French Onion Beef and Noodles
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Looking for a quick, hearty dinner? This French Onion Beef and Noodles recipe is the ultimate comfort food! Featuring tender beef, rich French onion soup, and egg noodles all cooked together in one pot, it’s a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s ready in under 45 minutes. Topped with crispy French fried onions and a cheesy, creamy sauce, this dish is sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 1 package egg noodles (8 oz)
- 1 can French onion soup (10.5 oz)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup crispy French fried onions
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat, seasoning with salt and pepper. Brown the beef on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set it aside.
- Cook the Noodles: In the same pot, add the beef broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 7-8 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking.
- Add the Soup and Sour Cream: Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the French onion soup and sour cream. Return the beef to the pot and mix everything together. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue cooking until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Top with Fried Onions: Just before serving, sprinkle crispy French fried onions on top for a satisfying crunch.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the French Onion Beef and Noodles hot, and enjoy this deliciously comforting meal!
Notes
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the beef stew meat and use sautéed mushrooms for a savory, vegetarian twist.
- Add Veggies: Stir in chopped carrots, peas, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
- Spicy Twist: Spice it up by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce when mixing in the sour cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of French onion soup, beef broth, and sour cream creates a deep, savory flavor profile.
- Quick to Make: With a total cook time of under 45 minutes, it’s a great option for a weeknight meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The crispy French fried onions on top add a satisfying crunch, and the cheesy, creamy sauce is irresistible.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 1 package egg noodles (8 oz)
- 1 can French onion soup (10.5 oz)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup crispy French fried onions
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat, seasoning with salt and pepper, and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set it aside.
- Cook the Noodles: In the same pot, add the beef broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually around 7-8 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking.
- Add the Soup and Sour Cream: Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the French onion soup and sour cream. Return the beef to the pot and mix everything together. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue to cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Top with Fried Onions: Just before serving, sprinkle the crispy French fried onions on top for added crunch and flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the French Onion Beef and Noodles hot, and enjoy this delicious, comforting dish!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the beef stew meat and substitute with sautéed mushrooms for a hearty, vegetarian alternative.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to stir in some chopped carrots, bell peppers, or peas for extra nutrition and color.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to bring some heat to the dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until warmed through. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute beef stew meat with ground beef or even chicken, though you may need to adjust the cooking time.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Can I use a different type of noodles?
While egg noodles work best, you can substitute with other pasta types like wide noodles, penne, or rotini.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce when mixing in the sour cream for a spicy kick.
Can I use homemade beef broth instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade beef broth will add even more richness to the dish. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to taste.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
Skip the beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add some sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to make it heartier.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this recipe freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely! If you love cheese, feel free to add more Parmesan or even some shredded mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy top.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting too soft?
Make sure not to overcook the noodles in the beef broth. Stir occasionally to keep them from sticking together.
Conclusion
This French Onion Beef and Noodles recipe is the perfect blend of comfort and flavor. It’s simple to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is ready in just about 45 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or craving a cozy meal, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a staple in your recipe book