Homemade Stovetop Beef And Noodles is a classic comfort dish that brings together tender pieces of beef, soft wide egg noodles, and a rich, flavorful gravy all cooked right on your stove. The warm beefy sauce hugs every noodle, making each bite hearty and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want something simple and delicious.
I love making this dish because it’s straightforward and really hits the spot when you want a meal that’s both filling and full of flavor. You don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients—just good beef, onions, broth, and your noodles of choice. One tip I swear by is letting the beef cook low and slow until it’s perfectly tender, which really makes all the difference. The smell as it simmers is enough to make anyone hungry!
When I serve this, I usually like to pair it with a simple green salad or some steamed veggies to balance out all those rich, tasty noodles. It’s also great for feeding a crowd since it makes a generous amount and warms up well for leftovers. Whether it’s a family dinner or a comforting solo meal, Homemade Stovetop Beef And Noodles always feels like the right choice for satisfying that craving for something homey and familiar.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Ground beef is quick and easy, but diced stew beef adds extra tenderness and bite if you have time to simmer longer. For a leaner version, try ground turkey or chicken, though it’s less rich.
Onions and Celery: These build the flavor base. If you don’t have celery, you can skip it or swap with carrots for a slightly sweeter note. I always like to finely chop them so they cook evenly.
Beef Broth: Good-quality broth makes a big difference in taste. If you don’t have beef broth, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth, but add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to boost flavor.
Wide Egg Noodles: These noodles soak up all the sauce. You can substitute with pappardelle, fettuccine, or even large pasta shells if that’s what’s on hand. Just watch cooking times!
Flour Slurry: This thickens your sauce nicely. For a gluten-free option, use cornstarch mixed with cold water. Add it gradually to avoid lumps.
How Can I Get Tender and Flavorful Beef for This Dish?
Getting tender beef is key. Here’s how I do it:
- Brown the Meat: Use medium-high heat and don’t overcrowd the pan. Brown the beef or stew cubes in batches if needed to get a nice crust that adds flavor.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add onions, celery, and garlic after browning. Cooking them until soft enhances the beef’s richness.
- Simmer Low and Slow: Add broth and seasonings, bring to a boil, then simmer gently. For ground beef, 15 minutes is good; for stew beef, simmer longer (45+ minutes) until the meat is tender.
- Adjust Liquid: Check occasionally and add water or broth if it gets too thick or starts to stick.
Following these steps ensures your beef will be soft, flavorful, and the sauce perfectly rich for coating your noodles.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or sauté pan – I recommend a big one so you have plenty of room to cook everything evenly.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – helps stir and scrape the flavorful bits from the pan.
- Medium pot – for cooking the noodles separately, so they don’t get mushy.
- Whisk – useful for mixing the flour slurry smoothly into the sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise broth, water, and seasoning measurements.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with diced stew beef or ground turkey for different textures and flavors.
- Add sliced mushrooms or carrots with the vegetables for extra veggie goodness.
- Stir in a splash of soy sauce, Worcestershire, or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor depth.
- Finish with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a squeeze of lemon for a bright, fresh touch.
Homemade Stovetop Beef And Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (or diced stew beef)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water (adjust as needed)
- 8 oz wide egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for depth)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stovetop beef and noodles recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes cooking time if you use ground beef. If you choose to use stew beef, plan on simmering for about 45 minutes to 1 hour to get the beef tender. Cooking the noodles and assembling everything will add a few more minutes, so overall, expect about 40 minutes to 1 hour total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Heat vegetable oil or butter in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned on all sides. If you’re using diced stew beef, brown the pieces thoroughly. This step builds a lot of flavor!
2. Cook the Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic to the browned beef. Sauté everything together until the vegetables soften and smell wonderful—about 5 minutes.
3. Add the Broth and Seasonings:
Stir in the beef broth and 1 cup of water. Mix in Worcestershire sauce if using, dried thyme or Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
4. Simmer to Develop Flavor:
Lower the heat to low, cover, and let everything simmer. If you’re using ground beef, 15 minutes is enough for flavors to meld. For stew beef, simmer longer—about 45 minutes to 1 hour—until the meat is tender, topping up with water or broth as needed.
5. Cook the Noodles:
While the broth simmers, cook your wide egg noodles in a separate pot according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and cold water until smooth. Slowly pour this slurry into the simmering beef mixture while stirring constantly. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely.
7. Combine and Serve:
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and gently toss to coat them in the rich beef gravy. Taste and adjust seasonings with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley to brighten the dish.
Enjoy your warm, comforting Homemade Stovetop Beef and Noodles!
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture, which helps with better browning.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the beef mixture and noodles separately, then refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
What Can I Substitute for Wide Egg Noodles?
Feel free to use other wide pasta like pappardelle or fettuccine. If you prefer, large pasta shells or even short pasta shapes can work—just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.
