Homemade Stovetop Beef and Noodles is a comforting dish that brings together tender chunks of beef, wide egg noodles, and a rich, flavorful gravy all cooked right on your stove. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with the smell of home and warm memories. The beef simmering slowly gets so soft, and the noodles soak up all that tasty goodness—it’s simple but so satisfying.
I love making this dish because it’s just plain cozy and easy to whip up on a busy day. One tip I’ve learned is to let the beef simmer a bit longer to get it extra tender, and you don’t even need to fuss with the oven. It’s a great go-to when you want something hearty without spending too much time, and honestly, everyone in my family always asks for seconds.
For serving, I like to pair it with a big scoop of mashed potatoes or a side of green beans to add a bit of color and freshness. It’s the kind of meal that makes me think of chilly evenings, sitting around the table with good company, and feeling totally happy and full. If you’re looking for something warm and straightforward to make you feel right at home, this beef and noodles is just the ticket.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This is the heart of the dish, giving it rich flavor and protein. If you want leaner options, try ground turkey or chicken, but add a bit of oil for moisture as they are leaner.
Wide egg noodles: Their broad surface holds the sauce nicely. If you can’t find these, pappardelle or tagliatelle pasta works well. For gluten-free, use rice noodles or gluten-free pasta.
Beef broth: It adds deep, savory flavor. Low-sodium broth is a good choice if you watch salt intake. Vegetable broth works too, but the dish won’t be as rich.
Flour: It thickens the gravy. If you prefer gluten-free, cornstarch or arrowroot powder can replace flour—just mix with cold liquid before adding.
Frozen peas and carrots: These add a pop of color and gentle sweetness. Fresh veggies work in season or substitute with green beans or corn for variety.
How Do You Get Thick, Creamy Sauce Without Lumps?
Thickening the sauce smoothly is key to a homemade beef and noodles dinner. Here’s how I do it:
- Cook the flour with the beef and onions for about 2 minutes first. This cooks out the raw taste and helps it blend better.
- When adding beef broth, pour slowly and stir constantly. This steady stirring stops lumps from forming.
- If lumps do form, quickly whisk or stir vigorously to break them up.
- Simmer gently after adding noodles—this lets the sauce thicken as the noodles absorb liquid.
Patience and slow mixing really help make the sauce velvety without a grainy texture!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wide pan – I like it because it gives enough space to cook everything evenly and makes stirring simple.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy with liquids and seasonings, ensuring the dish turns out just right.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – gentle for mixing and scraping up flavors from the pan without scratching.
- Knife and cutting board – handy for chopping the onion and garlic quickly and safely.
- Can opener – if using canned beef broth, it makes pouring and measuring easier.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein swaps: Use ground turkey, chicken, or turkey sausage for different flavor profiles or extra lean options.
- Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan on top before serving for an extra cheesy touch.
- Veggies: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or green beans for more color and nutrients.
- Spices: Add a pinch of paprika, cumin, or red pepper flakes to give it a subtle heat or smoky flavor.
Homemade Stovetop Beef and Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 cups wide egg noodles (uncooked)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time You’ll Need:
This recipe takes about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. It includes about 10 minutes to prep and cook the beef and onions, then 15-20 minutes for simmering the noodles and combining everything. It’s perfect for a quick, comforting meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef and Aromatics:
Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds, until you can smell that lovely aroma.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
Put the ground beef in the pan. Break it up with your spoon and cook until it’s fully browned with no pink parts left. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
3. Thicken the Sauce:
Sprinkle the flour over the beef and onions. Stir well to coat everything evenly, and cook for about 2 minutes. This step helps thicken the sauce later.
4. Add Broth and Seasonings:
Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly so the flour doesn’t form lumps. Add salt, black pepper, and thyme or Italian seasoning. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low.
5. Cook the Noodles:
Add the uncooked egg noodles to the skillet, stirring gently to mix them in. Cover with a lid and simmer for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Add Vegetables and Finish:
Stir in the frozen peas and carrots, cooking for 2-3 minutes more until they are warmed through. Taste and add more salt or pepper if you like.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, hearty meal with your family!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave before cooking. This helps the beef cook evenly and prevents extra moisture from making the dish watery.
Can I Substitute the Egg Noodles with Another Pasta?
Absolutely! Wide egg noodles are traditional, but you can use pappardelle, fettuccine, or even small shell pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as other pasta shapes may cook faster or slower.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of beef broth or water when reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the beef mixture and even cook the noodles ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and combine just before reheating to keep the noodles from becoming mushy.
