French Onion Beef and Noodles is a savory, hearty dish that blends tender beef, rich onion flavor, and comforting egg noodles in a simple yet deeply satisfying one-pot meal. Inspired by the classic French onion soup, this version adds a filling twist perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe transforms a handful of basic ingredients into a comforting dish with bold, rich flavor. The beef is seared for maximum taste, simmered to tenderness, and paired with noodles in a flavorful onion-based broth. It’s an easy, budget-friendly meal that delivers the essence of French onion soup with a satisfying, pasta-filled twist.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 packet (1 oz) French onion soup mix
- 8 oz egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese (optional for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
directions
- Sear the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Add to the pot and sear until browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside. - Cook the Onions and Garlic
In the same pot, add sliced onions. Sauté for 8–10 minutes until soft and golden. Add garlic and cook for another minute. - Deglaze and Simmer
Return beef to the pot. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, French onion soup mix, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45–60 minutes until beef is tender. - Cook the Noodles
Add egg noodles directly to the pot and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, or until noodles are tender and broth has slightly thickened. - Finish and Serve
Optional: sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and cover until melted. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calories: Approximately 470 kcal per serving
Variations
- Creamy version: Stir in ½ cup of sour cream or heavy cream after noodles are cooked.
- Slow cooker method: Brown the beef, then add all ingredients (except noodles) to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Add cooked noodles before serving.
- Add veggies: Include mushrooms, carrots, or peas for more nutrition and flavor.
- Use ground beef: Substitute stew meat with ground beef for a quicker, budget-friendly version.
- Cheesy bake: Transfer finished dish to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, chuck roast or sirloin work well. Ground beef can also be used for a quicker option.
What kind of noodles should I use?
Wide egg noodles are traditional, but you can use rotini, bowties, or any sturdy pasta.
Is the French onion soup mix necessary?
It enhances the flavor, but you can substitute with additional broth, sautéed onions, and seasoning if needed.
Can I make this dish ahead?
Yes, make up to the noodle step and refrigerate. Reheat and add noodles just before serving.
What cheese works best?
Gruyère offers a rich, authentic flavor, but mozzarella or provolone are great alternatives.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the mild savory flavors are usually well-received by kids.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free noodles and verify that your soup mix and broth are gluten-free.
How do I thicken the broth?
Simmer uncovered after cooking the noodles, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with water).
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a large pot and double all ingredients proportionally.
What sides go well with this?
Serve with crusty bread, a side salad, or steamed green beans.
Conclusion
French Onion Beef and Noodles is a comforting, flavorful meal that brings together the rich taste of slow-simmered beef and the heartiness of pasta in a savory onion broth. It’s a reliable, one-pot dinner option that’s easy to make, deeply satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite.
Print
French Onion Beef and Noodles
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
French Onion Beef and Noodles is a savory, comforting dish featuring tender stew meat simmered in a rich onion-infused sauce and served over egg noodles. Inspired by the classic French onion soup, this easy one-pot meal is full of deep flavor and perfect for cozy dinners. Keywords: French Onion Beef and Noodles, beef stew meat pasta, onion gravy noodles, one-pot beef dinner, comfort food recipe.
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 pound beef stew meat
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 packet (1 oz) dry French onion soup mix
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2 cups beef broth
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
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12 oz egg noodles
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese (optional topping)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Beef
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
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Season beef with salt, pepper, and onion powder.
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Sear beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
4. In the same pot, return beef and add dry soup mix, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until beef is tender.
6. (Optional) Mix cornstarch with a little cold water and stir in to thicken sauce if desired.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
7. While beef simmers, cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
8. Add cooked noodles to the beef mixture and toss to combine.
9. Top with shredded cheese and cover until melted.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
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Add sautéed onions for extra French onion flavor.
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Make it creamy by stirring in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream before serving.
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Great for meal prep and reheats well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
