Creamy and Savory French Onion Beef and Noodles is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender beef, caramelized onions, and rich cream sauce tossed with egg noodles. Infused with the deep flavors of beef broth, garlic, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce, this one-pan meal is satisfying and elegant enough for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish brings together the classic taste of French onion soup and the heartiness of a creamy beef pasta. The caramelized onions add sweetness, while the creamy sauce provides a luxurious texture that coats every strand of noodle. It is simple to prepare yet feels like a gourmet meal. Plus, it is flexible—you can add cheese, herbs, or vegetables to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons flour
8 oz egg noodles
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (optional, for garnish)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beef and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
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In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add sliced onions and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and caramelized.
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Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to combine.
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Gradually pour in beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce, and bring to a simmer.
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Return the beef to the skillet and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
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Meanwhile, cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Stir the heavy cream into the beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
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Add the cooked noodles and toss to coat in the sauce.
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If using, top with shredded Gruyère and let it melt into the dish.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
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Replace egg noodles with fettuccine, rotini, or even rice for a different texture.
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Add mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
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Swap heavy cream for sour cream or crème fraîche for a tangier flavor.
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Use Swiss or mozzarella cheese instead of Gruyère.
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Add a splash of dry white wine when caramelizing onions for added depth.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long as it may dry out the beef.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, sirloin or flank steak sliced thinly can be used for quicker cooking and a more tender result.
Is it necessary to caramelize the onions?
Caramelizing the onions adds sweetness and depth, which is key to the flavor of this dish, so it is recommended.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared up to 1 day in advance. Reheat gently and add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk can be used, though the sauce will be less rich.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening, and substitute gluten-free pasta for the egg noodles.
Is the Gruyère cheese necessary?
No, it is optional, but it adds a delicious, nutty flavor that complements the dish.
Can I freeze French onion beef and noodles?
Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Add extra beef broth or a splash of water if needed while simmering.
What sides pair well with this dish?
A green salad, garlic bread, or steamed green beans complement the richness of this meal.
Can I use pre-cooked beef?
Yes, but reduce the simmering time and focus on warming the beef in the sauce rather than cooking it through.
Conclusion
Creamy and Savory French Onion Beef and Noodles is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together rich, caramelized onion sauce and tender beef with hearty noodles. With its deep, satisfying taste and simple preparation, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Serve it hot and fresh for the best experience.
[tasty-recipe id=”19547″]