How to Make a Savory Ground Beef Noodle Recipe Tonight

Looking for a simple yet satisfying dinner solution? This ground beef noodle recipe provides the comfort food experience of tender egg noodles combined with savory seasoned ground beef. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or feeding a hungry family, this ground beef and noodles recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. The best part? This can be easily customized to your liking or depending on what ingredients you have available!

Why You’ll Love This ground beef noodle recipe

• Quick: From beginning to end, this ground beef noodle recipe takes only 30 minutes to prepare.
• Budget-Friendly: Ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• Family-Approved: A crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will devour
• Versatile: Easily customizable with various add-ins and flavor profiles
• One-Pot Option: Can be adapted for fewer dishes and easier cleanup
• Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for meal prepping and getting ready for those weeknight dinners.

The Core “Classic Comfort” Ground Beef Noodle Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
• 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz egg noodles (about 4 cups uncooked)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Medium pot for cooking noodles
• Colander
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6

1. Cook the noodles. Cook egg noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
   Pro Tip: Cook the noodles slightly less than the package directions if you’ll be combining them with the sauce and heating further.
   
2. Brown the beef. Heat up some olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat while the noodles are cooking. Throw in the ground beef and chop it up with a spoon. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until it’s not pink anymore.
   Pro Tip: Don’t stir the beef constantly—let it develop a nice brown crust on one side before breaking it apart for better flavor.
   
3. Add aromatics. Throw those onions in with the beef and cook them for 3-4 minutes, until they’re nice and soft and see-through. After that, add the garlic (minced, of course) and just give it about 30 seconds until you can really smell it.
   Pro Tip: To prevent garlic from burning and developing a bitter flavor, add it later in the cooking process.
   
4. Create the sauce base. Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and stir to coat evenly.Cook for one minute to eliminate the uncooked flour taste.
   
5. Develop flavors. Mix up tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, paprika, and beef broth. Stir well to combine and dissolve the tomato paste.
   
6. Simmer and thicken. Simmer it while stirring now and then. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce gets a bit thicker. Season with salt and pepper.
   
7. Combine and serve. Mix the cooked and drained egg noodles right into the skillet with the beef. Give it a gentle toss to make sure the noodles are coated well. If using sour cream, fold it in now for a creamier texture.
   
8. Garnish and enjoy. For a burst of flavor and a pop of color, garnish with fresh chopped parsley just before serving!
   

Making it Your Own: Popular Ground Beef Noodle Variations

Creamy Stroganoff-Style

Transform your basic ground beef noodle recipe into a rich, creamy stroganoff-inspired dish with these simple adjustments:

• Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms when cooking the onions
• Increase garlic to 3 cloves
• Add 1/2 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
• Fold in 3/4 cup sour cream at the end of cooking
• Optional: Add 2 tablespoons of brandy or white wine when simmering the sauce
• Use fresh dill as a garnish in place of parsley.

This variation brings all the comfort of traditional beef stroganoff but comes together in a fraction of the time using ground beef instead of more expensive cuts.

Quick Asian-Inspired

For an Asian twist on ground beef noodles that’s packed with umami flavor and ready in minutes:

• Substitute regular egg noodles with ramen, udon, or rice noodles
• Replace beef broth with 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• Add to the sauce: 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 2 teaspoons grated ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sesame oil
• Optional add-ins: shredded carrots, snap peas, or baby bok choy

This ground beef noodle recipe delivers big on flavor while still maintaining the ease and simplicity that makes ground beef noodle recipes so appealing for weeknight cooking.

Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole Bake

Turn this stovetop favorite into a comforting baked casserole:

1. Prepare the basic recipe through step 6
2. Mix the sauce with cooked noodles and transfer to a greased 9×13 baking dish
3. Top with 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, monterey jack, or a blend)
4. Optional: Add a topping of 1 cup crushed potato chips or 1/2 cup breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tablespoons melted butter
5. Bake until golden and bubbly for 20 minutes at 375°F.

