Mom’s Old-Fashioned Beef & Noodles: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Chunks of tender beef tossed with thick, hearty egg noodles in a rich, savory beef gravy. My Mom’s old-fashioned Beef & Noodles is the epitome of pure comfort food, a dish that truly warms the soul and evokes cherished memories!
A Timeless Family Favorite: The Allure of Beef & Noodles
This recipe for Beef & Noodles holds a very special place in my heart, transcending the simple definition of a meal to become a cherished memory from my childhood. It was, without a doubt, one of my absolute favorite dishes growing up. The sheer delight of hearing my mom announce, “Beef & Noodles!” when I’d ask what was for dinner instantly brought a wave of warmth and excitement. The most challenging part was always the agonizing wait until it was finally time to gather around the table and enjoy!
To me, this hearty dish absolutely radiates COMFORT in every sense of the word. Imagine thick, perfectly cooked egg noodles, generously enveloped in a deeply flavorful, luscious gravy. This isn’t just any gravy; it’s a rich, slow-cooked masterpiece born from patiently simmering tender chunks of beef, aromatic onions, and crisp celery in a robust beef stock. Every single spoonful delivers a harmonious blend of textures and savory tastes that instantly transport me back to my mom’s bustling kitchen, filled with laughter and the comforting aroma of home-cooked goodness.
This classic American dish has been passed down through generations in countless families, and for good reason. It’s simple, incredibly satisfying, and evokes a feeling of nostalgia that few other meals can match. Whether it’s a chilly autumn evening or a bustling weeknight, a bowl of Beef & Noodles promises a hearty, heartwarming experience for everyone at the table.
Revisiting a Classic: Giving This Recipe a Fresh Look
I originally shared this beloved recipe in May of 2014, and it has remained a steadfast staple in my kitchen and a perennial favorite among my wonderful readers. As I recently decided to create a helpful recipe video to visually guide you through the preparation of this simple and satisfying dish, I felt it was the perfect opportunity to give the written recipe a little “facelift.” This updated version aims to provide even clearer instructions, enhanced details, and a renewed appreciation for this enduring classic, making it even easier for you to recreate these comforting flavors and build your own cherished memories in your home.
The Noodle Choice: Homemade vs. Store-Bought Options
My passion for making my own homemade egg noodles has blossomed into a delightful obsession, a culinary activity I’ve enjoyed since I was a child. When I recently prepared this Beef & Noodles recipe, I eagerly decided to use my very own homemade egg noodles, and the results were nothing short of a total game-changer! The superior texture, the rich, fresh flavor, and the undeniable satisfaction of knowing they were made from scratch elevate this beloved dish to an entirely new echelon of deliciousness. If you possess a little extra time and a desire to truly impress, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try your hand at making them.
However, please do not let the idea of crafting homemade noodles deter or intimidate you from making this incredible meal. While homemade noodles offer a special touch, this dish is still absolutely fantastic and perfectly delicious with high-quality store-bought options. My personal recommendations for store-bought noodles include frozen egg noodles, which often have a wonderful chewiness similar to fresh pasta, or good quality dried egg noodles. The crucial factor is to select a thick, sturdy egg noodle that can bravely stand up to the rich gravy and tender beef, absorbing all those incredible, savory flavors without becoming mushy. Whether you choose to embark on the homemade noodle journey or opt for the convenience of store-bought, you are guaranteed a truly satisfying and comforting culinary experience.
I mean… just LOOK at that perfect, mouth-watering bite! The fall-apart tender beef, the hearty noodles, and that luscious, flavor-packed gravy – it’s an utterly irresistible combination that promises pure culinary bliss!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Beef & Noodles
Crafting this incredible Beef & Noodles dish relies on a handful of simple, readily available, and wholesome ingredients that miraculously transform into a symphony of rich flavors. The inherent beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward nature, allowing the quality and essence of each component to truly shine through. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create this comforting masterpiece:
- Egg Noodles: These are the undeniable heart and soul of our dish! Whether you choose to make them from scratch, opt for convenient frozen egg noodles, or use high-quality dried varieties, ensure they are thick and robust enough to stand up to the hearty gravy.
- Beef Stew Meat: For the most tender and flavorful results, I recommend using a good quality beef stew meat. Chuck roast, cut into roughly 1-inch pieces, works exceptionally well as its marbling contributes to incredible tenderness and rich flavor after slow simmering.
- Celery: Diced celery adds a subtle, refreshing aromatic note and a pleasant textural contrast to the dish, contributing to the overall depth of flavor.
