This Easy 30-Minute Beef and Noodles is a quick and tasty meal! With tender beef and soft noodles cooked together in a flavorful sauce, it’s a dinner winner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! You can use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, try crumbled tempeh or a meat substitute like lentils.
Egg Noodles: These are traditional for beef and noodles, but you can swap them with other noodles like fettuccine or whole wheat pasta. Gluten-free noodles are also a great option!
Beef Broth: You can use homemade broth if you have it, or substitute with chicken broth for a lighter taste. For a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works well too.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Feel free to use any fresh, chopped veggies you have on hand! Bell peppers, broccoli, or even fresh spinach can liven up the dish.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth. If you don’t have it, consider soy sauce or a dash of balsamic vinegar for similar flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Noodles Don’t Stick?
Noodles can be tricky to keep from clumping together, but here are some easy tips:
- Always stir noodles gently during the first few minutes of cooking to prevent sticking.
- Make sure you’re using enough broth—this helps keep them separated.
- Try to serve the dish immediately after cooking. If you’re making it ahead, toss noodles with a little olive oil to keep them loose.
Following these steps will help you enjoy a perfectly cooked bowl of beef and noodles!
Easy 30-Minute Beef and Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup egg noodles
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp soy sauce (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious beef and noodles dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making a total of 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy meal ideal for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. This gets things started so the flavors meld perfectly.
2. Sauté the Onion:
Add the finely chopped onion to the pan. Cook for around 3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent. You want it to be sweet and fragrant!
3. Add Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it’s aromatic. Stir well to prevent burning.
4. Cook the Beef:
Now, add the ground beef to the pan. Cook it, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked—about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper while it cooks!
5. Mix in Flavor:
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if you’re using it), and dried thyme or Italian seasoning. This adds a rich flavor to the beef mixture.
6. Add Broth:
Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a boil. The broth will infuse all the wonderful flavors!
7. Incorporate Noodles and Veggies:
Now it’s time to add the egg noodles and frozen mixed vegetables. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer until the noodles are tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.
8. Taste and Adjust:
After the noodles are cooked, taste your dish. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a splash of more sauce if you like!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious home-cooked meal!
FAQ for Easy 30-Minute Beef and Noodles
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative like lentils or crumbled tempeh for a vegetarian option.
How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free egg noodles and ensure your beef broth is labeled gluten-free. You can find a variety of gluten-free pasta options at most grocery stores.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture and cook the noodles in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat them together on the stove, adding a splash of beef broth to keep it moist.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through to ensure even warming.
