This quick beef and noodles dish is perfect for busy nights! In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy tender beef tossed with soft noodles and a tasty sauce that brings it all together.
I love how it all comes together so fast! Plus, it’s a hit with the whole family. I usually add some veggies for a pop of color—who can resist a colorful plate? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg Noodles: These are great for this dish because they cook quickly and hold onto the sauce nicely. If you can’t find egg noodles, feel free to use pasta like fettuccine or even rice for a gluten-free option.
Ground Beef: I use ground beef for ease, but you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken if you want a leaner option. If using beef strips, just make sure you slice them thin for quick cooking.
Onion: A medium onion adds flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can use shallots or even green onions for a milder taste. Don’t skip the aromatics—onions really build a tasty base!
Sour Cream or Cream Cheese: This gives a creamy texture to the sauce. If you’re looking for lighter options, you could use Greek yogurt or leave it out entirely for a broth-based sauce.
How Do I Get My Beef Perfectly Cooked?
To have tender beef with flavor in this dish, it’s important to not overcrowd the skillet. Here’s how to do that:
- Heat your skillet on medium-high before adding the beef for a good sear.
- Break the beef up as it cooks to ensure even browning, avoiding clumps.
- Cook until it’s fully brown and crumbly—about 5-7 minutes.
Remember to season the beef while it cooks. This really enhances the flavor before adding your sauces!
Easy 30-Minute Beef and Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef or thinly sliced beef strips
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese (for creamy version)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe is super quick! You’ll need about 10 minutes to prep your ingredients, with an additional 20 minutes for cooking. So, in just 30 minutes total, you can have a delicious meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the egg noodles according to the package directions until they’re nice and al dente. Once they’re done, drain them well and set them aside for later. You want them ready to mix with that delicious sauce!
2. Sauté the Onions:
While the noodles are cooking, grab a large skillet and heat your oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft and a bit translucent. This step really brings out the flavor!
3. Add Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and stir it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it; we want a nice aroma without any bitterness!
4. Brown the Beef:
Now it’s time for the beef! Add it to the skillet and use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked through—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Remember to season with salt and pepper for that added flavor!
5. Add the Sauces:
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce (if using). Then pour in the beef broth and let everything simmer together for 3-4 minutes. This reduces the broth slightly and concentrates those flavors, yum!
6. Make it Creamy:
Turn down the heat and mix in the sour cream or cream cheese until everything is smooth and creamy. It’s going to make your sauce rich and delicious!
7. Combine with Noodles:
Finally, add those cooked noodles into the skillet and gently toss everything together until the noodles are well coated in that luscious sauce.
8. Serve It Up:
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Then serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions if you like. Enjoy your quick and easy beef and noodles!
FAQ for Easy 30-Minute Beef and Noodles
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! If you can’t find egg noodles, feel free to substitute with any pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine or spaghetti. You can even use rice for a gluten-free option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed!
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
You can definitely lighten this dish by using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Additionally, you can swap out sour cream or cream cheese for Greek yogurt or reduce the amount of sauce for fewer calories while still retaining flavor.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the beef and sauce ahead of time! Cook and store them separately from the noodles in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, just reheat everything together and add the noodles for a quick meal!
What Should I Serve with Beef and Noodles?
This dish is delightful on its own, but consider serving it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for some added nutrition. Garlic bread also makes a great pairing to soak up all that yummy sauce!
