Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic
This easy beef and noodles recipe is a perfect weeknight meal. It's quick, easy, and delicious, making it ideal for busy families or anyone who wants a satisfying and comforting dish without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe focuses on simplicity and flavor, using readily available ingredients to create a dish that's both economical and delicious.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed beef broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pound egg noodles
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Get started!
- Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the beef cubes over medium-high heat. This step adds depth of flavor. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
Building the Flavor Base:
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Simmering to Perfection:
- Combine ingredients: Return the beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), water, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the beef is very tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes!
Adding the Noodles:
- Cook the noodles: While the beef is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to package directions.
Combining and Serving:
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Combine beef and noodles: Once the beef is tender and the noodles are cooked, drain the noodles and add them to the pot with the beef mixture. Stir gently to combine.
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Season and serve: Season with salt to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Tips and Variations for an Even Better Dish:
- For a richer flavor: Use beef broth instead of water.
- Add vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, or celery would be a delicious addition. Add them along with the onions.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream before serving.
- Slow Cooker Option: This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown the beef as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for You:
This easy beef and noodles recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It's budget-friendly, versatile, and requires minimal effort. It's a great option for a family dinner, a casual weeknight meal, or even a cozy weekend lunch. The simple ingredients combine to create a deeply satisfying and flavorful dish that everyone will love. So ditch the takeout menus and try this recipe tonight! You won't be disappointed.
