This quick beef and noodles dish is perfect for busy nights! With tender beef and noodles in a savory sauce, it’s hearty and satisfying. Plus, you can whip it up in just 30 minutes!
I love how simple this recipe is—just cook the beef, add the noodles, and stir in the sauce. It’s a weeknight win! Serve it with some veggies for a complete meal, and you’re all set!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! You can use lean ground beef or, for a change, ground turkey or chicken for lighter options. If you’re looking for a plant-based twist, try using lentils or a veggie ground meat substitute.
Egg Noodles: I love egg noodles for their chewy texture, but if you’re gluten-free, rice noodles or quinoa pasta are good alternatives. You could also use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
Beef Broth: This adds flavor to the dish. Feel free to use low-sodium broth to control saltiness. If you don’t have beef broth on hand, chicken broth works, but it will slightly change the flavor.
Milk: Whole milk is creamy, but you can swap it with low-fat milk or non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk. Just keep in mind it may slightly alter the creaminess of the sauce.
How Do I Make Sure the Beef is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the beef right is essential for the dish’s flavor. Here are some tips to ensure your beef is perfectly browned:
- Use medium-high heat to get a good sear. This helps lock in flavor.
- Break up clumps of meat as it cooks for even browning—no one likes chewy bits!
- Don’t stir too much at first; let it brown properly before flipping. This adds depth of flavor.
- If you drain excess fat, be careful not to remove too much flavor—keep a little for richness.
Easy 30-Minute Beef and Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 8 oz (225g) egg noodles
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
Other Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or cooking oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious beef and noodles dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking the noodles, and about 20 minutes to cook the beef and sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until they’re al dente (firm but not hard). Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside for later.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
While your noodles are cooking, grab a large skillet or pan and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it’s softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant—this will fill your kitchen with a lovely aroma!
3. Brown the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the pan, using a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Brown the beef for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s no longer pink. If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it off to keep your dish from being too greasy.
4. Create the Sauce:
Once the beef is browned, stir in the butter and sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture. Make sure to stir well so everything is combined, and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent any lumps, then add in the milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika if you’re using it.
5. Simmer and Thicken:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This will help the sauce thicken nicely and enhance the flavors. You want it to be thick enough to coat the noodles well!
6. Combine and Serve:
Now, add the cooked noodles to the pan and gently toss them with the beef sauce, ensuring they are well coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary—add a bit more salt or pepper if you like. Finally, garnish your dish with some chopped fresh parsley for a nice touch of color and freshness!
Serve your delicious beef and noodles hot, and enjoy a comforting, homemade meal in just 30 minutes!
FAQs for Easy 30-Minute Beef and Noodles
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives if you’re looking for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth in place of beef broth. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover beef and noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and flour. Be sure to check the labels for sauces and broth to confirm they’re also gluten-free.
