Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate quick and comforting weeknight dinner, look no further than Ground Beef Noodles. This hearty skillet meal brings together tender noodles, flavorful ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re feeding a crew or just craving something incredibly satisfying, Ground Beef Noodles checks all the boxes for easy preparation and mouthwatering flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish is in its simplicity. Each ingredient makes a unique contribution—there’s nothing extra, but nothing missing either. Here’s exactly what you need for Ground Beef Noodles and why each component matters:
- Ground Beef: The flavorful base that brings rich, savory depth and a satisfying bite.
- Olive Oil: Just a splash to sauté your meat and veggies if needed, ensuring nothing sticks.
- Onion: Diced small, onion sweetens as it cooks and boosts overall flavor complexity.
- Garlic: Mincing fresh garlic adds warmth and aromatic goodness in every mouthful.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A dash of this umami booster deepens the beefiness and enhances savoriness.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs lends a peppery, earthy note that ties the flavors together.
- Paprika: Adds gentle smokiness and a gorgeous pop of color to your noodles.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Don’t forget to season to taste—this is where all the flavors come alive.
- Beef Broth: The liquid gold that simmers the noodles and builds a luscious sauce.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Delivers creaminess and a mild, earthy note that complements the beef.
- Sour Cream: Swirled in at the end for tang and irresistible silkiness in every bite.
- Egg Noodles: The classic choice for soaking up all that savory sauce—tender, yet sturdy.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional): For an ooey-gooey finish that takes comfort food to a new level.
- Chopped Parsley (optional): A sprinkling of green for freshness and a pretty contrast.
How to Make Ground Beef Noodles
Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Veggies
Get things started by heating a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add your ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks. In about six to eight minutes, you’ll notice they’re browned and the onions are soft. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease—this keeps your Ground Beef Noodles from turning out heavy.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Once your beef is browned, toss in the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about a minute, unleashing that classic, mouthwatering aroma. Next, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, plus a good pinch of salt and pepper. These simple seasonings elevate your sauce and create layers of flavor.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Base
Pour in your beef broth and cream of mushroom soup, stirring slowly until everything is well blended. The mixture should look creamy and inviting—this is where the “comfort food” magic starts to happen!
Step 4: Cook the Egg Noodles
Stir in the uncooked egg noodles, making sure they’re all coated and mostly submerged in liquid. Bring your skillet to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, giving it a stir once or twice, until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Finish Creamy and Cheesy
Now comes the irresistible finish. Take the skillet off the heat, then stir in the sour cream until your Ground Beef Noodles are luxuriously smooth. If you’re using cheddar cheese, sprinkle it on top and cover the skillet for a couple of minutes, letting it melt into a blanket of goodness.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Give your dish a last flourish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for that fresh, colorful touch. Serve the noodles warm and gather around to enjoy one seriously cozy meal.
How to Serve Ground Beef Noodles
Garnishes
A handful of chopped parsley or sliced green onions goes a long way on Ground Beef Noodles, offering a hint of herbal freshness and visual sparkle. For a flavor twist, try a pinch of red pepper flakes or even a dollop of extra sour cream for that tangy finish.
Side Dishes
This dish is perfectly satisfying on its own, but a crisp green salad or some simple steamed vegetables makes a bright, crunchy contrast. Warm bread or dinner rolls are great for swiping up every last bit of creamy sauce, and roasted broccoli or peas will sneak in some extra greens.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon Ground Beef Noodles into individual bowls for cozy comfort, or pile everything on a large platter and garnish generously for family-style serving. For a fun twist, serve in deep mugs at a casual gathering, or turn leftovers into a baked casserole with a crispy breadcrumb top. However you serve it, you’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any extra Ground Beef Noodles keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making them perfect for easy lunches or next-day dinners. Just be sure to let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing to keep everything tasting its best.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this dish! For Ground Beef Noodles that taste delicious even after a stint in the freezer, place leftovers in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags with as much air squeezed out as possible. Freeze for up to two months, then thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
To bring your Ground Beef Noodles back to life, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk, broth, or water to loosen up the sauce. Stir thoroughly as it heats so everything becomes creamy once more—sometimes it’s even better the second time around!
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both make great alternatives to beef in Ground Beef Noodles. Just know that the flavor will be a bit lighter, so you might want to bump up the seasonings or add a splash more Worcestershire for depth.
Do I have to use cream of mushroom soup?
Not at all—swap it for cream of chicken or cream of celery soup if that’s what you have on hand or prefer. Each brings its own unique flavor, but all keep the sauce nice and creamy.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Stir in frozen peas, chopped spinach, diced bell pepper, mushrooms, or corn in step 4 just before adding the noodles. This is an easy way to boost nutrients and color without adding extra pans or cooking time.
Are other noodle types alright to use?
Yes, though egg noodles give the classic, tender bite. You can use rotini, shells, penne, or any short pasta you love, just keep an eye on cooking times—different noodles may take a bit longer to soften.
Is this dish spicy?
Ground Beef Noodles, as written, are mild and totally family-friendly. If you’d like to dial up the heat, try adding a pinch of chili flakes or some diced jalapeño along with the onions.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about digging into a bowl of Ground Beef Noodles—rich, creamy, and packed with comfort in every bite. If you’re searching for a new favorite to add to your weeknight rotation, give this recipe a try and let it bring a little extra joy to your table. Happy cooking!
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Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty one-pot meal, Ground Beef Noodles combines savory ground beef with creamy mushroom sauce and tender egg noodles, topped with melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying dinner option.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce and Noodles:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 8 oz egg noodles, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion until browned. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Sauce: Pour in beef broth and cream of mushroom soup, add uncooked noodles, and bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Cover and simmer until noodles are tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Finish: Remove from heat, stir in sour cream, top with cheese if desired, and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup as substitutes.
- Ground turkey or plant-based meat can be swapped for beef.
- For added nutrition, consider mixing in frozen peas or spinach.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
