If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious comfort food, Easy Beef and Noodles is the perfect dish! This one-pan meal is creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, making it a family favorite. The best part? It comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Beef and Noodles Recipe
- Fast & Easy: This recipe takes only 25 minutes from start to finish.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple and affordable ingredients.
- Creamy & Flavorful: The combination of sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, and brown gravy mix creates a rich, savory sauce.
- One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy with your family.
- Kid-Friendly: Creamy pasta dishes are always a hit with kids!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Beef and Noodles recipe requires basic pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound lean ground beef – Use 85/15 for the best flavor.
- 1 small onion, finely diced – Adds sweetness and depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances flavor without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder – Complements the fresh onion.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Brings out the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon pepper – Adds a slight kick.
For the Sauce:
- 1 packet (0.87 oz) brown gravy mix – Provides a rich, savory base.
- 1 cup cold water – Helps dissolve the gravy mix.
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup – Adds creaminess and umami flavor.
- ½ cup sour cream – Gives the dish its signature tangy richness.
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley – Adds a touch of freshness.
For Serving:
- 1 bag (12 oz) wide egg noodles – Traditional and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Start Boiling Water for the Noodles
Before cooking the beef mixture, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. This way, by the time the beef is cooked, your water will be ready for the egg noodles.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or pan, cook and crumble the ground beef over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
Once the beef is fully cooked, drain excess grease to avoid a greasy sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together brown gravy mix and cold water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the ground beef, stirring to combine.
Then, add the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Stir everything together until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes while the noodles cook.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Add the egg noodles to the boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 7-8 minutes. Don’t forget to add salt to the water to enhance flavor.
Once the noodles are cooked al dente, drain them but do not rinse.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked noodles and dried parsley to the creamy ground beef mixture. Gently stir until everything is well coated in the sauce.
Serve warm and enjoy this delicious Easy Beef and Noodles!
Expert Tips for the Best Easy Beef and Noodles
- Use Fresh Ingredients: If possible, use fresh garlic and onions for deeper flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook them just until al dente so they don’t get mushy in the sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or milk to thin it out.
- Enhance Flavor: Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Easy Beef and Noodles is a hearty meal on its own, but you can serve it with:
- Side Salad – A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables – Roasted asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts pair beautifully.
- Mashed Potatoes – For an extra comforting twist.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing Leftovers:
- Let the beef and noodles cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until warmed through.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately:
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
Final Thoughts
This Easy Beef and Noodles recipe is an easy, quick, and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. The creamy sauce, flavorful beef, and tender egg noodles make it a perfect comfort food for any occasion.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly dinner idea that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, this is it!
Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and share it with friends who love easy, homemade meals!
More Easy Dinner Recipes to Try:
- Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta
- Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
- One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta