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Mom’s Classic Beef & Noodles: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Indulge in a timeless culinary experience with Mom’s Old Fashioned Beef & Noodles, a dish that epitomizes comfort food. Picture tender chunks of beef, slow-simmered to perfection, enveloped in a rich, savory beef gravy, and tossed with thick, hearty egg noodles. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a cherished recipe that evokes feelings of home and nostalgia with every delicious bite.

The Heartwarming Taste of Home

For many, myself included, this Beef & Noodles recipe holds a special place in the heart. It was a staple of my childhood, one of those meals that instantly brought a smile to my face when I heard it was on the dinner menu. The anticipation of digging into a bowl of those thick egg noodles, luxuriating in a gravy made from the slow-cooked beef, onions, and celery, was almost unbearable. This dish doesn’t just satisfy hunger; it nourishes the soul, providing a sense of warmth and security that only true comfort food can.

The joy of a home-cooked meal often lies in its simplicity and the memories it creates. This recipe is a testament to that. It’s a culinary legacy passed down through generations, a dish that has consistently delivered happiness around the family table. First shared in 2014, this beloved recipe has been given a fresh look, ensuring its timeless appeal continues for new generations to discover and enjoy.

Elevate Your Meal with Homemade Egg Noodles

Homemade egg noodles add an unparalleled texture.

While this dish is incredibly satisfying with store-bought frozen or dried egg noodles, embracing the art of making your own homemade egg noodles truly elevates the experience. It’s a practice I’ve become utterly obsessed with, a delightful hobby that brings me back to my own upbringing. When I recently remade this recipe using my fresh, homemade noodles, it was nothing short of a game-changer. The texture, the way they absorb the rich gravy, and their chewiness are simply unmatched.

Just look at that forkful! The sheer visual appeal speaks volumes. Don’t let the thought of making noodles from scratch intimidate you; it’s simpler than you might think, and well worth the effort. However, if time is short, rest assured that this meal remains wonderfully comforting with quality frozen or even dry egg noodles. The key is the rich beef and flavorful gravy, which shines through no matter your noodle choice.

Key Ingredients for a Memorable Meal

Crafting this heartwarming Beef & Noodles dish requires just a few simple, wholesome ingredients. The magic truly lies in their combination and the slow cooking process that melds their flavors together.

Egg Noodles: The star alongside the beef. Whether homemade, frozen, or dry, ensure they are thick and sturdy enough to hold up to the rich gravy.
Beef Stew Meat: Opt for good quality beef stew meat, cut into uniform chunks for even cooking. Chuck roast, cut into cubes, is an excellent choice for its tenderness and flavor when slow-simmered.
Celery: Adds an essential aromatic base and subtle earthy notes to the gravy.
Onion: Another aromatic powerhouse, providing depth of flavor to the simmering beef and broth.
Beef Stock: The foundation of our flavorful gravy. Use a good quality beef stock or broth for the best results.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy, giving it that luxurious, clingy consistency.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors. Don’t be shy, but always taste and adjust.

The full, detailed recipe can be found in the recipe card below. But first, let’s walk through the incredibly simple steps to bring this classic dish to life in your kitchen.

Stovetop Method: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection

This stovetop method is straightforward, allowing the ingredients to slowly meld into a symphony of flavors.

Combine Ingredients: Begin by adding your beef stew meat, diced onions, and chopped celery into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Pour in the beef stock, ensuring the meat and vegetables are sufficiently submerged. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. These initial seasonings are crucial for building a strong flavor base.
Slow Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook. The goal is to allow the meat and vegetables to become incredibly tender, which typically takes about an hour, sometimes a bit longer depending on the beef cut. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors deepen and the beef becomes fall-apart tender.
Prepare Noodles: While your beef is simmering, prepare your egg noodles according to package directions. If you’re using homemade noodles, boil them until al dente. It’s best to cook them separately to avoid them becoming mushy in the gravy.
Thicken the Gravy: Once the beef and vegetables are fork-tender, create a cornstarch slurry by dissolving 1/4 cup of cornstarch in 1/4 cup of cold water. Gradually stir this mixture into the simmering beef and broth. Continue to stir gently over medium heat; you’ll notice the gravy thickening beautifully within a few minutes, achieving that perfect, velvety consistency.
Combine and Serve: Finally, drain your cooked noodles and add them directly to the thickened beef and gravy mixture. Toss gently to ensure every strand of noodle and every piece of beef is coated in that luscious sauce. Serve immediately and savor the incredible flavors.

