Grandma’s Classic Beef and Noodles

Step into a world of comforting flavors with this incredible beef and noodles recipe. This classic dish brings back cherished memories of home-cooked meals, offering a warmth that only a truly nostalgic recipe can provide. You’ll love the ease of preparation, which transforms simple ingredients into a deeply savory experience. Enjoy tender, fall-apart beef enveloped in a rich broth, perfectly paired with hearty egg noodles for a meal everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Beef and Noodles Recipe

• Rich, deeply satisfying flavors: Each spoonful offers a delicious blend of tender beef, aromatic herbs, and savory broth.
• Simple, wholesome ingredients: You likely have most of these pantry staples on hand already, making this an easy weeknight meal.
• Customizable to your taste: Easily adjust seasonings or add your favorite vegetables for a unique twist on this classic.
• Perfect for family dinners: This hearty beef and noodles dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, filling hungry bellies with deliciousness.
• Versatile cooking methods: Whether you prefer the stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, this recipe adapts beautifully.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients to create the most comforting beef and noodles you’ve ever tasted. This recipe focuses on quality components for maximum flavor impact.

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch pieces
• fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 large white onion, diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups beef stock, divided
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 large bay leaf
• 12 ounces wide egg noodles

Notes & Substitutions

• Beef: Chuck roast is ideal for its rich flavor and ability to become wonderfully tender when slow-cooked. Sirloin or stew meat can also work, but chuck roast offers the best texture.
• Noodles: Wide egg noodles are traditional for this hearty beef and noodles dish, absorbing the broth beautifully. Feel free to use homemade egg noodles for an extra special touch.
• Beef Stock: Use a high-quality beef stock or broth. Look for low-sodium options to control the salt content yourself.
• Aromatics: Onion and garlic create the flavorful base. Don’t skip browning the onion for sweetness.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme and a bay leaf add subtle earthy notes. Dried herbs can be used, but fresh offers superior flavor.
• Flavor Boosters: A splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce (about 1-2 teaspoons) can deepen the umami flavor of the broth if desired.

Equipment

You won’t need many special tools to create this delicious beef and noodles recipe.

• Large mixing bowl
• Large stockpot (at least 6-quart capacity)
• Clean plate or platter
• Two forks for shredding beef

For alternative cooking methods:

• Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
• Instant Pot (6-quart or larger)

Instructions

Creating this comforting beef and noodles dish is simpler than you think. Follow these steps for a perfect meal every time.

1. Add the beef to a large mixing bowl and season generously with salt and pepper. Add the flour and toss until evenly combined, ensuring each piece of beef is coated.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add half of the floured beef and cook, turning occasionally, until nicely browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the browned beef to a clean plate.
3. Repeat the process with an additional 1 tablespoon olive oil and the remaining beef, browning it thoroughly. Transfer this second batch of beef to the same clean plate. Browning the beef is crucial for developing deep flavor in the final beef and noodles broth.
4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and the diced onion to the stockpot. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
5. Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
6. Pour in 6 cups of the beef stock, then return the cooked beef to the pot. Add the fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Stir everything to combine, ensuring the beef is mostly submerged in the liquid.
7. Continue cooking until the broth reaches a low simmer. Reduce the heat to low (or whatever temperature maintains a gentle, consistent simmer), cover the pot, and let it simmer for 2.5 hours. The beef is ready when it shreds easily with a fork. If using an Instant Pot, pressure cook on high for 45 minutes with a natural release. For a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
8. Carefully transfer the tender beef to a clean plate. Use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. Remove and discard the bay leaf and thyme sprigs from the pot.
9. Add the remaining 2 cups of beef stock to the pot and increase the heat to high. Once the stock begins to boil, add the wide egg noodles. Cook the noodles, stirring occasionally, according to package directions until they are al dente, usually 6-8 minutes.
10. Remove the pan from the heat immediately to prevent overcooking the noodles. Stir the shredded beef back into the pot with the cooked noodles and broth.
11. Taste the beef and noodles and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with a few extra twists of black pepper, and savor every warm, comforting bite.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Choosing Beef: Always opt for chuck roast for the most tender, flavorful results. It breaks down beautifully during the long simmer.
• Browning Beef: Don’t rush this step! Browning the beef creates a flavorful crust and adds depth to the broth through the fond left in the pot.
  

