This Easy 30-Minute Beef and Noodles dish is a winner! With tender beef and flavorful noodles, it’s a quick meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! You can use lean ground beef for a healthier option. If you’re looking for a substitute, ground turkey or chicken works well too, though the flavors will be a bit lighter.
Noodles: Wide egg noodles give a great texture, but you can swap them for gluten-free noodles or even pasta like fettuccine. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the type of noodles you choose!
Broth: Beef broth adds richness. If you don’t have it, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used, though the dish will taste a bit different. Homemade broth is always a great choice if you have it on hand!
Peas and Mushrooms: These are optional but add extra flavor and nutrition. If you want to make it veggie-heavy, toss in other veggies, like bell peppers or carrots!
How Do I Cook Ground Beef Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef seems simple, but getting it just right can make a difference! Here are tips to ensure it’s perfectly browned and flavorful:
- Preheat your skillet with oil on medium-high heat before adding the beef. This helps it sear nicely.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you have a lot of beef, consider cooking it in batches.
- Use a wooden spoon to break the beef apart as it cooks, letting it brown evenly.
- Cook until no pink remains, usually around 5-7 minutes; this will lock in flavor!
Easy 30-Minute Beef and Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups wide egg noodles
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy beef and noodles recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, totaling around 30 minutes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet delicious enough to satisfy everyone at the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Cook it while breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s nicely browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In the same pan, add the other tablespoon of oil. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together until they soften and become fragrant, around 2-3 minutes. If you’re adding mushrooms, this is the time to include them; cook for another 3-4 minutes until they are tender.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Return the browned ground beef back to the pan. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to your taste.
4. Add Broth and Noodles:
Carefully pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the wide egg noodles and frozen peas if you’re using them. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook according to the noodle package instructions, usually about 7-8 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
5. Final Touches:
Give everything a good stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking. Once the noodles are cooked and the broth has thickened slightly, taste it and adjust any seasonings if necessary.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a nice garnish. Serve the beef and noodles hot, and enjoy your cozy meal!
This dish is not only quick to prepare but also a comforting and hearty option for any night of the week!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even lean pork. Just remember that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the meat’s fat content.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free noodles and ensure that your broth is also gluten-free. There are excellent options available at most grocery stores!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! To create a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can still add plenty of veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for extra flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry!