Pro Tip: While some recipes suggest dredging and browning the beef before simmering, I often skip this step for a quicker, equally delicious result. The flavors develop beautifully through the slow simmer, and it gets this incredible dish onto the table even faster!

Effortless Comfort: Beef & Noodles in the Crockpot

While the stovetop version is a classic, this recipe is incredibly adaptable for your slow cooker, making it perfect for busy days when you crave a hearty, home-cooked meal without constant supervision. I’ve prepared it both ways, and both deliver exceptional results.

For the slow cooker method, simply combine the beef stew meat, chopped onions, celery, and beef stock in your crockpot. Season generously with salt and pepper. Set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is incredibly tender and easily pulls apart. When you return home and are ready to eat, cook your noodles separately according to package directions. Then, create a cornstarch slurry and stir it into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy. Finally, drain the cooked noodles and add them to the rich beef mixture, tossing to combine. The crockpot makes this comfort food even more effortless, allowing you to come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.

No matter which method you choose, stovetop or slow cooker, this Beef & Noodles recipe is a must-try. It promises to become a new family favorite, or perhaps reignite a cherished memory from your past.

Tips for the Best Beef & Noodles

To ensure your Beef & Noodles dish is nothing short of spectacular, consider these additional tips:

Quality Beef: Start with good quality beef stew meat. Chuck roast is ideal as it becomes wonderfully tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
Don’t Rush the Simmer: The key to tender beef and a deeply flavored gravy is patience. Let it simmer until the meat is truly fall-apart tender.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your gravy before thickening and serving. Adjust salt, pepper, or add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth if desired.
Noodle Choice Matters: While homemade are superb, if using store-bought, choose a high-quality, thick egg noodle that won’t disintegrate during cooking or when mixed with the gravy.
Serving Suggestions: This dish is hearty enough on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of mashed potatoes, crusty bread to soak up the gravy, or a simple green salad to cut through the richness.
Leftovers are Gold: Beef & Noodles often tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much.

Explore More Tried & True Family Recipes

^PIN IT^

Don’t forget to save this incredible recipe! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily find it whenever that comfort food craving strikes!

This heartwarming Beef & Noodles recipe is just one gem from my treasured collection of Tried & True Family Recipes. These are the dishes passed down through generations, created with love and designed to gather everyone around the family table. I’ve gathered them all in one convenient place for you to explore and enjoy. Take a look and let me know which comforting family favorite you’re eager to try first!

Now that we’ve covered all the details and tips, it’s time to dive into the recipe itself. I truly hope you find as much comfort and joy in preparing and savoring this dish as I have throughout the years. It’s more than just food; it’s a taste of home. Enjoy!

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Print Recipe

Beef & Noodles

Comfort food at its best. Tender chunks of beef, celery, and egg noodles.

Prep Time
5 mins

Cook Time
1 hr 55 mins

Total Time
2 hrs

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Beef & Noodles

Servings: 6-8

Calories: 643kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Ingredients

3 pounds beef stew meat
2 – 14 ounce cans beef stock
2 1/2 cups celery diced
1 medium onion chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup cornstarch dissolved in 1/4 water
2 – 12 ounce packages of Reames Frozen Homestyle Egg Noodles

Instructions

To a pan over medium heat, add beef, beef stock, celery, and onion. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Cover and simmer for about an hour, until the meat and veggies are tender. Stir occasionally.
While the meat cooks, prepare your egg noodles per the package instructions. Alternatively, make your own homemade egg noodles.
When the meat is tender, add the cornstarch/water mixture and stir. The sauce will thicken in just a few minutes.
Drain the cooked noodles and add them to the meat mixture, combining thoroughly.
I love mine just like it is, but my hubby tops it with sour cream!

Notes

**Note: If you are wanting to make this in your crockpot, simply cook the meat, broth, onions, and celery on low all day. Finish it up with your noodles when you’re ready to eat. Thicken as necessary.

Nutrition