances the overall dining experience. Here are some fantastic side dishes to consider.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes flavored with garlic make a comforting side that pairs well with savory beef.
- Steamed Broccoli: This vibrant green vegetable adds a healthful touch while providing a crunchy contrast.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad offers crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing, perfect for balancing rich flavors.
- Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots add natural sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your meal.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn provides a sweet bite that complements the savory notes in beef and noodles.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds freshness and crunch, making it an excellent counterpoint to the hearty dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Beef and Noodles can be simple, but small mistakes can lead to a less satisfying dish. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.
- Skipping the browning step: Not browning the beef properly can lead to a lack of flavor in your dish. Take the time to sear the meat until it’s nice and brown.
- Ignoring cooking time: If you don’t let the beef simmer long enough, it won’t become tender. Follow the recommended simmering time for the best texture.
- Adding all broth at once: Pouring in all the broth at once can dilute flavors. Add it gradually as needed during cooking for richer taste.
- Not using enough seasoning: Forgetting to season can make your Beef and Noodles bland. Be sure to measure and adjust spices and herbs according to your preference.
- Overcooking noodles: If you overcook egg noodles, they can become mushy. Cook them just until al dente for a perfect texture.
- Neglecting sauce thickening: Not incorporating cornstarch properly can leave you with a watery sauce. Mix it with cold water first before adding it to ensure a smooth consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Beef and Noodles
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Beef and Noodles
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Beef and Noodles.
What cut of beef is best for Beef and Noodles?
Using beef chuck is ideal as it becomes tender when simmered. Other cuts like brisket may also work well.
Can I make Beef and Noodles ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
How do I customize my Beef and Noodles?
Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or peas for extra nutrition. You can also adjust spices according to your taste.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This recipe keeps well, making it great for meal prep throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Beef and Noodles is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. This dish is perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in—give it a try!
Beef and Noodles
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Beef and Noodles is the ultimate comfort food, ideal for family dinners or a cozy night in. This delightful dish features tender beef simmered in a rich, savory broth and served over silky egg noodles. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a total cooking time of 45 minutes, you can have this satisfying meal on the table in no time. The combination of fresh herbs and hearty beef creates a flavor-packed experience that will warm your heart. Perfect for meal prep or leftovers, Beef and Noodles is sure to become a staple in your household.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs beef chuck (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 whole bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add the beef. Sear until browned on all sides (8-10 minutes).
- 2. Simmer: Add 2 cups of beef broth, salt, pepper, and thyme to the skillet. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20-30 minutes until tender.
- 3. Thicken sauce: Mix cornstarch with cold water in a bowl. Stir into the skillet, cooking for an additional 10 minutes until thickened.
- 4. Cook noodles: Prepare egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
- 5. Serve: Dish out the beef mixture over noodles and enjoy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 350g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
