Whip up a mouthwatering classic meal with this easy Beef and Noodles recipe! This dish is made with ground beef, a creamy savory sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles you save time cooking with our no boil pasta method. This comforting dish is perfect for weeknight dinners. Quick to make and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
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Key Ingredients
- Egg Noodles
- Ground Beef
- Italian Seasoning and Garlic Powder
- Broth
- Onions
- Sour Cream
- Flour
What Type of Noodles to Use
Wide egg noodles are the traditional and most popular choice, especially since this is a lot like stroganoff. Their broad, flat shape allows them to hold the creamy sauce well. However, other types of pasta that work well include fettuccine, pappardelle, rotini, and penne.
No Boiling the Pasta Noodles
My favorite part of this recipe is the time and extra dishes that are saved by making it all in one pot and skipping the separate pasta boil. The noodles cook directly in the sauce with the ground beef.
What Type of Meat to Use
I use ground beef, but ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground sausage will also work. You can also use chicken breasts or chicken thighs.
How to Make Beef and Noodles
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Heat a skillet on medium heat with ground beef. Break down the ground beef and cook.
- Drain any excess fat from the pan. Add onions, talian Seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir and cook until the onions are fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour thoughout the pan.
- Add egg noodles, broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce to the pan.
- Adjust the heat on the pan to Low. Place the lid on the pot and cook until the noodles soften.
- Remove the lid and add sour cream or Plain Greek yogurt. Stir until combined.
What Type of Pan to Use
It’s best to use a pan that allows for even cooking and has enough space to accommodate all the ingredients. I use this non-stick pan. A 12 inch skillet will also work.
Here are some good options:
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan: A wide, deep skillet is ideal for browning ground beef and allowing the ingredients to be stirred and combined easily. Nonstick, stainless steel, or cast iron skillets are all good choices.
- Sauté Pan: Similar to a skillet but with higher sides, a sauté pan can handle the volume of ingredients and prevent spills. It’s great for simmering the sauce and mixing everything together.
- Dutch Oven: This heavy, deep pot is excellent for cooking ground beef stroganoff, especially if you’re making a larger batch. It retains heat well and provides even cooking.
How to Prevent it From Drying Out
- Choose the Right Ground Beef: Use ground beef with a bit of fat, such as ground chuck (80% lean, 20% fat), to keep the dish moist.
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Brown the ground beef just until it’s no longer pink. Overcooking can make the meat dry and tough.
- Add Enough Liquid: Make sure you have enough liquid in the form of beef broth. The sauce should be slightly runny before you add the sour cream, as it will thicken as it cooks.
- Use Sour Cream Correctly: Stir the sour cream in at the end and avoid boiling it. Sour cream can curdle or break if overheated, which can lead to a dry, grainy sauce.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: Cook the beef and noodles on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together without reducing the sauce too quickly.
- Check Consistency: If the sauce looks too thick, add a bit more broth or water as needed. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
- Serve Immediately: If you need to reheat it, do so gently over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.
How to Store
Store the dish tightly covered in the fridge for 3-4 days.
How to Reheat
You can reheat the dish on the stove or in the microwave until warm. This dish will thicken up and dry out as it stands and after it is stored. You will need to add broth or water and stir when you reheat. I promise it tastes fresh again! You can also add in a little sour cream or plain Greek yogurt to revive the thickness.
Freezer Tips
You can freeze leftovers tightly covered and sealed for 2-3 month (for optimal freshness). Defrost in the fridge overnight.
The creamy sauce may change slightly in texture after freezing and thawing. Dairy-based sauces can separate or become grainy. To minimize this, you can add a bit of extra sour cream or a splash of broth when reheating to help smooth out the sauce.
If you freeze the noodles with the sauce, they might become mushy when reheated. It’s generally better to freeze the noodles separately or, even better, to cook fresh noodles when you’re ready to serve the beef and noodles.
Pair With These Recipes
Fried Sweet Potatoes
Air Fryer Green Beans
Sauteed Collard Greens
Roasted Okra
More Beef Recipes
Beef and Rice Skillet
Ground Beef Pasta with Alfredo
Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
Taco Chili
Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry
Check out our collection of 25 Recipes With Ground Beef.
Beef and Noodles
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning Divided into 1 teaspoon servings.
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 6 oz egg noodles This was 3 cups for me.
- 3 cups broth Any broth. I used beef broth.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt I use plain Greek yogurt for the added protein.
Instructions
- Heat a skillet on medium heat with the ground beef. Break down the ground beef and cook for 4-5 minutes or until fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Drain any excess fat from the pan. Add the onions, 1 teaspoon of Italian Seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir and cook until the onions are fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour thoughout the pan. Add the flour in stages and stir to avoid clumping and excess drying.
- Add the egg noodles, broth, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce to the pan. Ensure the noodles are submerged in liquid. Add additional broth or water if needed. This important for the noodles to soften.
- Adjust the heat on the pan to Low. Place the lid on the pan and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the noodles soften.While the dish simmers, remove the lid and stir every 4-5 minutes to prevent scorching at the bottom of the pan. If the dish appears dry add more broth or water and stir.
- Once the noodles have softened, remove the lid and add the sour cream or Plain Greek yogurt. Stir until combined. Taste repeatedly and make adjustments to the spices to suit your taste.
Notes
How to Prevent it From Drying Out
- Choose the Right Ground Beef: Use ground beef with a bit of fat, such as ground chuck (80% lean, 20% fat), to keep the dish moist.
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Brown the ground beef just until it’s no longer pink. Overcooking can make the meat dry and tough.
- Add Enough Liquid: Make sure you have enough liquid in the form of beef broth or water. The sauce should be slightly runny before you add the sour cream, as it will thicken as it cooks.
- Use Sour Cream Correctly: Stir the sour cream in at the end and avoid boiling it. Sour cream can curdle or break if overheated, which can lead to a dry, grainy sauce.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: Cook the beef and noodles on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together without reducing the sauce too quickly.
- Check Consistency: If the sauce looks too thick, add a bit more broth or water as needed. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
- Serve Immediately: If you need to reheat it, do so gently over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.
Rachel
Thursday 22nd of August 2024
Not pretty to look at but oh so flavorful 😋 will be making again as not only flavorful but quick and easy to make!!!
staysnatched
Friday 23rd of August 2024
Yay! And you are so right.
Gillian
Wednesday 21st of August 2024
This is a quick and simple recipe that is very tasty & filling.I used the Greek yogurt for the extra protein& it came out perfect!!
staysnatched
Wednesday 21st of August 2024
Awesome! I'm so glad you loved it.