Ground Beef and Egg Noodles: A Flavorful, Budget-Friendly Recipe
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When it comes to comfort food, few meals are as satisfying as a hearty plate of ground beef and egg noodles. This dish is simple, delicious, and incredibly budget-friendly, making it the perfect weeknight dinner option. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this meal checks all the boxes: it’s flavorful, quick to prepare, and uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. If you’re looking for a way to elevate your weeknight meals without breaking the bank, look no further than this ground beef and egg noodles recipe.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about making this dish, from the ingredients and preparation tips to serving suggestions and storing leftovers. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Egg Noodles
The excellence of this formula lies in its simplicity. You don’t need to hunt for obscure ingredients to create a delicious meal. Most of the items required are common staples that can be found at your local grocery store.
Essential Ingredients
- Ground Beef (1 lb): The heart of this dish, ground beef provides both protein and flavor. You can use lean ground beef for a healthier version, or regular ground beef for a richer taste.
- Egg Noodles (12 oz): Egg noodles are the perfect complement to ground beef, as they absorb the sauce beautifully. Feel free to swap them out for another pasta type if you prefer.
- Onion (1, diced): Adding a diced onion brings sweetness and depth to the dish. Sautéing it with garlic enhances its natural flavors.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Garlic provides a savory base that adds layers of flavor to your beef mixture.
- Tomato Paste (2 tbsp): Tomato paste is used to thicken the sauce, giving it a rich, savory taste that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Beef Broth (1 cup): Beef broth creates a flavorful sauce and adds moisture to the dish. You can opt for low-sodium beef broth if you’re watching your salt intake.
- Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the flavors of your ingredients. Adjust them to your taste.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Utilized for sautéing the onions and garlic, olive oil includes lavishness to the dish.
Optional Substitutions
- Ground Beef: If you want a lighter version, ground turkey or chicken works well as a substitute.
- Beef Broth: Vegetable broth can be used for a more neutral flavor, or if you’re looking for a vegetarian version, swap in vegetable broth and add some plant-based protein like lentils.
- Egg Noodles: Other types of pasta, like spaghetti or penne, can easily replace egg noodles if that’s what you have on hand.
Preparation Time and Cooking Time : (Ground Beef and Egg Noodles)
The total time required for this dish is only 30 minutes. This makes it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that still packs a lot of flavor. Here’s a breakdown of the time needed:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
This means you’ll be sitting down to a homemade, comforting meal in half an hour—perfect for busy nights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Ground Beef and Egg Noodles
Now that you have your fixings prepared, it’s time to put everything together. Follow these simple, straightforward steps to make your ground beef and egg noodles dish:
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by bubbling a huge pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add your egg noodles and cook them according to the package instructions (typically around 8 minutes). Drain the noodles, then set them aside while you prepare the beef mixture.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a huge skillet, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté it for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent and slightly soft. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground hamburger to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Utilize a spatula to break the meat into littler pieces as it cooks. Season the hamburger with a squeeze of salt and pepper. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 4: Add Tomato Paste and Beef Broth
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Cook it for approximately 1 diminutive to develop the flavor. At that point, include the 1 glass of hamburger broth and mix well to combine. Bring the blend to a stew, at that point diminish the warm to moo. Let it stew for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5 : Combine the Noodles and Meat Mixture
Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet with the hamburger blend. Delicately hurl everything together so that the noodles are well coated with the sauce and hamburger. Let it stew for an extra 2-3 minutes, permitting the noodles to splash up a few of the sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is combined, your ground beef and egg noodles dish is ready to serve! Spoon it onto plates and garnish with fresh parsley or grated cheese if desired. Appreciate this delightful, comforting dinner with your cherished ones!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a general idea of the nutritional breakdown for a serving of ground beef and egg noodles (this is based on the ingredients mentioned earlier):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 45g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 2g |
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Healthier Alternatives for Ground Beef and Egg Noodles
While this dish is already fairly balanced, there are ways to make it even healthier without sacrificing flavor:
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for 90% lean ground beef to cut down on fat.
- Substitute Whole Wheat Noodles: Whole wheat noodles provide more fiber and nutrients, making the dish more filling and healthy.
- Low-Sodium Beef Broth: If you’re looking to lower sodium, use low-sodium beef broth to reduce the salt content.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the beef mixture for added nutrients and color.
Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef and Egg Noodles
While ground beef and egg noodles are delicious on their own, pairing the dish with the right sides can take it to the next level:
- Serve with a Side Salad: A light, refreshing salad with vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the beef and noodles.
- Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for mopping up the flavorful sauce.
- Top with Grated Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan or cheddar cheese adds an extra layer of flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Cooking Ground Beef and Egg Noodles
To ensure your dish turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:
- Overcooking the Beef: Cook the beef just until it’s browned and no longer pink. Overcooking can make it dry and tough.
- Undercooking the Noodles: Be sure to cook the noodles until they’re tender but not mushy.
- Too Much Liquid: If the beef mixture becomes too watery, the noodles won’t absorb the sauce as well. Stick to the recommended amount of broth for a perfectly balanced consistency.
Storing Tips for Ground Beef and Egg Noodles
This dish stores well, making it great for meal prepping or saving leftovers for later:
- Refrigeration: Store any remains in an hermetically sealed holder in the cooler for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can solidify this dish for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat thoroughly in a skillet or microwave.
- Reheating: Add a splash of beef broth when reheating to help bring back the sauce’s rich consistency.
Conclusion
Ground beef and egg noodles is the epitome of comfort food. This recipe is perfect for those busy nights when you need something quick, affordable, and satisfying. It’s simple to make, stuffed with flavor, and can be customized to suit your tastes. So, next time you’re in need of a delicious weeknight meal, this dish should be at the top of your list!
Call to Action: Ready to try this hearty recipe? Give it a go tonight and let us know how it turns out in the comments below. Don’t forget to share the recipe with friends and family who might enjoy this flavorful, budget-friendly meal. Happy cooking!
FAQs About Ground Beef and Egg Noodles
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of egg noodles?
A1: Absolutely! Spaghetti, penne, or even fettuccine would work well as substitutes for egg noodles.
Q2: How can I make this dish spicier?
A2: Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
Q3: Can I prepare ground beef and egg noodles in advance?
A3: Yes! You can make the beef mixture and cook the noodles ahead of time. Store independently and combine when prepared to serve.