Quick and Easy 30-Minute Beef and Noodles

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground Beef: I recommend using ground beef for its quick cooking time and flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or thinly sliced steak for a heartier taste.

Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are great for this recipe, but you can swap them for any pasta you have on hand, like spaghetti or penne. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.

Sour Cream: Sour cream adds creaminess to the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt works well. For dairy-free alternatives, consider coconut cream or a plant-based sour cream.

Worcestershire Sauce: This gives the dish depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, soy sauce can be a good substitute, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.

How Do I Make Sure My Beef Is Cooked Perfectly?

Cooking the beef just right is key to this dish. Here are some friendly tips:

• Keep your skillet hot, but not too hot, to avoid burning the meat.
• Break up the ground beef with a spatula while cooking. This helps it brown evenly.
• Make sure the beef is no longer pink in the middle. If using sliced beef, cook it until it’s browned and just cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).

Using a little patience while cooking will help you achieve a juicy and flavorful beef that’s perfect for your noodles.

Quick and Easy 30-Minute Beef and Noodles

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Main Dish:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or thinly sliced beef strips
• 8 oz (225g) egg noodles
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped

How Much Time Will You Need?

This tasty meal will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes on prep and cooking the noodles, and then about 20 minutes to sauté the beef and prepare the creamy sauce. Quick enough for a perfect weeknight dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cooking the Noodles:

Start by filling a large pot with water and adding a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the egg noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until they’re al dente (firm but not hard). After they’re cooked, drain them in a colander and set aside.

2. Sautéing the Aromatics:

While the noodles are cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This step adds so much flavor!

3. Browning the Beef:

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute, until it smells delicious. Next, add the ground beef or beef strips, cooking it until browned and fully cooked, which should take around 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it off. This helps keep your dish from being too greasy.

4. Creating the Sauce:

Now, pour in the beef broth and add the Worcestershire sauce along with the Dijon mustard if you’re using it. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes so the flavors can mix beautifully.

5. Finishing Touches:

Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the sour cream until the sauce is nice and creamy. Don’t forget to season it with salt and black pepper to taste—it truly brightens the flavor!

6. Combining with Noodles:

Finally, add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet, tossing gently to coat them in the creamy sauce. You want every noodle to be covered in the delicious mixture!

7. Garnishing and Serving:

Transfer your beef and noodles to serving plates and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a lovely touch! Serve it warm and enjoy your comforting meal!

Bon appétit on your quick and delightful beef and noodles! You’re going to love how easy this is!

FAQ for Quick and Easy 30-Minute Beef and Noodles

Can I Use Different Types of Meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even thinly sliced steak for a varied flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly if using a different type of meat to ensure it’s fully cooked.

What If I Don’t Have Egg Noodles?

No problem at all! You can replace egg noodles with any pasta you have at home, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or even rice. Just remember to cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the beef, sauce, and noodles ahead of time and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the beef mixture on the stove and combine it with the freshly cooked noodles to maintain the best texture.

How to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed to keep the sauce from getting too thick.