As a busy parent, finding quick, family-friendly meals is a big challenge. That’s why I’m excited to share this easy, 15-minute Ground Beef and Noodles recipe. It’s perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need a comforting dinner fast.
This cheesy beef and noodle dish is a homemade, budget-friendly option. It’s a great alternative to processed foods. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a hearty meal ready in no time. It’s the perfect way to fill hungry bellies without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
A bowl of steaming noodles topped with savory ground beef, garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds, surrounded by colorful vegetables like bell peppers and carrots, set on a rustic wooden table with a pair of chopsticks beside it.
Key Takeaways
- This 15-minute Ground Beef and Noodles recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight dinner solution.
- It’s a homemade, budget-friendly alternative to processed convenience meals like Hamburger Helper.
- The dish is packed with flavor, features a creamy, cheesy sauce, and can be customized to suit your family’s tastes.
- Serve it as a main course or pair it with simple side dishes for a complete, satisfying meal.
- This recipe is sure to become a new family favorite in your household.
Why This Ground Beef Pasta Recipe Will Become Your Go-To Meal
This ground beef pasta recipe is perfect for quick, comforting dinners. It uses simple ingredients like ground beef, wide egg noodles, and a rich sauce. It’s a hit with the whole family.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
This recipe is great for busy weeknights. It takes just 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll brown the ground beef mince noodles with onions, make a creamy sauce, and toss it with noodles. It’s a quick, one-pot meal.
Budget-Friendly Comfort Food
This ground meat noodle dish is affordable and delicious. This dish features ground beef, egg noodles, and common pantry staples. The beef and noodles create a hearty, savory meal that’s easy on the wallet.
Kid-Approved Dinner Solution
Kids love this ground beef pasta dish. Its classic flavors and familiar ingredients make it a favorite. It’s a stress-free meal that everyone enjoys.
This ground beef pasta recipe is a kitchen staple. It’s quick, affordable, and loved by all. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and cozy family dinners.
A steaming plate of spaghetti topped with savory ground beef, garnished with fresh basil and grated parmesan, served on a rustic wooden table, surrounded by ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, soft natural lighting creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Essential Ingredients for Noodles With Ground Beef
Creating a tasty beefy noodle casserole or pasta with ground beef sauce starts with quality ground beef. Choose 85/15 or 90/10 for the best taste and texture. Wide egg noodles are perfect for soaking up the sauce.
For the sauce, you’ll need beef broth, heavy cream, and sharp cheddar cheese. Add diced onion and minced garlic for extra flavor. Seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and ground sage make it even better. You can also add sliced mushrooms, diced green peppers, or Parmesan for more taste.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef (85/15 or 90/10) | 1 pound |
| Wide Egg Noodles | 1/2 pound |
| Beef Broth | 1 – 2 quarts |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup |
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Garlic Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground Sage | 1/2 teaspoon |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious beefy noodle casserole or pasta with ground beef sauce. Your family is sure to love it.
A hearty beefy noodle casserole, featuring layers of ground beef and tender noodles, topped with melted cheese, surrounded by a colorful medley of bell peppers and onions, all baked to golden perfection in a rustic casserole dish, set on a wooden table with garnished fresh herbs around it.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
To make a tasty beef and noodle skillet meal or ground beef lo mein at home, you’ll need some basic tools. Let’s look at what you’ll need for this easy, one-pan dinner.
Recommended Cookware
A large, sturdy skillet or sauté pan is key for this recipe. A cast-iron skillet is great for browning the ground beef evenly. Or, a nonstick skillet makes cleanup easy.
Time-Saving Kitchen Gadgets
- A food processor can quickly chop onions and mince garlic, saving time.
- A cheese grater is handy for grating cheddar cheese on top.
- Measuring cups and spoons are crucial for the right ingredient amounts, ensuring great flavor.
Storage Solutions
After making your beef and noodle skillet meal or ground beef lo mein, you’ll need good storage. Use airtight glass or plastic containers. They keep leftovers fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making a tasty noodles with ground beef dish is easy with this recipe. It’s perfect for a cozy beef noodle recipe or a quick dinner. Follow this guide to cook a satisfying meal fast.
- Start by browning 1 pound of quality ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef as it cooks, ensuring it’s evenly browned.
- Once the beef is cooked through, add 1 chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook the mixture until the onions become translucent and the garlic releases its fragrance, about 3-5 minutes.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the beef and onion mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Gradually pour in 2 cups of beef broth, continuously stirring to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in 8 ounces of cooked egg noodles to the skillet, gently tossing to mix the noodles with the beef and sauce. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and have absorbed the flavors.
- Finally, stir in 4 ounces of cubed cream cheese and 1-½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Your delicious noodles with ground beef are now ready to serve! Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Savor this hearty and comforting beef noodle dish on any evening of the week.
How to Make the Perfect Beef Gravy
Make your ground beef pasta or beef mince noodles even better with a rich beef gravy. Getting the right consistency and fixing common gravy problems are crucial. They help make a sauce that elevates your dish.
Achieving the Right Consistency
For a thick, velvety gravy, keep some of the fat from the ground beef. This fat adds richness. Mix 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour into the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes. This makes a roux that thickens the gravy.
Gradually pour in 2 cups of beef broth, stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens as you like. If it’s too thick, add more broth. If it’s too thin, simmer longer to reduce it.
Troubleshooting Common Gravy Issues
- Lumpy Gravy: Whisk the flour well to avoid lumps. If lumps form, strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.
- Thin Gravy: Simmer it longer to thicken. Or, mix flour with cold water to make a slurry, then whisk it into the gravy.
- Overly Thick Gravy: Stir in more beef broth to thin it out to the right consistency.
