This quick and easy beef and noodles dish is perfect for a busy night. Made with tender beef and chewy noodles in a savory sauce, it’s a meal the whole family will love!
I appreciate how fast this recipe comes together—just 30 minutes! You can enjoy a hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Who doesn’t love that? 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using beef sirloin or flank steak for their tenderness when thinly sliced. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can switch to chicken or turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian meal.
Noodles: Egg noodles provide a nice chewy texture, but you can swap them for wide rice noodles, whole wheat noodles, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
Onion and Garlic: Yellow or white onions work well here. For an extra kick, you could use shallots instead. If you’re not a fan of garlic, leaving it out won’t ruin the dish.
Broth and Sauces: If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth can work too. For a low-sodium option, look for low-sodium versions of soy and Worcestershire sauce.
How Do I Ensure My Beef Is Tender?
Getting tender beef starts with slicing it correctly. Always cut against the grain—it makes a big difference in texture. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the beef; it’s better to do it in batches if your skillet is small. This allows for a nice sear instead of steaming the meat.
- Slice the beef thinly for quicker cooking.
- Heat the oil until hot before adding the beef.
- Cook just until browned; overcooking can make it tough.
Quick and Easy 30-Minute Beef and Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Beef:
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
For The Noodles:
- 8 oz (225g) egg noodles or any wide noodles
For The Sauce and Vegetables:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
For Thickening:
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or scallions for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend the first 10-15 minutes cooking the noodles and preparing the beef, and the rest simmering everything together. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
Start by cooking the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside for later.
2. Cook the Beef:
While the noodles are cooking, take a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced beef to the pan in a single layer. Sear the beef for about 3-4 minutes until it’s nicely browned. After browning, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil, followed by the thinly sliced onion. Sauté the onions for about 3 minutes until they become soft. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Return the cooked beef to the pan, then pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in the dried thyme or Italian seasoning, add the black pepper, and sprinkle a little salt to taste. Stir everything together so the flavors mix nicely.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
To thicken up the sauce, mix the flour and water together in a small bowl until you have a slurry. Slowly pour this into the pan while stirring. Let the mixture simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens up nicely.
6. Add the Noodles:
Now, it’s time to add the cooked noodles to the pan! Toss them in and stir everything together until the noodles are well coated with the delicious sauce and heated through. This should take just a minute or two.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is nicely combined, it’s time to plate your dish! Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or scallions if you like. Serve hot and enjoy your quick and easy meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! If you prefer chicken or turkey, both work great in this recipe. For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the beef with tofu or seitan for a delicious alternative.
What if I Don’t Have Egg Noodles?
No problem! You can use any wide noodles like fettuccine, rice noodles, or even spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodles you choose.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and opt for gluten-free noodles. Check that your Worcestershire sauce is also gluten-free if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
