Easy Ground Beef and Noodles
This Ground Beef and Noodles recipe is the perfect busy weeknight dinner because everyone actually eats it, even the picky eaters! It’s creamy, cheesy, and comes together in just 30 minutes with stuff you probably already have.
Are you looking for more recipes to make with ground beef? Try our famous Baked Beans with Ground Beef, Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf, or Mini Meatloaf Muffins.
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Okay, real talk, this isn’t your grandma’s boring casserole or some fancy recipe that takes forever! This beef noodle dish is pure comfort food! It’s just plain old country cooking that hits the spot every single time! The best part is it’s way better than any boxed hamburger helper you’ve ever tried!
What you’ll love about this egg noodles recipe:
- QUICK & EASY – Perfect for busy weeknights and new moms, this recipe comes together in no time with simple ingredients.
- BUDGET FRIENDLY – Uses basic, affordable ingredients, making this homemade version easy on your wallet and way better than hamburger helper.
- FAMILY-FRIENDLY – The cheesy goodness and hearty ingredients make it a hit with both kids and picky eaters alike.
Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this delicious ground beef and noodles recipe:
- Extra wide egg noodles (you can use any kind of noodles you prefer)
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Bell peppers
- Cream cheese
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Beef broth
- Sour cream
- Worcestershire sauce
- Paprika
- Dried thyme (next time try adding italian seasoning for a different flavour)
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley
INGREDIENT NOTES:
- Ground Beef: Use lean beef to reduce grease and make the dish lighter. If you have leftover beef from another meal, you can use that too!
- Cream Cheese: Make sure to soften the cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother sauce. You could substitute with heavy cream for a different texture.
- Egg Noodles: Extra wide noodles work best as they hold the creamy sauce beautifully, but any kind of noodles work great for this recipe.
- Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded for the creamiest results and creates that rich gravy-like sauce.
How to make Ground Beef and Noodles step-by-step:
Check out the quick visual guides below. For full instructions and ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the end.
Step 1: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until almost browned and crumbly, about 6-8 minutes.
Step 2: Add diced onion and bell peppers to the tender ground beef. Cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
Step 3: Add garlic and cook for 45 seconds more until fragrant.
Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low and add softened cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
Step 5: Stir in cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
Step 6: Add paprika, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Step 7: Add cooked egg noodles to the skillet, stirring gently to combine.
Step 8: Stir in the sour cream and cheddar cheese; cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
Step 9: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
PRO TIP:
Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before adding it to the skillet. This prevents lumps and ensures a perfectly smooth, creamy sauce that coats every noodle beautifully!
Storage and Reheating:
Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It can be kept for up to 3 days.
Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or milk to loosen if dry. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until thoroughly warmed.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this recipe, as the creamy sauce may separate and change texture once thawed and reheated
Additions and Substitutions:
ADDITIONS:
- Vegetables: Add finely chopped mushrooms, carrots, or corn when cooking the onions and bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese: Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheese blend for variation.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme or dried oregano can add extra flavor depth.
- Extra Ground Beef: Double the meat if you want an even heartier meal!
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- Ground Beef: Use ground chicken, ground turkey, or ground pork for a different flavor profile. This recipe is similar to beef stroganoff but even easier!
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Substitute with cream of celery or cream of chicken soup.
- Egg Noodles: Use penne, rotini, or any pasta shape you prefer – any kind of noodles work great!
- Sour Cream: Greek yogurt can be substituted for a lighter option, and heavy cream works too for an ultra-rich sauce.
FAQs about this Beef Noodles Recipe:
Can I make this Ground Beef and Noodles ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare this dish up to 2 days ahead. Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While egg noodles work best, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just cook according to package directions.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling? Keep the heat at medium-low when adding dairy ingredients like cream cheese and sour cream. Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before adding to prevent lumps.
What can I serve with Beef and Noodles?
Serve these beef noodles with garlic bread, a side salad, steamed broccoli, or green beans for a complete dinner the whole family will love.
I’m excited for you to try this Ground Beef and Noodles! After you make it, please leave a rating to let me know your thoughts on it – I’m eager to hear if you loved it as much as we do! This is definitely one of those great recipes that belongs in every family’s dinner rotation!
Ground Beef and Noodles
Equipment
- 1 Skillet
Ingredients
- 6 ounces extra wide egg noodles or 8 ounces wide noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 (10.5 ounces) can cream of mushroom soup
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- Fresh parsley chopped for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.6 ounces extra wide egg noodles.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until almost browned and crumbly, about 6-8 minutes. Don't drain the fat yet.1 pound ground beef.
- Add diced onion and bell peppers to the tender ground beef. Cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are softened, drain excess fat if desired.1 medium onion,1 green bell pepper.
- Add garlic and cook for 45 seconds more until fragrant.3 cloves garlic.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add softened cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.8 ounces cream cheese.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.1 (10.5 ounces) can cream of mushroom soup,3/4 cup beef broth,1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.
- Add paprika, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika,1 teaspoon dried thyme,1/2 teaspoon garlic powder,1 teaspoon salt,1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Add cooked egg noodles to the skillet, stirring gently to combine.
- Stir in the sour cream and cheddar cheese; cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.1/2 cup sour cream,2 cups cheddar cheese.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.Fresh parsley.