Beef and Noodles

There’s something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of beef and noodles, especially on chilly evenings or after a long day. This recipe is simple to make, cozy, and packed with tender beef, soft noodles, and a savory sauce that fills your kitchen with homey aromas. I usually start by browning the beef to lock in flavor before combining it with the sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or anytime you crave a hearty, satisfying meal without fuss.

a cozy home cooked plate of beef and 1

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This beef and noodles recipe is flavorful, easy, and versatile enough to fit any family meal plan. It’s weeknight-friendly, budget-conscious, and can be doubled or saved as leftovers for lunches or freezer-friendly meals. The tender beef melts into a rich, savory sauce while the noodles soak up every bit of flavor, making it cozy and crowd-pleasing. Pinterest users love saving it for its simplicity, comfort factor, and ability to turn basic pantry ingredients into a nourishing, homey dinner that everyone will enjoy.

a cozy home cooked plate of beef and

Ingredients

Tip: Use chuck roast or stew beef for tender, flavorful results.

  • 1 lb beef chuck or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8 oz egg noodles
  • 2 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
a cozy home cooked serving of beef and

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Pat the beef dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Sear beef on all sides until browned, creating a rich aroma and a flavorful base for the sauce.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Remove beef and sauté onions and garlic in the same pan until softened and fragrant. Stir in tomato paste, thyme, paprika, and beef broth. Return beef to the pot, bring to a simmer, and cook until meat is tender, about 45–50 minutes.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Boil noodles in a separate pot until al dente, drain, and add to the beef mixture. Stir well, ensuring noodles are coated with the savory sauce. The combination should be thick, hearty, and visually appealing with tender beef and soft noodles.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
If desired, sprinkle in flour gradually to thicken the sauce. Simmer 5 more minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. The dish should be warm, comforting, and ready to enjoy immediately.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This recipe is perfect for Pinterest users saving dinners for later. You can prep ingredients ahead, cook in stages, and store leftovers for lunches or freezer-friendly meals. The combination of beef, noodles, and sauce keeps well, allowing you to enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal without starting from scratch every time.

Tips & Tricks

  • Searing beef properly: Browning beef before simmering develops deep flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan or it will steam instead of brown.
  • Prevent overcooked noodles: Cook separately and add at the end to maintain a soft but not mushy texture.
  • Thickening the sauce: Gradually add flour or cornstarch if you prefer a richer consistency. Stir constantly to prevent lumps.
  • Balancing flavors: Taste at multiple stages and adjust salt, pepper, or spices gradually to achieve a comforting, well-rounded taste.

Variations

  • Meaty Version: Add extra beef chunks or ground beef for a heartier dish. Perfect for family dinners or when feeding a crowd.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef with mushrooms or seitan and use vegetable broth. This creates a savory, cozy noodle dish without meat.
  • Ingredient Swap: Replace egg noodles with rice, pasta shells, or gluten-free noodles. Adjust cooking time to prevent overcooking.
  • Flavor Boost: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, a splash of soy sauce, or fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme to deepen the richness of the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

  • Simple Side: Pair with steamed green beans or a crisp salad for a balanced meal.
  • Hearty Dinner: Serve with roasted vegetables or garlic bread for a cozy family dinner.
  • Lunch Bowls: Portion into individual bowls with a sprinkle of parmesan for easy workday meals.
  • Pinterest Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme and serve in a white bowl for an inviting, save-worthy photo.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge Storage: Store cooled beef and noodles in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of broth if the sauce thickened.
  • Freezing: Freeze in portions without noodles for up to 3 months. Add fresh noodles when reheating.
  • Make-ahead Tips: Prep beef, sautéed onions, and garlic in advance. Combine with broth and simmer when ready to serve.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Rest Time: N/A
  • Total Time: 75 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 400–500 per serving
Protein: 30–35g
Key nutrients: Iron, Vitamin B12 from beef; fiber from optional vegetables
Values may vary based on ingredients and portion size.

FAQs

Yes, prepare beef and sauce ahead and store separately from noodles.

Ensure meat is simmered long enough; low, steady heat helps it become tender.

Yes, pasta shells, spaghetti, or gluten-free noodles work fine; adjust cooking time.

Simmer longer or add a small amount of flour/cornstarch gradually.

Refrigerated for 3–4 days; freeze without noodles up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This beef and noodles recipe is a cozy, comforting dinner that’s flexible and easy to make. Perfect for weeknight meals, meal prep, or when you want a hearty, warming dish for family and friends. Customize with your favorite vegetables, noodles, or seasoning tweaks. Saving it on Pinterest means you’ll always have a go-to recipe for rich, tender beef and comforting noodles anytime you crave a cozy home-cooked meal.

Beef and Noodles
Print

Beef and Noodles

Recipe by Edan SalamonCourse: Beef Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 
Calories

500

kcal

This beef and noodles recipe is cozy, hearty, and perfect for weeknight dinners or chilly evenings. Tender beef simmers in a savory sauce, coated over soft noodles that soak up all the flavor. Easy to make, comforting, and ideal for leftovers or freezer-friendly meal prep, it’s a homey dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb beef chuck or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 4 cups beef broth

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 8 oz egg noodles

  • 2 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening)

  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

  • Prepare Beef: Pat beef dry, season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and sear until browned on all sides.
  • Cook Sauce: Sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add tomato paste, thyme, paprika, and beef broth. Return beef and simmer until tender, about 45–50 minutes.
  • Add Noodles: Boil noodles separately until al dente, drain, and stir into beef mixture. Ensure noodles are coated with the savory sauce.
  • Finish & Serve: Optional: thicken with flour. Simmer 5 more minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Storage Instructions:
    Fridge: Store in airtight container for 3–4 days.
    Reheat: Gently on stove or microwave; add broth if thickened.
    Freeze: Without noodles, up to 3 months; add fresh noodles when serving.
    Make-ahead: Prep beef, onions, and garlic in advance; simmer with broth when ready.

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