Old-Fashioned Beef and Noodles
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I love comfort food. Old-fashioned, hearty, tried and true recipes that have been around as long as we can remember. You know, the ones our grandma’s made? One of these classics is this deliciously humble old-fashioned beef and noodles.
This old-fashioned beef and noodles is home-cooked comfort food at its finest, and if you ask me, the thing that makes it so special really is its simplicity. You wont find anything easier, or better tasting.
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The Magic of Simplicity
Old-fashioned beef and noodles is a prime example of the magic that can happen when you keep things simple. This dish is made with basic ingredients that most of us have in our kitchens at all times.
All you need to whip up this comforting meal, is ground beef, wide egg noodles, beef broth, onions, garlic, and a few seasonings. That’s it. No fancy ingredients, no complicated techniques—just honest, hearty food.
And if you need another easy hamburger dinner idea, try this Hamburger Rice Casserole too, it’s yummy!
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Here’s How to Make Beef and Noodles in 5 Easy Steps
- First, brown the ground beef in a large skillet, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onions and garlic and cook until the onions are tender. Sprinkle flour over cooked onions.
- Stir in beef broth and seasonings and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Toss in the egg noodles and continue to simmer for 20-ish minutes, until the noodles are cooked.
- And voilà! Your hearty, home cooked old-fashioned beef and noodles dinner is ready. Spoon into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor
Though this recipe may have minimal ingredients, it certainly doesn’t lack in flavor. The secret lies in allowing the ingredients to meld together as they simmer, resulting in a rich and savory broth.
The hamburger meat plays a dual role here, providing both flavor and protein. It also infuses the broth with a rich, meaty taste while also adding heartiness to the dish. The wide egg noodles soak up all the savory goodness. It’s really glorious.
Tip
Leave the fat in the pan after cooking the beef, unless you’re not using lean ground beef – then drain off all but 1-2 tablespoons. The fat adds a rich flavor to the sauce.
Now, Make It Your Own
Of course, you can always customize this recipe too. It’s great on its own, but it could be fun to experiment with different seasonings, herbs, or vegetables to really make it unique.
You could also try substituting the soy sauce for the Worcestershire, adding mushrooms or green pepper, stirring in heavy cream or cream cheese for a creamier texture, and of course, you could add (everyone’s favorite)shredded cheese to the top.
And if you’ve got a taste for ground beef, you’ve got to try these homemade Smash Burgers too!
Tip
Garnish each bowl with fresh chopped parsley for brightness and color.
See, my friend—old-fashioned beef and noodles really is timeless comfort food. It’s stuck around forever because of its quick and easy preparation, convenience, and incredible flavor with only a few common ingredients.
This is the kind of meal that warms your heart and fills your belly, making it a solid choice for those moments when you crave a taste of the good old days home. So, the next time you’re in need of some comfort food therapy, give this classic recipe a try—it’s a treasure in my house.
You’ll Love These Other Easy Dinner Ideas
Old-Fashioned Beef and Noodles
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
- 3 tsp minced garlic (or 3 cloves of garlic, chopped)
- 3 TBS Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 cup flour
- 3 1/2 cups beef broth (save 1/2 cup for adding back at the end if needed)
- 3 cups egg noodles (uncooked)
Instructions
- In a large frying pan, over medium to medium-high heat, cook ground beef and onion until fully cooked. Leave the fat in the pan.1 lb ground beef, 1 medium yellow onion
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.3 tsp minced garlic, 3 TBS Worcestershire sauce, 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp pepper
- Sprinkle flour over beef mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often.1/4 cup flour
- Pour in beef broth and add uncooked egg noodles. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until noodles are cooked and sauce thickens. If it's too thick, add remaining beef broth to thin it out.3 1/2 cups beef broth, 3 cups egg noodles
- Beef and noodles will keep in an airtight container for 3-5 days in the fridge.
Nutrition
Tagged:
- 30 Minute
- /
- Beef
- /
- Comfort Food
- /
- Fall
- /
- Skillet
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- Stovetop
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- Whole Food
- /
- Winter
I agree with you. Nothing beats the classics; especially ones like this hearty, comforting and fantastic beef and noodles and this one is a winner! We enjoyed every bite.
Thank you so much, Kathleen! I’m glad to hear it.
This is a delightful recipe. The tender beef and noodles create a mouthwatering combination that will transport you back to grandma’s kitchen. A true taste of nostalgia! Totally saving this recipe to make again.
That’s exactly how I feel too. During the fall and winter months, we have this almost once a week, haha!
Such an easy and comforting meal that was perfect on a weeknight as we try to get into the swing of back to school around here!
That’s what I love about it too. In fact, it’s my go-to when I have no time to cook!
This is such an easy and hearty meal. It’s become one of my weekly go-to dinners. Thanks for the solid recipe!
You bet, Holley! I’m so glad to hear it. We are on the weekly train with this one too – it’s just too good!
Flavor was PERFECT! Thank you for this simple beef noodle recipe, will be making this again.
Thank you so much, Lana! I appreciate it so much – glad to hear you enjoyed it!
We love noodles for weeknight dinners and this recipe is perfect. So easy to make and it’s very delicious.
Me too, Gianne! Thanks so much, really glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Enjoyed this for dinner last night and it was a savory success! Turned out easy, hearty and delicious; definitely, a new favorite recipe!
Oh, this is great news, Sara! And thank you so much – it’s a favorite over here too!
Yummy! This was a great weeknight meal!
I’m so glad to her it, Kerri! Thanks for the review.
I love the simple flavors of this beef and noodles. It’s a classic, very good. Thank you!
Thank you so much, Biana! I appreciate it, glad you enjoyed the recipe.
This recipe is just the type of hearty comfort food I love to eat heading into fall. This was so simple and so yummy, I’ll be making this again soon.
Yes, Anjali! I’m so glad – it’s a staple in our house all winter long too!
Thank you for the way you write a few recipes with the ingredients and amounts under each step. I’m actually in the process of making it now and it looks delicious. It drives me crazy when I have to keep scrolling back to see how much of everything you need so thank you again for this and I wish everybody wrote a recipe like this.
Hi LauraJean! Thank YOU for this sweet comment. I’m so glad you find it helpful – I know it sure helps me when I’m cooking and baking. 🙂
Old-fashioned beef and noodles would be the way my grandmother and great-grandmother made them: Hand rolled and cut fresh noodles. It does make a difference.
Hi Rick! Oh my gosh, yes—it sure does. Homemade noodles are without a doubt the way to go for any meal, in my opinion, if you have the time. Delicious!
What could I substitute for the Worcestershire sauce?
Hi Jackie! You could try using 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce + 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce + 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice, or 2 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar + 1/2 teaspoon sugar instead of the Worcestershire sauce. These combinations should add similar flavor. Hope this helps. 🙂