This Quick 30-Minute Beef and Noodles Dinner is perfect for busy nights! It’s loaded with tender beef, yummy noodles, and a tasty sauce that’s quick to whip up.
I love how it all comes together in just 30 minutes—practically a miracle! Serve it up with a sprinkle of green onions, and you’re ready for a cozy meal in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Ground beef is super convenient, but thinly sliced steak like sirloin or flank steak works great too! If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken can be a good substitute.
Noodles: Egg noodles are traditional, but wide pasta would do just fine. If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, try rice noodles or zucchini noodles for a light twist.
Broth: Beef broth adds flavor, but chicken broth or vegetable broth can certainly substitute if you’re trying to avoid beef. Homemade broth adds a nice touch if you have it on hand.
Mushrooms: These are optional, but they bring extra flavor and texture. If you’re not a fan, you can skip them or use other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for crunch.
How Do I Make Sure the Beef is Cooked Perfectly?
Getting the beef just right is key to this dish. If using ground beef, break it apart as it cooks to avoid clumps. Cook until no pink shows and it’s nice and browned, about 5-6 minutes. For sliced beef, aim for thin pieces—this helps it cook quickly and evenly.
- Use medium-high heat to seal in juices.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if needed, cook in batches.
- Let it rest for a minute before serving so the juices redistribute!
This will ensure your beef is tender and flavorful in your 30-minute dinner!
Quick 30-Minute Beef and Noodles Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Protein:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or thinly sliced beef (such as sirloin or flank steak)
Noodles:
- 8 oz (225g) egg noodles or wide pasta noodles
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Liquids and Flavorings:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
Seasoning:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe is super quick and easy! You’ll need about 10 minutes to prep your ingredients, and 20 minutes to cook everything. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and fulfilling meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stove. Once it’s boiling, add your egg noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until they’re al dente (firm but not hard). When they’re ready, drain the noodles and set them aside for later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
While the noodles are cooking, take a large skillet or sauté pan and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they soften up. Then, add the minced garlic and cook it for another 30 seconds—you just want it to be fragrant!
3. Cook the Beef:
Next, add your ground beef or sliced beef to the pan. If you’re using ground beef, use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Cook everything until the beef is browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-6 minutes. If you prefer sliced beef, cook it until it’s well-browned on all sides.
4. Add the Mushrooms:
If you’re using mushrooms, toss them into the pan now and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until they’re nice and soft.
5. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and add in your dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir to mix well, and bring it to a gentle simmer.
6. Combine Everything:
Now, add the drained noodles back to the skillet. Stir everything together well so that the noodles are nicely coated in that delicious sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Final Touches:
Before you serve, give your dish a taste! Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Once it’s perfect, remove it from the heat.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out your beef and noodles while hot! For a lovely touch, garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley if you like. Enjoy your quick and comforting dinner!
FAQ for Quick 30-Minute Beef and Noodles Dinner
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge beforehand for even cooking. If you’re short on time, you can also use the microwave’s defrost function, but be careful not to start cooking the beef in the process.
Can I Make This Recipe with a Different Type of Noodle?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are classic, you can substitute them with wide pasta, rice noodles, or even spiralized vegetables for a low-carb option. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodle you choose!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the dish seems dry.
What Can I Add to Customize This Dish?
Feel free to get creative! Add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also spice it up with red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha if you like some heat!
