Ground beef and noodles make for a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines simple ingredients with a one-pot cooking method to deliver a flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan convenience: Minimize cleanup with this easy, all-in-one meal.
- Quick to prepare: Ready in just 30 minutes, ideal for busy evenings.
- Flavorful and satisfying: The combination of ground beef, herbs, and tomatoes creates a rich, comforting taste.
- Customizable: Easily adapt to your family’s preferences or dietary needs.
- Kid-friendly: A hit with children for its familiar flavors and noodle texture.
- Budget-friendly: Made with affordable ingredients that won’t break the bank.
Ingredients & Preparation Notes
- Ground beef: Choose an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the best flavor and texture. Brown well for added depth.
- Egg noodles: Wide noodles work best in this dish. Cook directly in the sauce for maximum flavor absorption.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onion, adding a subtle richness.
- Onion: Finely chopped for even distribution throughout the dish.
- Garlic: Minced and added after the beef to prevent burning.
- Diced tomatoes: A 14.5 oz can adds moisture and flavor to the dish.
- Beef broth: Enhances the meatiness of the dish; low-sodium options are available.
- Dried oregano and basil: These herbs add a classic Italian flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste, keeping in mind the saltiness of the broth.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Optional, but adds a creamy finish when melted on top.
For substitutions, consider using ground turkey or chicken in place of beef, and gluten-free noodles for a wheat-free option.
Professional Tips & Techniques
- To achieve the best results with this ground beef and noodle recipe, consider these professional tips:
- Browning the beef: Take the time to brown the ground beef thoroughly. This caramelization process adds depth of flavor to the entire dish.
- Cooking noodles in sauce: By cooking the noodles directly in the sauce, they absorb more flavor than if cooked separately. Ensure there’s enough liquid to cover the noodles initially.
- Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning before adding the noodles. Once the noodles are in, it’s harder to adjust the flavor.
- Doneness of noodles: Check the noodles for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time. Overcooked noodles can become mushy in this dish.
- Cheese topping: If using cheese, add it off the heat to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or separating.
Recipe Variations
- This ground beef and noodle recipe is highly adaptable. Here are some variations to try:
- Vegetarian option: Substitute plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth for a meatless version.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Creamy version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream at the end for a richer sauce.
- Mediterranean twist: Include olives, capers, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair.
- Asian-inspired: Use soy sauce instead of salt, and add a dash of sesame oil and chopped scallions.
- Cheesy delight: Mix in different cheeses like mozzarella or Parmesan for varied flavors.
- Veggie boost: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
Serving Suggestions
- Ground beef and noodles can be served in various ways to suit different occasions:
- Family dinner: Serve as is, with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Potluck favorite: Double the recipe and transport in a casserole dish, topped with cheese for a crowd-pleaser.
- Comfort food night: Pair with garlic bread and a glass of red wine for a cozy evening.
- Kid-friendly meal: Serve with steamed vegetables or fruit on the side for a balanced plate.
- Presentation tip: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an attractive finish.
- Pairing suggestion: This dish pairs well with a light, crisp white wine or a fruity red.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dish up to the point of adding noodles. Refrigerate the beef mixture, then reheat and add noodles when ready to serve.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the dish has thickened too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture in advance and add the noodles when ready to serve.
Q: What can I substitute for egg noodles?
You can use any type of pasta, but adjust cooking time accordingly. Gluten-free options work well too.
Q: How can I make this dish healthier?
Use lean ground beef, add more vegetables, and consider using whole wheat or vegetable-based noodles.
Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried.
Q: What if I don’t have beef broth?
Chicken or vegetable broth can be used as a substitute, though it will slightly alter the flavor.
Q: How do I know when the noodles are done?
Taste them for doneness. They should be al dente, with a slight bite, as they will continue to cook in the residual heat.
Q: Can I add other proteins?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives can be used.
Q: How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too watery?
Simmer the dish uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid, or mix in a cornstarch slurry.
Conclusion
This ground beef and noodle recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple, comforting meals. Its ease of preparation, customizable nature, and delicious flavors make it a go-to dish for any home cook. Give it a try tonight and see why it’s become a family favorite.
Don’t forget to share your results and any variations you try on social media, and let us know how you enjoyed this hearty meal!
Ground Beef and Noodles
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the egg noodles to the skillet, stirring to submerge them in the liquid. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
- Remove from heat. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt before serving.