Old Fashioned Beef and Noodles: A Comfort Food Classic
This recipe delivers a hearty, nostalgic bowl of Old Fashioned Beef and Noodles, perfect for a chilly evening or family gathering. We'll focus on creating a rich, flavorful beef broth and tender egg noodles, just like Grandma used to make. This isn't just a recipe; it's a journey back to simpler times and the comforting embrace of classic home cooking.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe provides ample servings, perfect for sharing or leftovers!
For the Beef:
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Noodles:
- 1 lb wide egg noodles (or your preferred noodle type)
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions: Building the Flavor Base
Searing the Beef:
- Season generously: Season beef cubes with salt and pepper.
- Sear for perfection: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef cubes in batches until nicely browned on all sides. This step adds incredible depth of flavor. Remove beef and set aside.
Sautéing the Vegetables:
- Aromatic foundation: Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Garlic infusion: Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Simmering the Beef:
- Return the beef: Add the seared beef back to the pot.
- Building the broth: Stir in beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until beef is very tender. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes.
Cooking the Noodles and Combining the Dish
- Cook the noodles: While the beef simmers, cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain well.
- Finishing touch: Stir in butter into the drained noodles.
- Combine and serve: Remove the bay leaf from the beef broth. Gently stir the cooked noodles into the beef and vegetable mixture. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley (optional).
Tips for an Extra Special Old Fashioned Beef and Noodles
- Slow Cooker Option: For ultimate ease, transfer the seared beef and vegetables to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Beef Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cuts of beef, such as chuck roast or short ribs. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Vegetable Enhancements: Add other vegetables like potatoes, mushrooms, or green beans for extra nutrition and flavor. Add them during the last hour of simmering.
- Herb Experimentation: Don't be afraid to customize the herbs. A dash of oregano or marjoram can complement the other flavors beautifully.
Enjoy Your Bowl of Comfort!
This Old Fashioned Beef and Noodles recipe is a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, wholesome cooking. The rich, savory broth, tender beef, and perfectly cooked noodles create a symphony of flavors that will warm your heart and soul. Enjoy this timeless classic! Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us! Happy cooking!