This French Onion Beef and Noodles recipe combines tender beef, caramelized onions, and egg noodles in a rich, savory sauce that’s comforting, satisfying, and perfect for any night of the week. Inspired by the classic flavors of French onion soup, this dish delivers bold taste with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food Perfection: The rich, savory flavors and hearty ingredients make it an ideal dinner choice.
- Simple to Make: Ready in under an hour, this is a quick meal for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different protein options or additional vegetables.
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash, as most of the cooking happens in one skillet.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Egg noodles
- Beef (such as sirloin or ground beef)
- Yellow onions
- Beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Flour (for thickening)
- Mozzarella or Gruyère cheese (optional for topping)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Caramelize the Onions: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed and cook the onions until deeply caramelized, stirring occasionally. This may take 15-20 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Add garlic to the skillet and sauté briefly. Sprinkle in flour and stir until absorbed. Gradually add beef broth while stirring, followed by Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked beef to the skillet, followed by the cooked noodles. Stir until everything is well-coated in the sauce.
- Optional Topping: If desired, sprinkle cheese over the top and broil until melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Add a layer of cheese and bake for a French onion casserole twist.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach, peas, or mushrooms for added nutrients.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free noodles and use cornstarch instead of flour.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second increments until heated through.
FAQs
What type of beef works best for this recipe?
Sirloin or ground beef are ideal options, but you can use chuck roast for a more tender, slow-cooked flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the recipe up to the point of combining everything, then refrigerate. Reheat and combine just before serving.
Is there a substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
Soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar can work as substitutes.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Penne, fettuccine, or rotini would also pair well with the sauce.
How do I caramelize onions faster?
Cook onions over medium-high heat and add a pinch of sugar to accelerate the caramelization process.
Can I freeze leftovers?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The sauce itself doesn’t contain any dairy.
What pairs well with this dish?
A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables makes an excellent side dish.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
Cook the noodles al dente and toss them with a bit of oil before combining them with the sauce.
Can I use pre-caramelized onions?
Yes, store-bought caramelized onions can save time if you’re in a hurry.
Conclusion
French Onion Beef and Noodles is a delectable and versatile dish that brings the comfort of classic flavors to your dinner table. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing recipe, this dish is sure to satisfy. Try it today and elevate your dinner routine with this savory delight!
PrintFrench Onion Beef and Noodles
This hearty and flavorful dish combines tender beef, caramelized onions, and egg noodles in a rich, savory French onion-inspired sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food for a cozy dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) beef stew meat or sirloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (1 liter) beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 12 oz (340 g) egg noodles
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (optional, for topping)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the beef:
- Toss the beef pieces with flour, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Caramelize the onions:
- In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil and sliced onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Make the sauce:
- Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook the noodles and beef:
- Add the seared beef back to the pot. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the beef is tender. Stir in the egg noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Optional cheese topping:
- If desired, sprinkle shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese over the dish. Cover and let it melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute egg noodles with your favorite pasta or mashed potatoes for a twist.
- For extra richness, stir in ¼ cup of sour cream or heavy cream before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.