Hearty Home-style Beef and Noodles Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean beef
  • 2 cups uncooked egg noodles
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until the onion is translucent.
  3. Add the lean beef to the pan and cook until it is browned on all sides.
  4. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and shredded carrots and cook for another 5 minutes.
  5. In a separate pot, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  6. Add the beef broth and soy sauce to the pan with the beef and vegetables. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  7. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes.
  8. In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add this mixture to the pan and stir well.
  9. Continue to cook the mixture on low heat until the sauce has thickened, about 10 minutes.
  10. Add the cooked noodles to the pan and stir until they are coated with the sauce.
  11. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large pan - A pan large enough to hold the beef and vegetables.
  • Pot - A pot to cook the egg noodles.
  • Small bowl - A bowl to mix the cornstarch and water.
  • Stirring utensil - A utensil such as a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring the ingredients.
  • Knife - A knife for dicing the onion and mincing the garlic.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board to chop the onion and garlic.
  • Measuring cups - Cups for measuring the beef broth, soy sauce, and vegetable oil.
  • Measuring spoons - Spoons for measuring the salt, pepper, and cornstarch.

Recipe variations

  • Replace the beef with chicken or pork for a different protein option.
  • Use whole wheat noodles instead of egg noodles for a healthier twist.
  • Add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or peas.
  • Make it spicy by adding chili flakes or sriracha sauce.
  • Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a tangy flavor.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • Make it vegetarian by using tofu or tempeh as a meat substitute.
  • Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra freshness.
  • Create an Asian-inspired twist by adding ginger and sesame oil to the dish.
  • Experiment with different types of mushrooms such as shiitake or portobello.

Recipe overview

This comforting Beef and Noodles recipe is a hearty, warming dish that's perfect for cold winter nights. With tender pieces of beef, healthy vegetables, and satisfying noodles all coated in a rich, savory sauce, it's a meal that's sure to please the whole family. This recipe is simple to make and doesn't require any fancy ingredients, so it's a great option for a weeknight dinner. It involves sautéing onions and garlic, browning beef, cooking vegetables, and boiling noodles, then combining everything with a homemade sauce that's full of flavor. The final result is a delicious, filling dish that's packed with protein and veggies. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat?
  2. Yes, you can substitute the lean beef with other types of meat such as chicken or pork.
  3. Can I use different vegetables?
  4. Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding or substituting vegetables according to your preference.
  5. How do I make the sauce thicker?
  6. To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then add it to the simmering mixture and cook until thickened.
  7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
  8. Yes, you can prepare the beef and vegetable mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture and cook the noodles separately before combining them.
  9. Can I freeze the leftovers?
  10. Yes, you can freeze any leftover beef and noodle dish. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pan - Used for sautéing the beef and vegetables.
  • Separate pot - Used for cooking the egg noodles.
  • Small bowl - Used for mixing the cornstarch and water.
  • Stirring spoon - Used for stirring the ingredients in the pan.
  • Knife - Used for dicing the onion and mincing the garlic.
  • Cutting board - Used as a surface for cutting the onion and garlic.
  • Measuring cups - Used for measuring the beef broth, vegetable oil, soy sauce, and water.
  • Measuring spoons - Used for measuring the cornstarch and salt and pepper.

Origin stories

Beef and Noodles is a comfort dish that transcends cultures, appearing in different variations across global cuisines. One of the most famous versions comes from China, where it's known as Niu Rou Mian, a much-loved street food in the bustling night markets. The dish traces its roots back to the Chinese Muslim population, the Hui, who combined their Halal dietary practices with the local Chinese love for noodles to create a hearty, warming bowl of beef noodles. The dish eventually traveled across the Taiwan Strait when Chinese Nationalists fled to Taiwan during the Chinese Civil War, and it has since become a signature dish of Taiwan. Today, the Taiwanese version often includes stewed beef, star anise, Sichuan peppercorns, and pickled vegetables atop a bed of thick, chewy noodles. This humble dish, born out of the fusion of cultures and necessity, tells a tale of migration, adaptation, and the universal love for a good bowl of noodles.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.