This make-ahead friendly version is perfect for potlucks or Sunday meal prep!

Tips for Success

• Brown properly: Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning beef—work in batches if needed for better caramelization
• Taste as you go: Adjust seasonings before adding the noodles, as the pasta will dilute flavors slightly
• Control thickness: For a thicker sauce, add an additional tablespoon of flour; for thinner, use more broth
• Don’t overcook noodles: Cook them 1-2 minutes less than package directions for the perfect texture
• Rest before serving: Let the dish sit for 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken further

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Ground Beef Options

While 85/15 ground bhttps://www.healthline.com/nutrition/beefeef offers the ideal balance of flavor and leanness for this ground beef noodle recipe, you can adjust based on preference:

• 90/10 or leaner: Results in less fat but may be slightly drier
• 80/20: More flavorful but will release more fat (drain if desired)
• Substitutes: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives work well with adjusted cooking times

Noodle Varieties

This ground beef and noodles recipe is traditionally made with egg noodles, but several alternatives work beautifully:

• Wide egg noodles: The classic choice, with great sauce-gripping texture
• Fettuccine or pappardelle: Excellent Italian pasta alternatives
• Gluten-free options: Rice noodles or gluten-free pasta (reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes)
• Whole wheat noodles: Add nutty flavor and extra fiber

Broth Selection

The broth forms the foundation of your sauce:

• Beef broth: Provides the richest, most complementary flavor
• Chicken broth: A lighter alternative that still delivers
• Vegetable broth: Works for vegetarian adaptations with plant-based ground substitutes
• Bouillon cubes: Dissolved in hot water as a pantry-friendly alternative

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftover ground beef and noodles in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer: This ground beef and noodles recipe freezes beautifully! Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags, where it can be frozen for up to 3 months. If you plan on freezing the dish, be sure to slightly undercook the noodles to achieve optimal results.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Basically, you’ll want to heat each serving for about one or two minutes, making sure to stir it once while it’s heating.
• Stovetop: Add some broth or water and warm it up gently over medium-low heat.
• From frozen: For optimal reheating, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Serving Suggestions

Complete your ground beef noodle recipe with these perfect pairings:

• Vegetables: Grab a side salad, some steamed green beans, or broccoli.
• Bread: Garlic bread, dinner rolls, or crusty French bread for soaking up extra sauce
• Garnishes: Grated Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, or additional sour cream
• Beverages: A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or a crisp lager beer complements the richness of this dish

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ground beef noodle recipe ahead of time?

Yes! The beef sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Cook the noodles fresh when ready to serve, then combine with the sauce. Alternatively, make the complete dish and reheat gently with a splash of broth to refresh the sauce.

Can I freeze this dish?

Absolutely! This ground beef and noodles recipe freezes really well. Heads up, though, make sure to pull the noodles off the heat a bit early. That way, they’ll be just right after you thaw and reheat the whole thing.Cool completely before transferring to freezer containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.

What’s the best type of noodle to use?

Traditional egg noodles work best for this classic recipe, as they hold up well to the sauce and provide the perfect texture. However, you can substitute with fettuccine, rotini, or even elbow macaroni depending on what you have available.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey makes an excellent lower-fat alternative. Since turkey is leaner, consider adding an extra tablespoon of oil when browning to prevent dryness, and you might want to boost the flavor with additional Worcestershire sauce or seasonings.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply substitute the regular egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free flour for thickening the sauce. Be sure to check that your Worcestershire sauce and broth are also gluten-free.

What can I add to make this recipe more nutritious?

Boost the nutrition by adding 1-2 cups of vegetables like diced carrots, peas, spinach, or mushrooms. You can also use whole grain noodles instead of regular egg noodles for added fiber.

Recipe Card

Did you try this ground beef noodle recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your experience or any adaptations you made in the comments below. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with friends and family who might enjoy this simple, satisfying meal.

Happy cooking!