- Onion: A medium chopped onion is absolutely essential for building a deep, savory foundation for our gravy. As it softens and cooks down, it imparts a natural sweetness and complexity.
- Beef Stock: This is the lifeblood of our gravy, providing the necessary liquid for simmering and infusing the entire dish with a profound beefy flavor. I suggest using a good quality, low-sodium beef stock to allow you to control the seasoning precisely.
- Cornstarch: This is our secret weapon for achieving that perfectly thick, glossy, and luxurious gravy consistency. When mixed with cold water, it forms a slurry that binds all the delicious flavors together.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple yet utterly crucial for seasoning. Don’t be timid with these staples, but remember to taste as you go and adjust according to your preference. Freshly ground black pepper adds a wonderful aromatic kick.
You’ll find the complete printable recipe card with exact measurements, detailed instructions, and nutritional information conveniently located at the very bottom of this post. But before you dive into the full recipe, let’s walk through the incredibly simple and rewarding steps to bring this comforting meal to life, with a few accompanying photos to guide you along the culinary journey.
Simple Steps to Stovetop Perfection: A Detailed Guide
The process of preparing this comforting Beef & Noodles dish on the stovetop is wonderfully straightforward, promising maximum flavor with minimal culinary fuss. To begin your journey, ensure you have all your ingredients prepped and ready, along with a large, heavy-bottomed pot. This vessel will be the stage where all the delicious magic unfolds.
Step 1: Combine Ingredients for Simmering. First, gently place the bite-sized chunks of beef stew meat, the aromatic chopped onions, and the crisp diced celery directly into your large pot on the stove. A quick note on browning the beef: while some recipes suggest browning the beef beforehand to add extra depth, I often choose to omit this step to save precious time. The beauty of this recipe is that even without initial browning, the beef becomes incredibly tender and flavorful from the slow simmer. Feel free to brown it if you desire, but know that delicious results are achievable either way.
Step 2: Add Liquid and Simmer. Next, carefully pour in the beef stock, ensuring that the meat and vegetables are sufficiently covered. Now is the time to season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients and seasonings evenly. Once stirred, cover the pot tightly with its lid and let the mixture simmer gently over low to medium-low heat. This crucial slow simmering process is what allows the beef to become incredibly tender and for all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich, cohesive base for our dish. You’ll want to continue simmering until both the meat and vegetables are fork-tender, which typically takes about an hour, though it might extend a bit longer depending on the specific cut of beef you are using. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Thicken the Gravy and Add Noodles. Once your beef and vegetables have reached that coveted state of perfect tenderness, it’s time to create that signature rich and glossy gravy. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water until you achieve a smooth, lump-free slurry. Gradually pour this cornstarch mixture into the simmering pot, stirring continuously. You’ll observe the gravy thickening beautifully in just a matter of minutes, transforming into a luscious, coating sauce that perfectly clings to every piece of beef and vegetable. If, at this point, you had chosen to dredge your beef in flour earlier and browned it, your gravy would naturally be thicker and boast an even deeper color – but as mentioned, either path leads to deliciousness!
Finally, add your cooked egg noodles directly into the pot with the beef and gravy. If you are using frozen noodles, they can often be added directly to the simmering liquid to cook. If using dried or homemade noodles, ensure they are cooked al dente according to their package directions before adding them to the pot. Gently stir everything together, making sure the noodles are thoroughly coated with that incredible, flavor-packed sauce. Let it simmer for just a few more minutes to allow the noodles to fully absorb some of the gravy’s rich flavors. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed – a final pinch more salt or pepper can truly make all the difference. Serve hot, and prepare to indulge in this deeply comforting meal!
Effortless Comfort: Beef & Noodles in the Crockpot (Slow Cooker Method)
While I often enjoy the relatively quicker stovetop method for this dish, its incredible versatility shines through beautifully when adapted for a slow cooker. The Crockpot method offers an excellent “set it and forget it” solution, making it absolutely perfect for those busy days when you crave a hearty, home-cooked meal without the need for constant supervision. I’ve successfully prepared this dish using both methods, and each yields equally delicious, tender, and soul-satisfying results.
