This beef and noodles dish is a quick and hearty meal that you’ll love. It combines tender beef with soft noodles in a flavorful sauce, all ready in just 30 minutes!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I find that using ground beef is super convenient, but you can use thinly sliced beef strips instead for a different texture. This also works great if you have leftover steak!
Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are my favorite for this dish, but you can swap them for wide pasta like fettuccine or even gluten-free noodles if needed. It’s all about what you have on hand!
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and a tangy flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, Greek yogurt is a great substitute. It’s just as creamy but packed with protein!
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is wonderful if you have time, but store-bought works just fine. For a lighter dish, you can even use chicken broth for a milder flavor.
How Can I Ensure My Noodles Don’t Get Mushy?
Keeping your noodles perfectly cooked is easy with these tips! First, cook the noodles just until al dente according to the package instructions. This means they’ll be firm to the bite, which is ideal for mixing into a sauce.
- Be sure to salt the boiling water, which helps flavor the noodles.
- Drain the noodles right after cooking and give them a quick rinse if you’re not adding them to the sauce immediately. This stops the cooking process.
- Add a little olive oil to the noodles to prevent them from sticking together if you’re prepping them in advance.
Easy 30-Minute Beef and Noodles
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or thinly sliced beef strips
- 8 oz (225g) egg noodles or wide pasta noodles
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This delicious dish can be made in about 30 minutes! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and cooking the noodles while the beef and sauce come together. It’s quick and perfect for busy weeknights!
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 them according to the package instructions until al dente. When they’re done, drain them and set them aside for later.
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Once cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and place it on a plate for now.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Then, add the chopped onion and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce:
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring well to combine. Cook this for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Next, slowly whisk in the beef broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and you’ll notice it starts to thicken.
5. Combine and Flavor:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce (if you’re using it), as well as your salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.
6. Stir in the Cream:
Remove the skillet from the heat and then stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This will give your dish that delicious richness!
7. Combine with Noodles:
Finally, add the cooked noodles to your beef mixture in the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure the noodles are thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your beef and noodles with fresh parsley or chives if you like, and serve hot. Enjoy your comforting, easy meal!
Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy 30-Minute Beef and Noodles
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even finely chopped vegetables for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the meat you choose.
What Should I Do If My Sauce is Too Thick?
If you find the sauce is thicker than you’d like, simply add a bit more beef broth or a splash of water to thin it out. Stir it in over low heat until you reach your desired consistency.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave it or warm it up gently on the stove, adding a little beef broth if necessary to refresh the sauce.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some frozen peas, bell peppers, or broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure they’re cooked until tender!
