Ground Beef And Noodle Skillet
Highlighted under: Cozy Recipes
I absolutely love whipping up this Ground Beef and Noodle Skillet when I’m short on time but want something hearty and satisfying. The combination of tender beef, perfectly cooked noodles, and flavors that meld together creates a dish that my whole family looks forward to. It’s not only quick to prepare but also uses ingredients that I usually have on hand. Each bite is a comforting reminder of home-cooked meals, effortlessly bringing everyone to the dinner table.
When I first tried this Ground Beef and Noodle Skillet, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. In just about 30 minutes, I had a satisfying meal that underscored the beauty of one-pan cooking. The hearty ingredients meld perfectly, creating a rich, savory flavor that warms the soul. The key is in browning the beef well before adding in your noodles, as it intensifies the flavor profile.
I've experimented with different spices and vegetables over time, but I always return to the classic combination of beef, onions, and a touch of soy sauce. The noodles absorb the delicious juices, making each bite a flavor-packed adventure. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, which is always a win in my kitchen!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights
- One-pan meal minimizes cleanup
- Rich and satisfying, with flavor-packed noodles
- Customizable with your favorite veggies and spices
Cooking Technique Insights
When browning the ground beef, achieving that deep, caramelized color is essential for layering flavor in this dish. Cook it over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spatula. Look for that brown crust to form; it usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan which can lower the temperature and cause steaming instead of browning; if necessary, brown the beef in batches.
The addition of onion and garlic at the start not only provides a fragrant base but also enhances the overall savory profile of the dish. Sauté them until they are translucent, typically around 3-4 minutes. This creates a sweet, aromatic foundation that pairs beautifully with the umami flavors from the soy and Worcestershire sauces later on.
Ingredient Variations and Customization
This recipe is quite forgiving and allows for many customizations. For example, if you don’t have egg noodles on hand, you can substitute them with any pasta you prefer. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as thicker pastas may require slightly longer to become tender. Make sure to adjust the liquid slightly based on the pasta type to prevent the dish from becoming too soupy.
For a healthy twist, consider adding greens like spinach or kale towards the end of cooking. They need just a few minutes to wilt down, enhancing the dish's nutritional value without overwhelming its flavor. If spice is your thing, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish, adding a nice kick without overpowering the savory notes.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for a delicious meal:
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Now that you have everything ready, let’s move on to the cooking steps!
Instructions
Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked skillet dish:
Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened. Add the ground beef, cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Add Ingredients
Stir in the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and mixed vegetables. Bring to a simmer.
Cook the Noodles
Add the egg noodles to the skillet, stir to combine. Cover and let cook for about 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
Enjoy your hearty Ground Beef and Noodle Skillet!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, experiment with different seasonings like paprika or Italian herbs. You can also substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This Ground Beef and Noodle Skillet makes excellent leftovers! After allowing it to cool, store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, consider adding a splash of beef broth or water to keep the noodles from drying out, as pasta can continue to absorb moisture even after cooking.
If you're looking to extend its life, you can freeze the cooked dish for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a little liquid as needed to regain the original texture, stirring frequently until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
This skillet dish is quite filling on its own but pairs wonderfully with a light side salad or steamed greens to balance the richness. Consider a simple vinaigrette to add freshness, or even garlic bread for a comforting touch. If you're having guests over, serving this dish family-style in the skillet allows everyone to dig in together, making dining more fun and communal.
For a fun twist, you could serve this beef and noodle mix in lettuce cups, turning them into a trendy and lower-carb option. Just spoon the skillet mixture into the center of each leaf and enjoy. This makes for a fresh, crunchy contrast to the savory filling while also providing an interesting presentation.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of noodles?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute egg noodles with any pasta of your choice, just adjust cooking time as necessary.
→ How can I make this dish healthier?
You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, and reduce the amount of salt used.
→ Can I prep this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and vegetable mixture ahead of time and add the noodles just before serving.
→ What should I serve with this skillet?
This dish is filling on its own, but you could serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Ground Beef And Noodle Skillet
I absolutely love whipping up this Ground Beef and Noodle Skillet when I’m short on time but want something hearty and satisfying. The combination of tender beef, perfectly cooked noodles, and flavors that meld together creates a dish that my whole family looks forward to. It’s not only quick to prepare but also uses ingredients that I usually have on hand. Each bite is a comforting reminder of home-cooked meals, effortlessly bringing everyone to the dinner table.
Created by: Cressida Northwood
Recipe Type: Cozy Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened. Add the ground beef, cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Stir in the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and mixed vegetables. Bring to a simmer.
Add the egg noodles to the skillet, stir to combine. Cover and let cook for about 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, experiment with different seasonings like paprika or Italian herbs. You can also substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 640mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 25g