This beef and noodles dish is a comforting meal that comes together in just 30 minutes! With tender beef, soft noodles, and a tasty sauce, it’s perfect for busy nights.
I love how fast it is to whip up! No one likes waiting for dinner, especially when it smells this good. Serve it with a sprinkle of green onions, and you’re ready to eat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef adds richness to this dish, but you can swap it with ground turkey or chicken for lighter options. For a vegetarian route, try using lentils or mushrooms instead!
Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are traditional, but you can use any pasta you have on hand, such as spaghetti or fettuccine. Whole wheat or gluten-free options work well too!
Beef Broth: Beef broth is essential for flavor. If you want a lighter dish, use chicken broth, or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Just keep in mind the taste changes slightly.
Milk or Half-and-Half: I usually go with milk for creaminess, but half-and-half or even heavy cream adds extra richness. If you’re avoiding dairy, try almond milk or oat milk as good substitutes.
How Do I Cook the Beef Perfectly?
To ensure your beef is cooked well without being dry, follow these simple steps:
- Heat your skillet properly before adding the beef so it sears quickly.
- Cook the beef until it’s no longer pink, usually 5-7 minutes for ground beef. Stir it around to break it up for even cooking.
- If using strips of beef, cook them until they are browned on the outside, which helps keep them juicy.
Don’t forget to drain excess fat if there’s too much—it helps keep the dish from being greasy!
Quick and 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, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter or oil
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish! This includes around 10 minutes of prep time, followed by 20 minutes of cooking. 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, add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until they’re al dente (cooked, but still firm). After cooking, drain the noodles and set them aside for later.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
While the noodles are cooking, take a large skillet and heat the butter or oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3 minutes or until the onion is softened and fragrant.
3. Brown the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef (or beef strips) to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s nicely browned and there’s no pink left, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat in the pan, drain it off to keep the dish from being too greasy.
4. Make the Sauce:
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked beef, stirring well to coat everything evenly. This will help thicken the sauce. Cook for about 1 minute to eliminate any raw flour taste.
5. Add Broth and Milk:
Gradually pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring constantly until you have a smooth sauce. If you’re using Worcestershire sauce, add it now. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens up nicely.
6. Combine the Noodles:
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing everything together until the noodles are fully coated with the sauce and heated through.
7. Season and Garnish:
Finally, taste your dish and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
Enjoy your quick and hearty beef and noodles meal!
FAQ for Quick and Easy 30-Minute Beef and Noodles
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian dish. Just adjust the cooking time if using larger cuts of meat.
What if I Don’t Have Egg Noodles?
No worries! You can use any type of pasta you have on hand, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta. Just cook according to the package instructions to achieve the right texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, just reheat and toss with freshly cooked noodles.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