For the slow cooker version, the process couldn’t be simpler, allowing for maximum convenience. You simply combine the beef stew meat, the essential chopped onions, the refreshing diced celery, and the robust beef stock directly into the pot of your slow cooker. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste, then cover the pot and allow it to cook on low for approximately 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The goal is for the meat to become wonderfully tender, easily shredding with a fork. This prolonged, low-and-slow cooking process is truly magical; it allows the flavors to deepen intensely and the beef to transform into an incredibly succulent, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
When you return home, ready to enjoy your delicious dinner, simply prepare your chosen egg noodles according to their package directions (or cook your freshly made homemade noodles). While the noodles are cooking, you can easily thicken the gravy directly in the slow cooker by adding the cornstarch and water mixture, stirring gently until it reaches your desired rich consistency. Finally, gently stir in the cooked noodles, ensuring they are thoroughly combined with the tender beef and the luxurious gravy. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to let the noodles absorb the flavors, then serve hot. This method is not only fantastic for hands-off weeknight dinners but also excellent for meal prepping or ensuring a comforting, warm meal is waiting for you after a long, tiring day.
Regardless of whether you choose the traditional stovetop approach or the convenient Crockpot method, you absolutely have to experience this recipe for yourself! It’s guaranteed to become a cherished family favorite, bringing comfort and joy to your table time and time again.
Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations
This classic Beef & Noodles dish is wonderfully satisfying and often considered a complete meal on its own, given its hearty nature. However, it also pairs beautifully with a few simple accompaniments that can elevate the dining experience. A side of warm, crusty bread is absolutely perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible, rich gravy. For a touch of freshness and balance, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed green beans. These additions provide a delightful contrast to the richness of the main dish.
When it comes to variations, don’t be afraid to get creative! My husband, for instance, thoroughly enjoys topping his bowl with a generous dollop of sour cream for an extra creamy and tangy touch – a delightful suggestion that I’ve even included in the recipe notes! You could also experiment with adding other vegetables for additional depth and nutrition; sliced fresh mushrooms or carrots introduced during the simmering phase would be fantastic additions. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of dried thyme could further enhance the savory profile of the gravy. Feel free to customize this recipe to your family’s preferences and make it your own signature comfort food!
^PIN IT^ for Later! Don’t Miss Out on This Classic!
Don’t let this incredible recipe for Mom’s Old-Fashioned Beef & Noodles slip away! Make sure to Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board before you leave this page. That way, you can easily find it whenever that irresistible comfort food craving strikes, ensuring you’re always just a few steps away from a heartwarming, homemade meal!
Explore More Cherished Family Recipes
This comforting Beef & Noodles recipe is just one of many beloved dishes that I’ve proudly featured in my latest comprehensive round-up post. I’ve meticulously curated and brought together a heartwarming collection of all my Tried & True Family Recipes. This treasure trove of culinary delights encompasses generations of delicious, honest food and celebrates the heartwarming tradition of gathering around the family table, a practice I hold incredibly dear. These are more than just recipes; they are culinary heirlooms passed down to me from my mother, my grandmothers, and other cherished family members – recipes that have not only stood the test of time but continue to bring immense joy and satisfaction with every bite. I would be absolutely thrilled for you to take a moment to explore this collection and tell me which delicious recipe you’d be most excited to try first! You truly can’t go wrong with any of these time-tested, family-approved meals!
I sincerely believe it’s high time you experienced the magic of this incredible recipe for yourself. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a taste of home, a comforting embrace, and a hug for your soul that will leave you feeling nourished and content. I truly hope you find it as comforting, deeply satisfying, and joy-inducing as I have throughout all these wonderful years. Enjoy every delicious spoonful!
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Print Recipe
Beef & Noodles
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef stew meat (chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 – 14 ounce cans beef stock (approximately 3 1/2 cups)
- 2 1/2 cups celery diced (about 4-5 stalks)
- 1 medium onion chopped (about 1 cup)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup cornstarch dissolved in 1/4 cup cold water (for slurry)
- 2 – 12 ounce packages of Reames Frozen Homestyle Egg Noodles (or homemade/other thick egg noodles)
Instructions
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To a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the beef stew meat, beef stock, diced celery, and chopped onion. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
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Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and continue to simmer for about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and the vegetables are soft. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
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While the meat is simmering, prepare your egg noodles. If using frozen or dried noodles, cook them according to their package instructions until al dente. If making homemade egg noodles, prepare them as desired. Drain well and set aside.
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Once the meat is tender, re-whisk the cornstarch/water mixture (slurry) if it has settled. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering beef mixture, stirring constantly. The sauce will begin to thicken beautifully in just a few minutes, creating a rich, glossy gravy.
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Add the drained, cooked noodles directly into the pot with the thickened beef and gravy. Stir gently to combine thoroughly, ensuring all the noodles are coated with the delicious sauce. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the noodles to absorb the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
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Serve hot and enjoy! I love mine just as it is, but my hubby often tops his with a dollop of sour cream for an extra creamy twist!
Notes
Nutrition