Name: French Onion Beef and Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb beef stew meat or ground beef; 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; 1 ½ cups beef broth; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening); 8 oz egg noodles (or any pasta of choice); Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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This French Onion Beef and Noodles recipe is a comforting and savory dish that brings together tender beef, rich caramelized onions, and hearty noodles, all coated in a creamy and flavorful sauce. It’s the ultimate cozy meal that combines the deliciousness of French onion soup with a filling pasta dish.Whether I’m in the mood for something quick to prepare or need a dish that’ll satisfy my hunger on a cold evening, this recipe never disappoints. It’s a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and creamy, and each bite feels like a warm hug. The beef adds a hearty touch while the onions bring that signature deep, umami flavor that’s hard to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a one-pot wonder that’s simple to make yet so full of flavor. The beef is tender, and the onions are perfectly caramelized, creating a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. The creamy sauce makes the noodles silky smooth, and the overall dish is comforting without being too heavy. Plus, it’s the kind of recipe that’s versatile – I can easily customize it based on what I have in my kitchen.

Ingredients

1 lb beef stew meat or ground beef
1 large onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1 ½ cups beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
8 oz egg noodles (or any pasta of choice)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the beef stew meat or ground beef to the pan. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking up the ground beef if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and any additional seasonings you like. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
If you’d like a thicker sauce, sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir it in. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, and it should thicken up.
Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Once the beef mixture has simmered and thickened, add the heavy cream to the pan. Stir to combine and let it simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes until the sauce is rich and creamy.
Add the cooked noodles to the beef mixture and toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce.
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 4 servings. It takes around 40-45 minutes from start to finish, including the time to caramelize the onions and cook the noodles.

Variations

If I want to change things up, I might try adding mushrooms to the mix for an extra savory flavor. Sometimes I even swap the beef for chicken, which works just as well with the creamy sauce. For a lighter option, I’ll use a low-fat cream or milk instead of heavy cream. Adding a sprinkle of cheese on top, such as Gruyère or Parmesan, can also elevate the dish for an even more indulgent experience.

Storage/Reheating

I like to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I simply pop it in the microwave for a couple of minutes or reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra broth or cream to bring it back to its creamy consistency. It’s just as tasty the second time around!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this dish actually reheats really well, so I like to make it ahead and store it in the fridge. Just be sure to add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to keep the sauce smooth.

What kind of beef is best for this recipe?

I prefer using beef stew meat for its tenderness when slow-cooked, but ground beef works just as well if I’m looking for something quicker and easier.

Can I make this dish without heavy cream?

If I don’t have heavy cream on hand, I’ve used a mixture of milk and a little butter to give it that creamy texture. It’s a great alternative if I’m looking to lighten it up a bit.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta I have on hand will work. Egg noodles are traditional, but I’ve used everything from penne to fusilli, and they all absorb the sauce beautifully.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

For a little heat, I add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. It’s an easy way to give it a spicy kick without overwhelming the dish.

Conclusion

French Onion Beef and Noodles is the kind of recipe I can always rely on for a hearty and flavorful meal. The caramelized onions, tender beef, and creamy sauce come together in a way that’s simply irresistible. It’s a comforting dish that’s easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to please. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy!