This quick beef and noodles dish is a lifesaver for busy nights! With tender beef, soft noodles, and a tasty sauce, it’s ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for a family meal!
I love how easy it is to whip this up when time is tight. Plus, it’s so comforting that everyone comes back for seconds. You’ll feel like a dinner hero! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! You can use ground beef, but I often opt for thinly sliced beef strips for a bit more texture. If you’re looking for lower-fat options, ground turkey or chicken also works well.
Egg Noodles: These add great flavor and texture. If you’re gluten-free or just out of egg noodles, try rice noodles or whole wheat pasta as a substitute. They’ll still pair nicely with the creamy sauce.
Sour Cream / Heavy Cream: Sour cream gives a nice tang, while heavy cream creates a richer sauce. Yogurt can be a lighter alternative, but watch the heat when adding it to prevent curdling.
Beef Broth: This is key for flavor! You can swap it with chicken broth if that’s what you have, or even use vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust seasoning as needed since vegetable broth can be less salty.
How Do You Cook the Beef Perfectly?
Getting the beef just right is crucial for flavor. Here’s how to ensure it’s perfectly cooked:
- Cook your beef over medium-high heat to get a good sear. This builds flavor!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook it in batches. This helps the meat brown nicely.
- Keep breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, so it cooks evenly and quickly.
Following these tips will give you nicely browned beef that enhances the dish’s overall taste!
What’s the Best Way to Enhance the Sauce?
The creamy sauce can be made even better with a few simple tricks:
- Always stir the cream on low heat to avoid curdling. It should be warmed through but not boiled.
- For an extra kick, try adding a splash of soy sauce or hot sauce for a zesty flavor boost.
- A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley at the end adds a pop of color and flavor – don’t skip this step!
With these suggestions, your sauce will be rich and delicious!
Easy 30-Minute Beef and Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or thinly sliced beef strips
- 8 oz (225g) egg noodles
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream or heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp paprika or smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so you’ll have a delicious beef and noodles dish ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a quick and simple meal great for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside for later.
2. Sauté the Onions:
In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
3. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds. This will make your kitchen smell wonderful!
4. Cook the Beef:
Now, it’s time to add your ground beef or thinly sliced beef strips to the pan. Cook them until they’re browned and fully cooked through, making sure to break up the ground beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and, if you like, add some paprika for extra flavor.
5. Simmer with Broth:
Pour in the beef broth and add the Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This adds a deep flavor to the dish.
6. Creamy Sauce:
Once simmering, lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the sour cream or heavy cream. Heat for another 2-3 minutes, mixing until well incorporated, but be careful not to let it boil to avoid curdling.
7. Combine Noodles:
Add the cooked noodles to the pan and gently toss everything together until the noodles are well coated in the creamy beef mixture.
8. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. It’s always good to make it just right for your palate!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the pan from the heat, and if you like, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty beef and noodles!
This creamy, flavorful dish is not only quick to make but also incredibly satisfying—perfect for any dinner table!
FAQ: Easy 30-Minute Beef and Noodles
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for beef. They will still be delicious, but you may want to adjust the seasoning for a bit more flavor, as they are milder than beef.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles. Just be mindful of cooking times, as gluten-free noodles may require adjustments.
What Can I Add for Extra Vegetables?
You can easily add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas to the dish. Just sauté them along with the onions for a nutritious and colorful boost to your meal!
