This Beef and Noodles dish brings all the warmth and comfort of a classic home-cooked meal straight to your table. Slow-simmered chunks of beef are tenderized in a savory broth infused with onions, garlic, and aromatic herbs, then served with wide egg noodles that soak up every drop of the rich gravy.
It’s a perfect dish for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or any time you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. Whether made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, the melt-in-your-mouth beef paired with slurp-worthy noodles creates a nostalgic experience that’s both comforting and incredibly flavorful.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
-
2 lbs chuck roast, cut into chunks
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 large onion, diced
-
3 garlic cloves, minced
-
4 cups beef broth
-
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
-
1 teaspoon onion powder
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
12 oz wide egg noodles
-
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
-
2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
-
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
-
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
-
In the same pot, sauté the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
-
Return beef to the pot. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
-
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until beef is fork-tender.
-
Increase the heat to medium-high. Stir in egg noodles and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until noodles are tender.
-
Optional: If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk cornstarch with cold water, then stir into the pot and simmer for a few more minutes until thickened.
-
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Taste of Midwestern Heritage
Beef and noodles is a staple in Midwestern kitchens. Its origins are often linked to traditional farm meals where simple ingredients like beef, broth, and noodles came together to feed large families. Over time, the dish has evolved from a means of stretching ingredients into a beloved comfort food found in homes and diners alike. What makes it uniquely Midwestern is not only the ingredients but the slow-cooked process that turns tough cuts of meat into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Unlike beef stroganoff or other creamy beef-and-noodle combinations, this dish opts for a rich, brown gravy-like sauce—more rustic and down-to-earth. It’s meant to be simple, hearty, and flavorful without being fussy or overly complicated.
The Secret to Tender Beef
One of the stars of this dish is undoubtedly the beef. Chuck roast is the most common cut used, thanks to its balance of meat and connective tissue. When simmered over low heat for an extended period, the connective tissue breaks down into gelatin, creating that unmistakable tender, juicy texture. The slow cooking not only tenderizes the meat but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
This process can be done either on the stovetop, in a Dutch oven, or even in a slow cooker. Some families even use pressure cookers to speed up the process while still achieving the same fall-apart results. No matter the method, the key lies in the time and care given to coaxing maximum flavor from the beef.
Rich and Savory Gravy
The broth or gravy in beef and noodles is essential to the dish’s identity. It begins with a good beef broth base, then is enhanced with onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and a medley of seasoning. As the beef cooks, it imparts its flavor into the broth, enriching it further. Toward the end of cooking, the sauce can be thickened slightly with a cornstarch slurry for a more gravy-like consistency that clings to the noodles.
The result is a robust, savory broth that brings the entire dish together—perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes or soaking into crusty bread.
Why Egg Noodles Work Best
While other pastas could technically work, egg noodles are the traditional and preferred choice for this dish. Their tender texture and wide surface area make them ideal for absorbing the flavorful broth without becoming mushy. Egg noodles also cook relatively quickly, making them easy to incorporate in the final stages of the dish without overcomplicating the process.
In many Midwestern households, homemade egg noodles are a point of pride, made from scratch and rolled out by hand. However, store-bought wide egg noodles work just as well, especially when you’re short on time.
Customization and Variations
One of the best aspects of beef and noodles is its flexibility. While the classic recipe sticks to the basics—beef, broth, and noodles—there are many ways to customize it to suit different tastes or dietary needs.
You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms during the last 20 minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition. Some cooks also like to stir in a splash of cream for a richer, smoother sauce. Others might add a bit of red wine or balsamic vinegar to deepen the flavor profile.
For a low-carb version, some have swapped out the egg noodles for zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash, though purists might argue that this changes the dish entirely.
What to Serve with Beef and Noodles
Though the dish is hearty enough to stand alone, pairing it with simple sides can turn it into a well-rounded meal. Here are a few popular accompaniments:
-
Mashed Potatoes – A classic pairing in the Midwest, the noodles and beef are often served directly over mashed potatoes for an extra dose of comfort.
-
Crusty Bread – Perfect for sopping up that rich broth.
-
Green Beans or Roasted Vegetables – A lighter side to balance the richness.
-
Side Salad – A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers contrast in both flavor and texture.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Beef and noodles stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers. Simply allow it to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. It can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce, as the noodles tend to absorb liquid over time. This dish also freezes well—just keep in mind that noodles may soften more after freezing and reheating, so undercook them slightly if you plan to freeze.
A Family-Friendly Favorite
Kids and adults alike love this dish, which makes it an excellent option for family dinners. Its mild flavor, familiar ingredients, and cozy texture make it a hit with even the pickiest eaters. You can double or triple the recipe for larger gatherings or holidays, and it always gets rave reviews.
Many people have fond memories of their parents or grandparents preparing this meal. It evokes feelings of home, warmth, and love—all the emotions that truly great comfort food should stir.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
What makes this specific version of beef and noodles so special is the layering of flavor built over time. From the browning of the beef to the sautéed onions and garlic, each step adds complexity. The result is not just a simple dish but one with depth and heart.
The balance between texture and taste is masterful: fork-tender beef, silky noodles, and a velvety, savory gravy. It’s a lesson in how patience and basic ingredients can yield extraordinary results.
Conclusion
Beef and noodles is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition, a memory, and a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this dish is accessible, forgiving, and endlessly satisfying. Its popularity endures not because it’s trendy or flashy, but because it’s timeless. It reminds us that the best meals don’t have to be complicated—they just need to be made with care.
Add this recipe to your weekly rotation, serve it to guests, or make it when someone you love needs comfort. However you choose to enjoy it, one thing’s for certain: it will always hit the spot.