French Onion Beef and Noodles

Introduction

French Onion Beef and Noodles is one of those comforting meals that brings everyone to the table. This dish combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with tender beef and creamy noodles. With its savory goodness, it’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a chilly evening. Whether you’re cooking for your family or having a cozy dinner with friends, this dish is sure to please.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to whip up French Onion Beef and Noodles. First, it’s incredibly easy to make. Even if you’re not a seasoned cook, you can follow along and create something delicious! Second, this recipe is perfect for weeknights when you want a hearty meal but don’t have too much time. Lastly, it’s a family favorite! Everyone, from kids to adults, loves the creamy noodles and flavorful beef. Plus, it feels like a special treat without a ton of effort. What’s not to love?

How to Make French Onion Beef and Noodles

Making French Onion Beef and Noodles is simple and fun. It involves basic cooking steps, and you’ll love how the flavors come together. Here’s how you do it!

Ingredients

1 lb beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 cups beef broth
1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 oz egg noodles
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Heat Olive Oil: Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This will help sear the beef nicely.
Brown the Beef: Add the beef stew meat to the skillet. Sprinkle some salt and pepper on it to season. Cook the beef until it’s browned all over, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
Sauté the Onions: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the thinly sliced onion. Sauté the onions until they turn golden and caramelized, stirring occasionally. This step is essential for bringing out the sweet flavor of the onions.
Combine Ingredients: Now you can add back the browned beef to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth and the can of French onion soup. Toss in the dried thyme as well. Bring everything to a boil, and then reduce the heat to let it simmer. Allow it to cook for 15-20 minutes or until the beef is nice and tender.
Cook the Noodles: While the beef simmers, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re done, drain the noodles.
Mix it All Together: After the beef has cooked to tenderness, add the drained egg noodles to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir in the shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese until it’s melted and creamy.
Serve and Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and added freshness.

How to Serve French Onion Beef and Noodles

French Onion Beef and Noodles is best served hot right from the skillet. You can put it in individual bowls and garnish each serving with more parsley if desired. It goes perfectly with crusty bread or a light salad on the side. This meal is filling, so you don’t need much alongside it!

How to Store French Onion Beef and Noodles

If you have leftovers (which is a big if because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in a skillet or in the microwave until it’s warm.

Tips to Make French Onion Beef and Noodles

Searing the Beef: Make sure you brown the beef well. This step adds a lot of flavor to the dish.
Caramelizing Onions: Take your time with the onions. The more they caramelize, the sweeter and richer the flavor will be.
Cheese Choices: You can use different cheeses based on your family’s preference. Cheddar could work just as well!

Variation

If you want to try something different, consider adding some mushrooms along with the onions for extra flavor. You could also swap out the egg noodles for another type like shells or bowtie pasta, depending on what you have handy.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! You can use chuck roast or even ground beef if that’s what you have. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Is there a vegetarian option?
Absolutely! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting beef with mushrooms or lentils and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is not spicy at all. It relies on the natural sweetness from the onions and the savory flavor of the broth. If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add some red pepper flakes!

Now you’re all set to enjoy this delicious French Onion Beef and Noodles! Happy cooking!