When comfort food calls, this Savory & Rich Beef and Noodles recipe answers. It is a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meal that combines browned ground beef with tender egg noodles in a deep, savory gravy. Unlike watery soups or dry pasta dishes, this recipe focuses on creating a luscious sauce that clings to every noodle. It is reminiscent of classic Amish beef and noodles or a deconstructed stroganoff, but simplified for the modern home cook. Ready in under 30 minutes, it is the perfect solution for busy nights when you need a satisfying dinner on the table fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The “All-Day” Flavor in 30 Minutes
Typically, achieving a rich, deep gravy requires hours of simmering. This recipe shortcuts the process without sacrificing flavor by using a combination of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and cream of mushroom soup (or a homemade roux). The result is a complex, umami-packed sauce that tastes like it has been bubbling on the stove all afternoon. It is savory, slightly creamy, and deeply comforting.
Budget-Friendly & Filling
Ground beef and egg noodles are economical staples that most families can afford. This dish stretches a pound of meat into a meal that easily feeds four to six people. It is dense and filling, meaning you don’t need expensive sides to make it a complete dinner. It is the definition of a “meat and potatoes” style meal, but with pasta!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (10.5oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 12 oz wide egg noodles (uncooked)
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and onion in a large pot. Drain fat.
- Add garlic, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then stir in egg noodles.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until noodles are tender. Stir occasionally.
- Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken before serving.
Nutrition
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef (85/15) so the gravy isn’t greasy.
Wide Egg Noodles: These are crucial. Their soft texture absorbs the sauce better than Italian pasta like penne.
Beef Broth: Provides the savory liquid base.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Acts as a thickener and adds richness.
Worcestershire Sauce: The secret ingredient that adds a tangy, beefy depth.
Onion & Garlic: Fresh aromatics are key to building flavor.
Smart Substitutions
If you are opposed to “Cream of” soups, you can thicken the beef broth with a cornstarch slurry and add a splash of heavy cream and sautéed mushrooms instead. Ground turkey or pork can be substituted for the beef. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your cream soup and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free. You can also add frozen peas or mixed vegetables directly into the simmering sauce for a one-pot balanced meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Dice your onion and mince the garlic. Measure out your broth and noodles. If you want to add fresh mushrooms, slice them now.
Cooking Phase
Heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and the onions are translucent. Drain excess fat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Whisk or stir well to combine the liquids. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Stir in the uncooked egg noodles. Ensure they are mostly submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The noodles will drink up the liquid and thicken the sauce. If it gets too dry, splash in a little water. Once noodles are tender, remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes to thicken further before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
The key to this dish is the liquid-to-noodle ratio. You want the noodles to cook in the sauce, releasing their starch to create that velvety gravy. Do not boil the noodles separately! Also, browning the beef well—getting that dark crust—adds “fond” to the pan which deepens the gravy’s flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is overcooking the noodles. Egg noodles cook faster than semolina pasta. Check them at the 10-minute mark. If you cook them too long, they turn to mush. Another mistake is not seasoning the meat; ground beef needs a good amount of salt and pepper to really shine, so season generously during the browning step.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Sodium | 850mg |
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
Ladle into shallow bowls. A dollop of sour cream on top adds a nice tang and richness. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives to break up the beige color palette with some fresh green.
Pairing Suggestions
This dish is rich and carb-heavy, so light, crisp sides are best. A simple green salad with vinaigrette or steamed green beans work perfectly. If you enjoy this type of hearty beef dinner, you will also love our Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, which offers a similar comfort food experience with rice instead of pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1? Can I freeze this?
You can, but egg noodles tend to get soft when reheated. It is best eaten fresh or from the fridge (within 3 days). If freezing, undercook the noodles slightly.
Q2? Can I add cheese?
Absolutely. Stirring in a cup of shredded cheddar or parmesan at the end makes it cheesy and even richer.
Q3? Why is my sauce too thin?
If the sauce is runny, remove the lid and let it simmer for a few more minutes. As it cools, it will thicken significantly. You can also mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in.
Conclusion
Beef and Noodles is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug. It doesn’t try to be fancy; it just tries to be delicious. With savory beef, tender noodles, and a rich gravy, it is a timeless classic that will satisfy the whole family.
