Easy Beef and Noodles (One-Skillet Comfort Food in 30 Minutes)

A quick and cozy one-skillet dinner made with tender ground beef, hearty egg noodles, and a rich Easy Beef and Noodles homemade gravy—perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting and nostalgic.

Why You’ll Crave This Beef and Noodles Again and Again

Few things rival the heartwarming taste of a classic beef and noodles recipe. For me, it’s the ultimate cozy dinner—simple, satisfying, and soul-soothing. This easy ground beef and noodles combo has saved countless dinners in our house, and I promise it’ll earn a spot in your weekly rotation.

Here’s why:

• Comfort food at its finest – It’s the kind of dish that tastes like a hug from grandma.
• 30-minute dinner win – No stress, no fuss—perfect for busy families.
• Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples and affordable ground beef.
• Kid-approved – Even picky eaters ask for seconds.
• One-pan magic – Aside from boiling the noodles, everything comes together in one skillet.
• From-scratch gravy – No canned soup, just real flavor you’ll taste in every bite.

Whether you’re a beginner cook or just need something quick and hearty, this one’s a keeper.

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep: 5 minutes
• Cook: 25 minutes
• Total: 30 minutes
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

All you need are a few everyday ingredients:

• 8 oz egg noodles (about 4 cups uncooked)
• 1 lb ground beef (90% lean recommended)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2½ cups beef broth
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

How to Make Easy Beef and Noodles

Here’s how to make this homestyle dinner in just a few easy steps:

1. Boil the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente (about 7–9 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Pro Tip: Save ¼ cup of pasta water—it’s great for loosening the sauce if needed.

2. Brown the Beef and Onions

While the noodles cook, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 6–7 minutes.

If using 90% lean beef, you can skip draining—it keeps the gravy flavorful.

3. Add Garlic and Seasoning

Reduce heat to medium. Stir in minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Make the Gravy

Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and stir well to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.

Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.

5. Simmer Until Thickened

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally for 5–7 minutes until the gravy thickens.

💡 If too thick, stir in a bit of reserved pasta water or extra broth.

6. Combine with Noodles

Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the beefy gravy. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

7. Serve & Enjoy

Remove from heat, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Approximate values:

• Calories: 425
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 40g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fiber: 2g

Helpful Tips & Tasty Variations

✔️ Pro Cooking Tips

• Brown the beef well – It deepens the flavor of your gravy.
• Season in layers – A pinch of salt while browning, then more at the end ensures depth.
• Make it creamier – Stir in ¼ cup sour cream or cream cheese for a rich, velvety finish.
• Balance the texture – Reserve a splash of pasta water to adjust gravy consistency if needed.

🔄 Flavorful Variations

• Add Veggies: Toss in frozen peas, carrots, or corn during the last few minutes.
• Mushroom Lovers: Sauté mushrooms with onions for an earthy flavor boost.
• Make it Green: Stir in fresh spinach just before serving—it wilts beautifully into the sauce.
• Swap the Pasta: Use rotini, penne, or even mashed potatoes or rice if you’re out of egg noodles.
• Try Ground Turkey or Chicken: Lighten it up with leaner meats—just add a bit of oil or butter for richness.

What to Serve with Beef and Noodles

Round out your meal with one of these easy pairings:

🍞 Breads

• Garlic bread
• Buttery dinner rolls
• Flaky homemade biscuits

🥦 Veggies

• Steamed green beans
• Roasted carrots
• Simple salad with vinaigrette

🥤 Drinks

• Red wine (Merlot or Pinot Noir)
• Sweet tea with lemon
• Warm apple cider in colder months

Leftovers & Storage

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to rehydrate the sauce.
• Freeze: Best to freeze just the beef and gravy—add fresh noodles when serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?

Yes! Prep the beef and gravy up to 2 days in advance. Just boil fresh noodles and combine when ready.

What if my gravy is too runny?

Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water. Stir into the simmering gravy until thickened.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and swap the flour for a GF flour blend or half the amount of cornstarch. Check that your broth and Worcestershire are gluten-free too.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! It doubles well—just use a larger skillet or Dutch oven and increase broth slightly to keep everything saucy.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Beef and Noodles recipe is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a nostalgic, hearty dish that brings people together. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want something warm and cozy after a long day, this meal delivers every time.

Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your experience in the comments—or tag me with your twist on social media.

Happy cooking and comfort food cravings!