  Research from culinary science indicates that the Maillard reaction is responsible for the rich, complex flavors developed during the browning of meat.

  
  
• Quality Stock: Use the best beef stock you can find. A rich stock is the foundation of a delicious sauce for your beef and noodles.
• Simmer Time: Allow the beef to simmer for the full recommended time. This ensures it becomes incredibly fork-tender and succulent.
• Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper generously before serving. The flavors will deepen as it simmers, but a final touch elevates the dish.
• Thickening Sauce: If your broth seems too thin, create a cornstarch slurry by whisking 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the simmering broth gradually until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Prevent Dryness: The noodles absorb a lot of liquid. If your dish seems too thick or dry, add a splash more beef stock or even a little water until it reaches a perfect consistency.
• Noodle Texture: Avoid overcooking egg noodles as they can become mushy. Cook them just until al dente, then remove from heat.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This versatile beef and noodles dish is perfect for any occasion. It makes a fantastic meal that warms you from the inside out.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this comforting beef and noodles with a simple green salad, steamed green beans, or a side of crusty bread to sop up all that delicious sauce.

Storage

Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef stock or water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions until heated through.

Freezing

This beef and noodles recipe freezes well! Once cooled, transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations

• Creamy: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer, more indulgent sauce.
• Vegetables: Add chopped carrots, celery, or mushrooms along with the onion for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Greens: Wilt in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for a boost of greens.
• Herbs & Spices: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
• Cheese: Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute traditional egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta or rice noodles to make a gluten-free beef and noodles dish.

Nutrition

This hearty beef and noodles dish offers a balanced meal packed with essential nutrients. It provides a good source of protein from the beef, crucial for muscle repair and growth. The egg noodles contribute complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. It’s a comforting, calorie-dense meal perfect for refueling.

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQ

Conclusion

There’s truly nothing quite like a warm bowl of Grandma’s classic beef and noodles. This recipe delivers on comfort, flavor, and ease, making it a perfect addition to your family’s meal rotation. The tender beef, rich gravy, and soft noodles create a nostalgic experience that satisfies the soul. We encourage you to try this simple yet deeply rewarding dish and create your own cherished food memories.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics highlights how home-cooked meals contribute to overall health and well-being.

Enjoy every savory bite!

Grandma’s Classic Beef and Noodles

Enjoy a comforting and hearty meal with Grandma’s Classic Beef and Noodles. Tender beef chuck is slow-simmered in a rich beef stock with aromatic vegetables, then combined with wide egg noodles for a satisfying family dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Large Stockpot
• Clean plate
• forks

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast cut into 2-inch pieces
• fine sea salt generously
• freshly-ground black pepper generously
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 1 white onion large, diced
• 5 cloves garlic minced
• 8 cups beef stock divided
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf large
• 12 ounces wide egg noodles

Instructions

 

Cooking Steps

• Season beef generously with salt, pepper, and flour, then brown it in olive oil in a large stockpot in two batches; transfer the browned beef to a clean plate.
• Sauté the diced onion in the remaining oil until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for one minute. Stir in 6 cups of beef stock, the cooked beef, thyme, and bay leaf.
• Bring the mixture to a low simmer, then cover the pot and cook on low heat for 2.5 hours, or until the beef is easily shredded with a fork.
• Carefully remove the tender beef and shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks; discard the bay leaf and thyme sprigs from the pot.
• Add the remaining 2 cups of beef stock to the pot, bring it to a boil, then add the egg noodles and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
• Remove the pot from heat, stir the shredded beef back into the noodles, and taste, seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
• Serve the beef and noodles immediately, garnished with a few extra twists of black pepper.

Notes

This comforting classic is perfect for a chilly evening. Adjust seasoning to your preference, and don’t rush the simmering process for the most tender beef.