French Onion Beef and Noodles is a comforting dish that warms both the heart and the belly. I remember my grandmother making a similar recipe for special family dinners. The savory aroma of beef simmering with onions would fill the house, making everyone eager to sit down and enjoy a meal together. People love this kind of recipe because it is hearty, delicious, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Plus, it’s easy to make, which means you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. If you want a dish that combines rich flavors with simple steps, you’ll want to try French Onion Beef and Noodles.
Why Make This Recipe
What makes French Onion Beef and Noodles special? For starters, this recipe is a fantastic way to bring everyone together at the dinner table. The blend of tender beef and flavorful broth creates a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy. You will love how the beef simmers in savory onion soup, creating a rich taste that fills your home with warmth.
This dish is also incredibly easy to prepare. Most of the ingredients are simple and can be found in your pantry or local grocery store. You get to use only one skillet, which means less messy cleanup afterward! Families appreciate that it’s filling and comforting, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It truly feels like a warm hug on a plate.
How to Make French Onion Beef and Noodles
Making French Onion Beef and Noodles is a straightforward process that results in a delicious meal. Start by gathering all your ingredients together. You’ll be cooking in a large skillet, so it’s handy to have everything in one place.
First, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. This will get the pan nice and hot, so the beef can sear properly. Add in the beef stew meat and sear it until browned on all sides. This step is crucial, as it locks in the flavors and gives the meat that wonderful crust.
Once your beef is browned, sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The spices create an amazing aroma that will make your mouth water! Feel free to stir everything gently so that the beef is well-coated in the spices.
Now it’s time to add the French onion soup and beef broth in. Give it a good stir to mix everything together. Watch as the soup blends nicely with the broth and starts to simmer.
You will then cover the skillet and let it cook for about an hour. During this time, the beef will become tender and soak up all the fantastic flavors.
While the beef cooks, you can prepare the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Cooking the noodles separately helps ensure they remain perfectly tender.
Once your beef is fork-tender, stir in the cooked egg noodles. This is where the magic happens! The noodles absorb some of that tasty broth, creating a comforting dish that you will love to serve.
Finally, dish out the French Onion Beef and Noodles into bowls. You will enjoy the warm steam rising as it hits the table. Serve it up and enjoy every last bite!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious meal:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This oil is great for cooking. It helps to sear the beef and adds a nice richness to the flavor.
- 1 pound beef stew meat: This cuts of beef become very tender when cooked slowly, making them perfect for this recipe. You can also use chuck roast cut into chunks.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a deep onion flavor without needing to chop onions! It’s a time-saver.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: This gives a lovely depth of flavor to your dish, making it extra special.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Basic seasonings that enhance the flavors of your ingredients.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) French onion soup: This is the star of the dish! It provides a rich onion flavor and creates a delicious broth.
- 3 cups beef broth: Adds extra moisture and depth to the dish. You can use low-sodium broth for a healthier option.
- 12 ounces egg noodles: These noodles are perfect because they hold the sauce well and add a comforting texture to each bite.
If you have dietary needs, you can use gluten-free noodles or low-sodium versions of the broth and soup for a healthier choice.
Directions
Let’s break down the steps to make this dish easy and fun!
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Heat the Olive Oil: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a large skillet. Turn the heat to medium-high. Wait a minute for it to get hot. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to shimmer.
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Sear the Beef: Add 1 pound of beef stew meat into the skillet. Make sure not to crowd the pan; otherwise, it may steam instead of brown. Cook it until it’s brown on all sides. This step takes about 5-7 minutes. Browning the meat gives it flavor!
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Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and add salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything gently to coat the beef with those spices.
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Pour in the Soups: Now, pour in one can of French onion soup and 3 cups of beef broth. Stir it well to combine. The broth should cover the beef quite well.
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Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling lightly, cover the skillet. Let it cook for about 1 hour. Sometimes you can peek in to see how it’s doing! The beef will become very tender and flavorful.
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Cook the Noodles: While waiting for the beef, you can cook the 12 ounces of egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them well when they’re done and set aside.
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Combine Everything: Once the beef is tender, stir in the cooked egg noodles. Make sure to mix them well so every noodle gets covered in that tasty broth!
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Serve: Scoop the French Onion Beef and Noodles into bowls. If you want, you can sprinkle a little extra seasoning or a bit of cheese on top before serving. Enjoy your warm, comforting meal!
How to Serve French Onion Beef and Noodles
French Onion Beef and Noodles can be enjoyed in many ways. It’s a wonderful dish for cozy weeknight dinners. You can also serve it during family gatherings or even casual get-togethers with friends.
For pairing, a simple garden salad or steamed vegetables complement the richness of this dish nicely. You can also serve it with crusty bread for dipping, perfect for soaking up that delicious broth. For drinks, warm apple cider, homemade lemonade, or even a soft drink works well.
If you want to feel fancy, consider topping each bowl with freshly grated cheese before serving to give it a gourmet touch!
How to Store French Onion Beef and Noodles
If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s hard not to enjoy every bite!), you can store them for later. Place the cooled dish in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
If you want to freeze it, make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. This helps prevent freezer burn. It’s best to eat frozen leftovers within 2-3 months for the best quality.
When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, simply reheat in a pot on the stove over medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through. If it’s too thick, you can add a little water or broth to loosen it up. Enjoy the comforting aroma all over again!
Tips to Make French Onion Beef and Noodles
Getting the best results comes with a bit of love and attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips:
- Don’t rush the browning: Be patient while you sear the beef. Brown it well, as this adds flavor to the dish.
- Taste as you go: Before you serve, take a taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Everyone’s taste is different!
- Use freshly cooked noodles: Make sure to cook the noodles just before you add them to the beef for the best texture.
- Experiment with toppings: If you love cheese, try adding shredded cheese on top as you serve for a delicious addition!
Variation
This recipe can be easily tweaked to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
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Different Meats: You can use chicken or turkey breast for a lighter option. Just adjust the cooking time since these proteins cook faster than beef.
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Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add in some vegetables like carrots or peas for added nutrition and color. Toss them in while the beef is simmering so they cook through nicely.
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Gluten-Free: To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap out the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta and check that your broth and soup are labeled gluten-free.
With these variations, your French Onion Beef and Noodles can be customized to your liking!
FAQs
Q: Can I make French Onion Beef and Noodles ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day or two in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving. The flavors will even deepen as it sits!
Q: What’s the best way to reheat it?
The best way to reheat it is on the stove. Add a little broth or water if it’s thick, and warm it on low heat until heated through. This keeps the noodles from going mushy.
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well. Swiss cheese, provolone, or even cheddar would be delicious on top!
Now, the next time you’re looking for a delicious and easy family meal, give this French Onion Beef and Noodles a try. With its comforting flavors and easy steps, it’s bound to become a favorite!
Print
French Onion Beef and Noodles
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting dish that combines tender beef, savory onion soup, and egg noodles, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound beef stew meat
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) French onion soup
- 3 cups beef broth
- 12 ounces egg noodles
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the beef stew meat and sear until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring gently to coat the beef.
- Pour in the French onion soup and beef broth, stirring to combine.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet and let cook for about 1 hour until the beef is tender.
- While the beef cooks, prepare the egg noodles according to the package instructions.
- Once the beef is fork-tender, stir in the cooked egg noodles until well coated with the broth.
- Serve the French Onion Beef and Noodles warm in bowls, optionally topped with cheese.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free noodles and verify that the broth and soup are gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: beef, noodles, comfort food, family dinner, easy recipes