Craving a hearty, soul-satisfying meal? This slow-simmered Beef and Noodles recipe is pure comfort food perfection. Tender beef chuck, savory gravy, and perfectly cooked egg noodles come together in a dish that will warm you from the inside out. Get ready for a family favorite!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter, then toss in the beef pieces. Let them sear for about 8–10 minutes, stirring every now and then, until they get that nice brown color on all sides. This is where a lot of the flavor comes from, so don’t rush this part.
Step 2: Simmer Until Tender
Pour in about 2 cups of beef broth, then stir in the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix and bring everything to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 20–30 minutes. The beef should start to get nice and tender. If the liquid cooks down too much, just add a bit more broth as needed.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir that mixture into the skillet with the beef. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring every so often, until the sauce thickens up into a rich, glossy gravy.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles and Serve
While the beef finishes cooking, boil the egg noodles in a separate pot following the package directions. Drain them well.
Spoon the tender beef and gravy right over the noodles and give it a quick stir to coat everything. Serve it warm and enjoy that cozy, homemade comfort food feeling!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dish actually tastes even better the next day. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, warm it up slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if it looks too thick.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Brown the beef first on the stove (for flavor), then transfer it to your slow cooker along with the broth and seasonings. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for about 3–4. Stir in the cornstarch slurry near the end to thicken the sauce before serving.
What kind of beef should I use?
Beef chuck is perfect, it gets super tender as it simmers. You can also use stew meat or even brisket if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I freeze it?
Yes! This dish freezes really well. Just store the beef and sauce separately from the noodles. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight, reheat gently, and cook fresh noodles for serving.
What goes well with it?
Keep it simple, a green salad, roasted veggies, or a slice of buttery garlic bread make the perfect sides. It’s comfort food, so you can’t go wrong.
Notes & Tips:
For extra flavor, sear the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Try adding chopped carrots, celery, or onions to the skillet when browning the beef for a richer flavor profile.
To make this dish in a slow cooker, sear the beef as directed, then transfer it to the slow cooker with the beef broth and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Thicken the sauce with cornstarch slurry as directed, and serve over egg noodles.
If you don’t have beef broth, you can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth.
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for more umami.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add butter and beef. Brown the beef in the skillet for 8-10 minutes over medium heat. Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 40g
Fat: 20g
Ingredients
Instructions
Pour 2 cups of beef broth into the skillet, add bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the beef is tender, adding the remaining cup of beef broth gradually as needed to prevent the skillet from drying out.
In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch into 1/4 cup of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the skillet with the beef. Allow it to cook for 10 minutes or until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
While the sauce thickens, prepare the egg noodles in a separate pot according to the package instructions. Drain well.
Serve the beef mixture generously over the egg noodles and enjoy!Nutrition