This quick beef and noodles dinner comes together in just 30 minutes! With tender beef, flavorful veggies, and slurpy noodles, it’s a perfect family meal.
I love how fast it is! It’s great for busy nights when you need something tasty without all the fuss. Plus, who can resist a big bowl of noodles? 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg Noodles: I love using egg noodles for their chewy texture. If you don’t have them, spaghetti or any thin pasta works too. Gluten-free pasta can be a great alternative if you need it.
Lean Beef: Sirloin or flank steak are perfect. You can also use ground beef or even chicken for a lighter dish. Just adjust cooking time accordingly, as ground meat cooks faster.
Vegetable Oil: This helps to sauté the beef and veggies. Olive oil is a good alternative, but keep in mind it may have a stronger flavor. Canola or grapeseed oil works well too.
Beef Broth: I prefer using low-sodium beef broth to control salt content. If you’re short on broth, you can substitute it with water or chicken broth.
Soy Sauce: This adds a nice umami flavor. If you’re watching your sodium intake, try a low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option.
How Do I Ensure the Beef is Tender?
To get perfectly tender beef, slicing against the grain is key. This means cutting the meat across the fibers rather than with them. It makes each bite more tender. Here’s how:
- Take your flank or sirloin and look for the lines (the grain). Rotate your meat 90 degrees and slice thinly.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking. If necessary, cook the beef in batches to achieve a good sear.
And remember, don’t overcook it! Since the beef will finish cooking when you mix it back with other ingredients, aim for a light sear rather than cooking it all the way through first.
With these tips, your beef and noodles dinner will be quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious! Enjoy!
not fully cooked, about 3-4 minutes. When it’s ready, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and optional bell pepper. Sauté everything for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the onions are translucent. This step adds great flavor to your dish!
4. Combine Beef and Sauces:
Once the veggies are nice and tender, return the cooked beef to the skillet. Stir in the beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer; this will help blend all the wonderful flavors together.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, you can stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens to your preference. This will give it a nice, hearty texture.
6. Mix in the Noodles:
Add the cooked noodles into the skillet, tossing everything together so that the noodles are well-coated in the savory sauce. Heat everything through for a minute or two. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, as needed.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Once everything is mixed and heated, it’s time to serve! Garnish your beef and noodles with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy your speedy, delicious dinner!
This beef and noodles dish is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor and satisfaction. Perfect for busy nights or anytime you crave a comforting bowl of noodles!
Quick 30-Minute Beef and Noodles Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz egg noodles or pasta of choice
- 1 lb lean beef (such as sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time, making it a total of around 30 minutes from start to finish! It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside for later.
2. Prepare the Beef:
While your noodles are cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced beef to the pan, stirring frequently until it’s browned but
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are a classic choice, you can use any pasta you prefer such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or even rice noodles. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodles you choose!
What Can I Substitute for Beef?
If you’re looking to switch things up, you can substitute the beef with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover beef and noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, just warm them gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time, then store it in the fridge for up to a day. When ready to serve, cook your noodles fresh and then combine them with the reheated beef mixture for best results. Enjoy your quick and easy meal!
