Beef and Noodles Recipe

Beef and Noodles is an easy and delicious weeknight dinner made with beef tips, stew meat, or ground beef smothered in creamy brown gravy and egg noodles. A family favorite that takes just 30 minutes to make!

This simple stovetop beef and noodles recipe is one of my favorite easy dinner recipes. Comfort food at its finest, it’s a delicious, hearty combination of tender beef and onions in a homemade brown gravy of beef broth, soy sauce, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme, and half-and-half. Perfectly delicious as is, it also offers plenty of options for additions or substitutions. Try incorporating mushrooms or frozen peas, or substitute the chuck roast for ground beef. You could even replace some of the half-and-half with sour cream for a dish resembling beef stroganoff.

How to Make Beef and Noodles

1. Cook the onions: Melt the butter and olive oil in a large Dutch oven set over medium heat. Cook the onions until translucent, then stir in the minced garlic. Cook just until fragrant.

2. Brown and cook the beef: Add the pieces of chuck roast to the pot and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add the soy sauce, beef broth, thyme, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Bring to a boil before reducing heat to low. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Thicken: Combine the half-and-half and cornstarch in a small bowl to make a slurry. Gradually stir in the slurry mixture, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the broth thickens slightly.

5. Cook the egg noodles: In a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions, cook the egg noodles until al dente. Drain.

6. Combine the egg noodles with the sauce: Stir well so that the egg noodles are completely coated with the sauce. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

Crockpot Beef and Noodles

If you’re looking to make this recipe in the slow cooker, it’s super easy to do.

1. Transfer all of the ingredients except for the half-and-half, cornstarch, and egg noodles to a large slow cooker. Mix well to combine.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
3. Thirty minutes before serving, stir in the half-and-half and cornstarch slurry. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles until al dente. Drain and add to the crock pot filled with simmering beef sauce or serve the cooked noodles and beef sauce separately.

Recipe Tips

• For more flavor, add a splash of red wine to the broth. Red wine adds an extra layer of flavor that pairs deliciously with beef.
• For creamier beef and noodles, try adding 2-4 tablespoons of full-fat cream cheese or one cup of your favorite shredded cheese (sharp cheddar or mozzarella are my top picks).

How to Serve

I like to serve this beef and noodles recipe with a light mixed salad or roasted veggies like asparagus, zucchini, or green beans.

Can You Freeze Beef and Noodles

I don’t recommend freezing this particular beef and noodles recipe for two reasons: the first reason is that the sauce contains half-and-half, and the second reason is the noodles. Freezing sauces that contain dairy have a tendency to separate when being frozen and then thawed and may experience texture changes. The noodles, meanwhile, will continue to absorb liquid as they cool, becoming soggy in the process.

Any leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the stovetop until heated through. Stir in additional beef stock if necessary.

More Easy Weeknight Dinners

• Balsamic Chicken
• Beef Tips and Gravy
• Hunan Chicken
• The Best Homemade Hamburger Helper
• American Goulash Recipe (One-Pot)
• Garlic Butter Steak Bites

If you try making this Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe, please leave me a comment and let me know! I always love to hear your thoughts.