Season the gravy with salt and black pepper to your liking. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can also elevate the flavor. With practice, you’ll master making the perfect beef gravy for your dishes.
Variations and Customization Options
The ground meat noodle dish is super versatile. You can make it your own by adding different veggies. Try adding diced tomatoes, corn, peas, mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach for extra nutrition and texture. For a hidden veggie boost, grate in some zucchini or carrots.
Want a creamier beefy noodle casserole? Stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese. This adds a rich, indulgent flavor. You can also try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a unique taste.
For an Asian twist, use soy sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce. This gives the dish a savory-sweet flavor. Top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced green onions for a burst of freshness.
This recipe is all about being creative. Incorporate your family’s favorite ingredients to make it truly unique. With a few tweaks, you can turn this ground meat noodle dish into a meal everyone will enjoy.
Tips for Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Enjoying your pasta with ground beef sauce or beef and noodle skillet meal is even better with the right storage and reheating. Here are a few tips to ensure your leftovers stay fresh and delicious.
Proper Storage Methods
Keep leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them. Cooked dishes can last 3-5 days. For longer, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Guidelines
Reheating your leftovers is simple. Add beef broth or milk to the pasta and sauce before heating. This keeps the sauce moist. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently, until it’s heated through.
If frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. These tips will help you enjoy your pasta and skillet meal for days.
Asian-Inspired Ground Beef Noodle Version
Try this Asian twist on the classic ground beef and noodle dish. It’s a flavorful, authentic-tasting lo mein that will impress your taste buds.
Swap Worcestershire sauce for soy sauce to add a savory, umami-rich depth. Add freshly grated ginger and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for more Asian flavors. Choose lo mein or thin egg noodles instead of the usual egg noodles.
Incorporate a vibrant assortment of vegetables, such as bok choy, julienned carrots, and fresh bean sprouts. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a visually appealing and flavorful dish.
This ground beef lo mein version brings a fun Asian twist to the classic noodles with ground beef recipe. Your family will love it and ask for more.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb (90% lean) |
| Lo mein noodles | 8 oz |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Hoisin sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh ginger, grated | 1 tablespoon |
| Toasted sesame oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Bok choy, thinly sliced | 2 cups |
| Carrots, julienned | 1 cup |
| Bean sprouts | 1 cup |
| Sesame seeds | 2 tablespoons |
| Green onions, chopped | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information and Health Benefits
Your ground beef pasta or beef noodle recipe is not just tasty. It’s also good for you. A serving has about 471 calories, 34g carbs, 27g protein, and 25g fat.
Beef is packed with nutrients. It has all nine essential amino acids for muscle repair and growth. A 3-ounce serving of cooked beef gives you 50% of your daily protein needs.
Make it healthier by using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. This adds more fiber and complex carbs. You can also add veggies like bell peppers, onions, or spinach for more nutrients and fiber.
Nutritional Breakdown:
- Protein: Beef is a complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids.
- Iron: Beef is an excellent source of iron, which is crucial for oxygen transport and red blood cell production.
- B Vitamins: Beef is rich in B vitamins, including B12, niacin, and riboflavin, which support energy metabolism and nervous system function.
Adding this ground beef pasta or beef noodle recipe to your meals is a great choice. It’s a tasty and nutritious dinner that will keep you full and energized.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
When you serve your tasty noodles with ground beef, adding side dishes can make the meal even better. You can choose from fresh veggies to warm carbs. This way, you can make a dinner that’s both filling and enjoyable.
Vegetable Pairings
Steamed broccoli, green beans, or a mix of veggies are great sides. They complement the hearty noodles and beef perfectly. A simple salad with your favorite dressing is also a great choice.
Garnish Ideas
- Fresh parsley or green onions bring both vibrant color and added flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes add a savory touch.
- A spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt provides a creamy touch to finish.
This noodles with ground beef dish is very flexible. You can pick sides that your family loves. Whether it’s a light salad or a hearty starch, it’s sure to be a hit.
Next time you make this ground beef spaghetti recipe, add some tasty sides. Your taste buds and family will love it!
Conclusion
This easy noodles with ground beef recipe is perfect for quick meals. It’s simple, affordable, and tastes great. It’s a favorite for busy families because it’s versatile and can be made in different ways.
Looking for a budget-friendly comfort food or a kid-friendly dinner? This beef noodle recipe is it. The ground beef, sauce, and noodles make a dish everyone loves. It’s quick to make and leftovers can be stored, making it a staple in your meal planning.
Enjoy the rich flavors of this ground beef pasta dish on busy weeknights. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can make a delicious meal fast. This recipe is a must-have for anyone who loves to cook but is short on time.
FAQ
How long does it take to make this ground beef and noodles recipe?
This cheesy Beef and Noodles recipe is quick. It only takes 15 minutes to prepare. It’s great for busy weeknights.
What are the key ingredients in this ground beef noodle dish?
The main ingredients are ground beef, wide egg noodles, and beef broth. You’ll also need heavy cream, sharp cheddar cheese, onion, garlic, and spices like garlic powder and onion powder. Ground sage is also used.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, it’s a budget-friendly comfort food. It’s a great choice instead of expensive Hamburger Helper.
Can I customize this beef and noodles recipe?
Absolutely! You can add different vegetables or try different cheeses. You can even give it an Asian twist with soy sauce and lo mein noodles.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. For freezing, use a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a bit of beef broth or milk to thin the sauce.
What are the nutritional benefits of this beef and noodles dish?
A serving has about 471 calories, 34g carbs, 27g protein, and 25g fat. It’s rich in iron and B vitamins from the beef.
What are some good side dish options to serve with this beef and noodles recipe?
Serve it alongside steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans. A fresh garden salad also goes well with it.