Introduction:
This French Onion Beef and Noodles dish is a comforting and savory meal that brings together the rich flavors of French onion soup, tender beef, and hearty egg noodles. The combination of beef stew meat, flavorful broth, and French fried onions creates a dish that is not only easy to prepare but also deeply satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with delicious onion flavor that pairs beautifully with the soft noodles and tender beef.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound beef stew meat
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) French onion soup
- 3 cups beef broth
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup French fried onions
Preparation:
Step 1: Heat the Oil
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
- Add the 1 pound of beef stew meat to the hot oil. Season the beef with 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Sauté the beef for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is seared and browned on all sides. This step helps lock in the beef’s flavor and adds richness to the dish.
Step 3: Simmer with Soup and Broth
- Once the beef is browned, pour in 1 can of French onion soup and 3 cups of beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the beef simmer in the broth for 10 minutes, allowing it to become tender and soak up the flavors.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
- Add the 12 ounces of egg noodles to the pot. Stir well to make sure the noodles are submerged in the broth.
- Continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and have absorbed the flavors of the broth.
Step 5: Add Dairy
- Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in ½ cup of sour cream and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined. The sour cream adds a tangy richness, while the Parmesan enhances the savory flavor of the dish.
Step 6: Serve
- Just before serving, sprinkle the dish with 1 cup of French fried onions for a crispy, flavorful topping that adds texture and crunch to the creamy noodles and beef.
Cooking Notes:
- Browning the Beef: Make sure to properly sear the beef stew meat to develop rich flavors. Don’t overcrowd the pot, as this can cause the beef to steam rather than brown.
- Noodle Absorption: As the noodles cook, they will absorb the broth, so make sure to stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Cheese Variations: While Parmesan adds a nutty, salty flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Swiss for a more authentic French onion flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
This French Onion Beef and Noodles dish is incredibly versatile and can be served on its own as a complete meal. For a more balanced plate, consider pairing it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette would also be perfect to sop up the creamy sauce. A side of roasted vegetables or even a simple cucumber salad can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
For a cozy dinner, this dish pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cold glass of iced tea. If you’re serving it for a family gathering, consider making it the centerpiece of a meal alongside a cheese platter or charcuterie board for a rustic, comforting spread.
Tips:
- Cooking Time: If using larger or tougher cuts of beef, you can simmer the meat for longer—up to 30 minutes—before adding the noodles, ensuring it becomes extra tender.
- Cheesy Twist: If you want a cheesier dish, add an extra ½ cup of shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella during the sour cream step.
- Vegetable Add-ins: For more texture and nutrients, add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the pot when sautéing the beef.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Crispy Topping: To keep the French fried onions crispy, add them right before serving rather than mixing them into the pot.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
25-30 minutes
Total Time:
35-40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: Approximately 480 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 900mg
Conclusion:
This French Onion Beef and Noodles recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup with tender beef and creamy noodles. The crispy French fried onions add the perfect finishing touch, giving the dish an irresistible crunch that balances out the creaminess. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Its quick preparation time and simple ingredients make it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, while still delivering the warmth and satisfaction of a homemade meal.
PrintFrench Onion Beef and Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound beef stew meat
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) French onion soup
- 3 cups beef broth
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup French fried onions
Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Oil
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
- Add the 1 pound of beef stew meat to the hot oil. Season the beef with 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Sauté the beef for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is seared and browned on all sides. This step helps lock in the beef’s flavor and adds richness to the dish.
Step 3: Simmer with Soup and Broth
- Once the beef is browned, pour in 1 can of French onion soup and 3 cups of beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the beef simmer in the broth for 10 minutes, allowing it to become tender and soak up the flavors.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
- Add the 12 ounces of egg noodles to the pot. Stir well to make sure the noodles are submerged in the broth.
- Continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and have absorbed the flavors of the broth.
Step 5: Add Dairy
- Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in ½ cup of sour cream and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined. The sour cream adds a tangy richness, while the Parmesan enhances the savory flavor of the dish.
Step 6: Serve
- Just before serving, sprinkle the dish with 1 cup of French fried onions for a crispy, flavorful topping that adds texture and crunch to the creamy noodles and beef.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 480
- Sodium: 900mg
- Protein: 30g