As a busy parent, finding time to make a good meal can be hard. But this ground beef noodle recipe is a game-changer! It’s a comforting, cheesy dish ready in just 15 minutes. It’s ideal for those crazy weeknights when you need a quick dinner.
My mom used to make a similar dish with Hamburger Helper. But this recipe is fresher, faster, and cheaper. It uses simple ingredients like ground beef, egg noodles, and a creamy cheese sauce. You get a hearty, tasty meal without preservatives or additives. It’s all cooked in one pan, so cleaning up is a breeze.
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Why This Classic Ground Beef Noodle Recipe Is Perfect for Busy Weeknights
This classic ground beef noodle recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy to make, and ready in 30 minutes or less. It’s perfect for those hectic evenings when you need a fast, satisfying meal.
This dish is not only fast but also great for families. It offers several advantages that make it ideal for busy households.
Time-Saving Benefits
The recipe’s streamlined cooking process means you can have a delicious meal fast. It uses a single pan, making cleanup easy. The simple instructions and ingredients list make it easy to prepare.
Budget-Friendly Aspects
This recipe is quick and budget-friendly. It uses affordable ingredients like ground beef and egg noodles. You can adjust the ingredients to fit your budget, making it cost-effective.
Family-Friendly Appeal
This recipe’s classic flavours are a hit with families. The savoury ground beef, tender noodles, and flavorful sauce make it satisfying. It’s also easy to customize, catering to different tastes in the household.
Essential Ingredients for Your Ground Beef Noodle Recipe
Making the perfect ground beef noodle dish requires the right ingredients. At its core are ground beef, wide egg noodles, and a creamy sauce, which come together to create a delicious meal.
Choose ground beef with an 85/15 or 90/10 lean-to-fat ratio. This ensures the meat is flavorful and not too greasy. Wide egg noodles provide a hearty base that absorbs the sauce well.
To make the creamy sauce, use beef broth, heavy cream, and a thickening agent like flour or cornstarch. Add onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings like thyme, salt, and pepper. These ingredients enhance the dish’s flavour.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 2 lbs (85/15 or 90/10 ratio) |
| Egg Noodles | 16 oz (wide) |
| Beef Broth | 2 cups |
| Heavy Cream | 2 cups |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
| All-Purpose Flour | 4 tbsp |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Dried Thyme | 2 tsp |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
With these ingredients, you can make a tasty ground beef noodle dish. It’s great for busy weeknights or cosy family dinners. The mix of tender beef, hearty noodles, and creamy sauce will please everyone.
One-Pan Cooking Method and Simple Instructions
This method makes making a tasty ground beef noodle dish easy. First, brown the ground beef noodles with onions and garlic. Then, add uncooked egg noodles, beef broth, and heavy cream to the pan. This way, the noodles soak up all the flavours in the creamy sauce, satisfying the meal.
Preparing the Ground Beef
Begin by browning the ground beef noodle recipe in a big skillet over medium-high heat. While cooking, break the beef into small pieces. Add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are soft about 5-7 minutes.
Cooking the Noodles
After the ground beef is done, add the uncooked egg noodles to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, then stir well. Let it simmer for 6-10 minutes, stirring now and then until the noodles are tender and the sauce thickens.
Creating the Creamy Sauce
The pasta’s starch will thicken the sauce as the noodles cook, making it creamy. Add shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese in the last few minutes for an extra treat. This will melt into the sauce, making it even richer.
| Nutritional Information | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 697 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 69g |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 30g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
Customization Options and Flavor Variations
This beef noodle recipe is super versatile. You can customize it by adding your favourite vegetables. Try corn, peas, diced tomatoes, mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach. For a healthier option, add shredded zucchini and carrots.
Want a different taste? Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Mozzarella. They make the hamburger and noodle recipes creamy and melty. You can also add sliced mushrooms for a stroganoff flavour or change the seasonings to your liking.
| Ingredient | Substitution Option |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | Ground Turkey, Ground Chicken, Plant-Based Ground Meat |
| Cheddar Cheese | Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Swiss |
| Worcestershire Sauce | Soy Sauce, Balsamic Vinegar, Steak Sauce |
| Diced Tomatoes | Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes, Crushed Tomatoes, Fresh Diced Tomatoes |
Customization is endless, so feel free to get creative. This dish will hit the spot whether you’re craving something hearty or a new flavour.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture and Taste
Follow these tips when making your egg noodles with ground beef or using the beef and noodles recipe. They will help you achieve the perfect texture and taste.
Choosing the Right Noodles
For the best texture and sauce hold, choose wide egg noodles. These hearty noodles soak up the creamy sauce well and pair great with ground beef.
Seasoning Secrets
Seasoning is key to making your dish taste amazing. Season the ground beef with salt and pepper while it cooks. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to get the perfect balance of flavours.
Ground Beef Selection
Choose ground beef with an 85/15 or 90/10 ratio. This ratio gives the right flavour and lean meat mix, so your eggs with ground beef and beef and noodles recipes will be moist and tasty.
Make sure the noodles are fully covered while cooking to ensure even texture. Let the dish simmer gently. This helps the flavours blend, making it a true comfort food classic.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
This ground beef noodle recipe is perfect for making ahead. It’s great for busy weeknights or meal prep, and you can enjoy it later without any hassle.
To make ahead, cool the ground beef noodle mixture completely. Afterwards, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stovetop or microwave. Add a bit of broth or cream to keep it creamy.
To keep it longer, freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Cool it down, then put it in a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven, adding liquid to loosen the sauce.
| Storage Method | Maximum Storage Time |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 5 days |
| Freezer | 3 months |
This dish’s flavours get better with time. It’s perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. Follow these easy storage tips to enjoy a delicious meal whenever you want.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dish Pairings
Your tasty beef noodle recipe can be served in many ways. It goes well with various simple, tasty side dishes, making a complete and fulfilling meal.
Vegetable Options
Pair the beef and noodles with fresh, crunchy veggies. Try steamed corn, peas, or green beans for colour and texture. A fresh salad, like Caesar or Mediterranean chickpea, adds a refreshing contrast.
Bread Accompaniments
For a heartier meal, add crusty bread or warm rolls. They soak up the sauce nicely. Light, sweet bread rolls or rustic garlic bread add a nice texture.
| Side Dish | Preparation Time | Serving Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Roasted Brussels Sprouts | 30 minutes | Toss the roasted Brussels sprouts with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a sweet and savory side. |
| Air Fryer Frozen Asparagus | Just minutes | Toss the roasted Brussels sprouts with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a sweet and savoury side. |
| Sweet Bread Rolls | 45 minutes | Serve the soft, slightly sweet bread rolls alongside the beef noodle dish for a comforting and indulgent pairing. |
Choose sides that match the flavours and textures of your beef noodle recipe. This ensures a balanced and enjoyable meal for everyone.
Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations
This ground beef noodle recipe is a hearty, satisfying meal with a balanced nutritional profile. A typical serving has about 697 calories, 69g of carbohydrates, 35g of protein, and 30g of fat.
It uses extra-lean ground beef and a mix of sauces and seasonings, ensuring great flavour without too many calories or fat.
This recipe can easily be customized for those with dietary restrictions. Try using whole wheat pasta to increase fibre or gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free option. You can also experiment with ground chicken to meet your preferences and dietary needs.
Understanding the nutritional information and making simple adjustments can help you enjoy this delicious dish. It’s perfect for a balanced, healthy diet. Whether you aim for specific dietary goals or just want a comforting meal, this recipe can be tailored to your needs.