Nothing says comfort food quite like a steaming bowl of Beef and Noodles. Tender chunks of beef are slow-simmered in a savory broth, infused with herbs and seasonings, then served over buttery egg noodles. The rich, velvety sauce wraps around each bite, creating a dish that’s both simple and incredibly satisfying. This classic meal is perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or when you just need a little home-cooked warmth. Whether you cook it in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, the result is always the same pure, hearty goodness that brings everyone to the table. Serve it with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 2 tbsp butter
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 whole bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Directions:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and beef, then brown the beef for 8-10 minutes.
- Pour 2 cups of beef broth into the skillet. Add salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer for 20-30 minutes until the beef is tender. Slowly add the last cup of beef broth as it cooks down.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water. Stir this mixture into the beef and broth, cooking for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- While the sauce is thickening, cook the egg noodles in a separate pot according to package instructions.
- Serve the tender beef and rich gravy over the egg noodles. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 425 kcal | Servings: 6
A Brief History of Beef and Noodles
While its exact origins are hard to pinpoint, Beef and Noodles has been a beloved dish for centuries, drawing influences from different cultures. Many believe it to have originated from European stews that combined slow-cooked meats with hearty starches like potatoes or pasta. The German and Dutch immigrants brought similar dishes to America, eventually influencing the comfort food landscape.
Over time, American home cooks began adapting the dish with ingredients readily available in local markets. Egg noodles became the preferred pasta choice, while slow-cooked beef in a thick, rich sauce added depth and warmth. Today, Beef and Noodles is often associated with Midwestern cuisine, where it remains a favorite in family kitchens, passed down through generations.
Why This Dish Works So Well
Beef and Noodles is the perfect combination of simple ingredients that, when cooked together, create something extraordinary. It’s filling, flavorful, and incredibly easy to customize based on personal preferences. Here’s why this dish continues to be a go-to for home cooks:
1. Tender, Flavorful Beef
The key to a great Beef and Noodles dish is the meat. Using beef chuck or stew meat allows the protein to break down as it simmers, creating fork-tender bites that melt in your mouth. Slow-cooking the beef with rich broth enhances its flavor and makes it irresistibly juicy.
2. Rich and Savory Sauce
One of the highlights of this dish is its thick, silky sauce. By simmering beef broth with seasonings like bay leaves and thyme, the dish develops deep layers of flavor. Adding a cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce, creating a gravy-like consistency that clings beautifully to the noodles.
3. The Perfect Noodles
Egg noodles are the traditional choice for this dish because of their soft yet slightly chewy texture. They absorb the flavors of the sauce without becoming too mushy, making them the ideal pairing for the rich beef mixture.
4. Simple and Customizable
This recipe is easy to modify based on what you have in your pantry. Some people like to add a touch of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth, while others mix in a spoonful of sour cream for a stroganoff-style twist. You can even throw in vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or peas to add more nutrients and texture.
5. Feeds a Crowd
This is the ultimate family-style dish. It’s affordable, filling, and makes enough to serve several people. Whether you’re preparing a casual dinner or meal prepping for the week, Beef and Noodles is a dish that satisfies and stretches well.
Different Ways to Prepare Beef and Noodles
One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. While the traditional stovetop method is the quickest way to make it, you can also prepare it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for added convenience.
Slow Cooker Method
If you prefer a set-it-and-forget-it approach, using a slow cooker is the way to go. Simply brown the beef in a pan, then transfer it to the slow cooker with broth and seasonings. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The long cooking time allows the beef to become incredibly tender, making it effortless to shred. Before serving, add the cornstarch slurry and cooked noodles, letting everything combine into a rich, hearty dish.
Instant Pot Method
For those who need a quicker version, the Instant Pot works wonders. Sear the beef using the sauté function, then add the broth and seasonings before sealing the lid. Cook on high pressure for about 35 minutes, then allow for a natural pressure release. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and noodles, then let the sauce thicken for a few minutes before serving.
What to Serve with Beef and Noodles
While this dish is hearty enough to stand alone, pairing it with the right sides can elevate the meal even further. Here are some great options to consider:
- Fresh Green Salad – A light and crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables – Serve with oven-roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus for added texture and nutrition.
- Crusty Bread – A warm baguette or dinner rolls make the perfect tool for soaking up extra sauce.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – For an ultra-indulgent meal, serve the beef mixture over mashed potatoes instead of noodles.
- Steamed Green Beans – A simple side of green beans with butter and garlic complements the flavors beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Beef and Noodles makes excellent leftovers and is easy to store for later enjoyment. Here are some tips to keep it fresh:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The noodles may absorb more of the sauce, so you may need to add a splash of broth when reheating.
- Freezing: If you plan to freeze it, keep the beef mixture and noodles separate. The sauce freezes well for up to 3 months, but noodles can become mushy if frozen and thawed.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If reheating in the microwave, add a little broth or water to maintain moisture.
Conclusion:
Beef and Noodles is one of those classic meals that you’ll want to keep in your rotation. It’s easy to make, uses simple pantry staples, and delivers an unbeatable level of comfort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, preparing meals in advance, or just craving something warm and satisfying, this dish never disappoints.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility make it your own by adding extra ingredients, adjusting the seasonings, or switching up the cooking method. No matter how you prepare it, one thing is certain: Beef and Noodles is a timeless favorite that will always have a place on the dinner table.