Recipes

French Onion Beef and Noodles 2023

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 pound Ground Beef (instead of stew meat)
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • Salt & Pepper, to taste
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) French Onion Soup
  • 3 cups Beef Broth
  • 12 ounces Egg Noodles
  • ½ cup Sour Cream
  • ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
  • 1 cup French Fried Onions

Instructions:

  1. Sear the Beef:
    • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
    • Add ground beef and season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
    • Cook for 3-5 minutes until beef is browned and seared on all sides.
  2. Add Broth and Soup:
    • Pour in the French onion soup and beef broth, stirring to combine.
    • Bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow the beef to simmer on low for 10 minutes.
  3. Cook the Noodles:
    • Add the egg noodles to the pot and continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Finish with Cream and Cheese:
    • Remove the pot from the heat.
    • Stir in the sour cream and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
  5. Serve and Garnish:
    • Ladle the French Onion Beef and Noodles into bowls.
    • Sprinkle French fried onions on top as desired for a crispy texture and extra onion flavor.
  6. Garlic Bread (Optional):
    • Serve the French Onion Beef and Noodles with a side of garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
  7. Enjoy the Leftovers:
    • This recipe is great for meal prep. Store leftovers in airtight containers and reheat throughout the week for quick and easy meals.

This one-pot wonder is not only delicious and satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare. Enjoy your French Onion Beef and Noodles dinner!

To make your French Onion Beef and Noodles even more delightful in 2023, consider incorporating these helpful tips:

  1. Caramelized Onions:
    • For added depth of flavor, consider caramelizing onions separately before adding them to the dish. Cook sliced onions in a pan with a bit of butter until golden brown and sweet.
  2. Fresh Herbs:
    • Sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or parsley over the dish just before serving to add a burst of freshness.
  3. Red Wine Reduction:
    • Enhance the flavor by adding a splash of red wine to the beef and letting it reduce before incorporating the French onion soup and broth.
  4. Homemade French Onion Soup:
    • If time allows, try making your own French onion soup from scratch for a richer and more personalized flavor.
  5. Gruyère Cheese Topping:
    • Before serving, melt Gruyère cheese on top of the individual portions under the broiler for a classic French onion soup touch.
  6. Beefy Broth:
    • Use a high-quality beef broth or make your own for a richer and more robust flavor in the dish.
  7. Whole Garlic Cloves:
    • Add whole roasted garlic cloves to the pot while simmering for an extra layer of savory flavor.
  8. Vegetable Additions:
    • Incorporate vegetables like sliced mushrooms or spinach for additional texture and nutritional value.
  9. Adjust Sour Cream and Parmesan:
    • Adjust the amount of sour cream and Parmesan cheese to suit your taste preferences. You can always add a bit more for creaminess.
  10. Freshly Grated Parmesan:
    • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a more intense and authentic flavor.
  11. Add a Splash of Balsamic Vinegar:
    • Enhance the richness by adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the beef while searing.
  12. Different Noodle Varieties:
    • Experiment with different noodle varieties like wide egg noodles, pappardelle, or even spiralized vegetables for a unique twist.
  13. Serve with a Side Salad:
    • Balance the richness of the dish with a simple side salad featuring fresh greens and a light vinaigrette.
  14. Garnish with Chives:
    • Sprinkle chopped chives over the dish for a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

Feel free to customize these tips based on your preferences, and enjoy your upgraded French Onion Beef and Noodles!

Here are some popular questions and answers related to French Onion Beef and Noodles:

  1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
    • While stew meat is traditional, you can use ground beef, sirloin, or even shredded leftover roast beef for variation.
  2. What can I substitute for French onion soup if I don’t have it?
    • You can make a substitute by caramelizing onions and adding beef broth with additional seasonings like thyme, bay leaves, and a splash of soy sauce for umami.
  3. Can I use a different type of noodle?
    • Yes, feel free to experiment with different noodles such as pappardelle, wide egg noodles, or even whole wheat noodles for added nutrition.
  4. How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
    • Be sure to follow the recommended cooking time for the noodles. It’s also a good idea to slightly undercook them since they will continue to cook in the hot liquid.
  5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time, but it’s recommended to add the noodles just before serving to prevent them from becoming too soft.
  6. What can I serve as a side dish with French Onion Beef and Noodles?
    • Common side dishes include a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
  7. Can I freeze French Onion Beef and Noodles?
    • While the dish can be frozen, keep in mind that the noodles may have a softer texture upon reheating. Consider freezing the beef and broth mixture separately from the noodles.
  8. How can I make it vegetarian?
    • Substitute beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils, mushrooms, or meatless crumbles. Use vegetable broth and skip the Parmesan for a vegetarian version.
  9. Can I use low-fat sour cream?
    • Yes, you can use low-fat or Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to sour cream without sacrificing creaminess.
  10. How do I store leftovers?
    • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
  11. What wine pairs well with French Onion Beef and Noodles?
    • A red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the rich flavors of the dish.
  12. Can I make it in a slow cooker?
    • Yes, you can adapt the recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef, then transfer all ingredients (except noodles and toppings) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding noodles towards the end.

These questions and answers should help you navigate and enjoy your French Onion Beef and Noodles cooking experience!

To achieve the perfect French Onion Beef and Noodles , consider incorporating these secrets and tips for an even more delightful dish:

  1. Caramelize Onions Slowly:
    • Take your time when caramelizing onions. Slow-cooking over low heat allows the natural sugars to develop, enhancing the sweetness and depth of flavor.
  2. Use Homemade Beef Broth:
    • If possible, use homemade beef broth for a richer and more nuanced flavor. Simmering beef bones, vegetables, and herbs together can create a delicious base.
  3. Add a Splash of Sherry or Red Wine:
    • Deglaze the pot with a splash of sherry or red wine after searing the beef. This adds complexity and depth to the dish.
  4. Experiment with Cheese:
    • Besides Parmesan, experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Swiss for a different flavor profile. Melt the cheese over the dish just before serving.
  5. Infuse More Herb Flavor:
    • Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the beef and broth mixture for an aromatic herb infusion. Remove the herbs before serving.
  6. Roasted Garlic Addition:
    • Roast a few cloves of garlic and add them to the pot for a milder, slightly sweet garlic flavor that complements the onions.
  7. Finish with Fresh Chives:
    • Sprinkle freshly chopped chives over the dish just before serving for a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
  8. Choose a High-Quality Sour Cream:
    • Opt for a high-quality sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamier and richer consistency.
  9. Adjust Seasonings at the End:
    • Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasonings if needed. Sometimes a touch of salt or pepper at the end can elevate the flavors.
  10. Grate Fresh Parmesan:
    • Grate fresh Parmesan just before serving for a more intense and authentic flavor.
  11. Thinly Slice Beef for Quick Cooking:
    • If using stew meat, thinly slice it against the grain for quicker cooking and a more tender bite.
  12. Consider Crispy Bacon Topping:
    • Crumble crispy bacon over the top before serving for an additional layer of flavor and texture.
  13. Play with Noodle Varieties:
    • Try different types of noodles like wide egg noodles, fettuccine, or even homemade pasta for a unique twist.
  14. Garnish with Fresh Parsley:
    • Garnish the finished dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
  15. Let It Rest Before Serving:
    • Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and intensify.

By incorporating these secrets, you’ll elevate your French Onion Beef and Noodles to a whole new level !