Comfort Food Beef And Noodles

Name: Comfort Food Beef And Noodles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces; 8 oz egg noodles; 2 cups beef broth; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 stalks of celery, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Highlighted under: Feel-Good Plates

I love making Comfort Food Beef And Noodles, especially during chilly evenings or when I need a good pick-me-up. There's something so satisfying about tender beef, perfectly cooked noodles, and a rich, flavorful sauce all coming together in one dish. I enjoy experimenting with different spices and herbs to enhance the flavor even more. This recipe has become a family favorite, and I know you will appreciate how simple yet delicious it is to prepare.

Created by

Jenna Rowland

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:04:20.445Z

When I first made this Comfort Food Beef And Noodles, I was surprised at how easy it was to bring together such comfort in a bowl. Using a mix of tender cuts of beef and fresh vegetables really elevates the dish. I remember the rich aroma that wafted through my kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

One tip that transformed my cooking was to sear the beef before adding it to the simmering sauce. It locks in all those juicy flavors and adds a depth I didn't expect. Every bite is a perfect blend of savory and comforting, and now it’s my go-to recipe for cozy nights.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty flavors that remind you of home-cooked comfort
Perfectly tender beef that's easy to prepare
A quick recipe that fits into busy weeknights

The Importance of Searing

Searing the beef is a crucial step that enhances the overall flavor profile of Comfort Food Beef And Noodles. This process creates a Maillard reaction that caramelizes the meat’s surface, locking in juices and adding a rich depth of flavor. Make sure your pot is hot enough before adding the beef; if it doesn't sizzle immediately upon contact, the pot isn’t ready. Aim for a golden-brown color on each side, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

If you find that the beef is sticking to the pot, it may not be hot enough, or wait until a nice crust forms before attempting to flip the pieces. Properly seared beef will also release easier, providing that perfect, tender texture you want for this dish. My tip: sear in batches if necessary, as overcrowding the pot can lower the temperature and lead to steaming rather than browning.

Choosing Your Noodles

Egg noodles are the traditional choice for this recipe due to their ability to hold sauce well while maintaining a delightful chewy texture. However, if you're in a pinch or looking for alternatives, you can use wide rice noodles or even whole wheat versions. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as different noodles can require adjustments. For example, fresh noodles may only need a few minutes, while dried ones might take longer.

When cooking your noodles, aim for an al dente texture — they will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the beef and sauce. Do not rinse them after draining; this removes the starch that helps the sauce adhere. I usually toss them with a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent sticking while they wait, ensuring a perfect serve when everything is combined.

Make-Ahead Tips

Comfort Food Beef And Noodles is an excellent dish to prepare ahead of time. You can make the beef and vegetable mixture a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. On the day you plan to serve it, simply reheat the beef mixture on the stove while you cook the noodles.

If you're looking to freeze the dish, do so without the noodles. The texture of cooked noodles can become mushy when frozen and thawed. Instead, freeze the beef and sauce mixture in portions. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then heat it on the stove, adding freshly cooked noodles for the best texture and taste. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create a delicious meal:

Main Ingredients

1 lb beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 oz egg noodles
2 cups beef broth
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 stalks of celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Make sure to have everything ready for smooth cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your dish:

Sear the Beef

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and sear on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

Combine Ingredients

Return the beef to the pot, and stir in the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Simmer

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the beef is tender.

Cook Noodles

While the beef is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Mix and Serve

Once the beef is tender, stir in the cooked noodles and heat through for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Enjoy your hearty meal!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. You can also use pasta instead of egg noodles for a different texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to adjust the protein in this recipe, cubed chicken or turkey can be excellent alternatives, offering a lighter option. Keep in mind that poultry cooks faster than beef, so reduce the simmering time to about 20 minutes until fully cooked. You could even use mushrooms for a vegetarian version, sautéing them until golden before adding the broth and spices for that rich umami flavor.

When it comes to broth, if you have homemade or low-sodium options on hand, those work even better! They usually have more personalized flavor profiles and lower salt content, allowing you to adjust the seasoning to your liking in the final dish. Always taste as you go; a splash of balsamic vinegar can also enhance the depth of your sauce if you find it lacking.

Extra Flavor Enhancements

For an extra punch of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the pot after sautéing the vegetables. Let it simmer until reduced by half before introducing your beef broth. This addition rounds out the dish beautifully and brings an aromatic richness that complements the beef.

Experimenting with fresh herbs can elevate this meal further. While thyme is a classic addition, fresh parsley or chives sprinkled on top before serving adds a fresh brightness. You can introduce some heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when finalizing the seasoning, catering to individual taste preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken or pork, but cooking times may vary.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.

→ What can I serve this with?

This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.