Description
French Onion Beef and Noodles is a rich, comforting dish that brings together the deep flavor of caramelized onions, tender beef, and hearty noodles. A splash of red wine and a hint of thyme add elegance and warmth to this rustic, one-pan meal. It is perfect for a cozy dinner and tastes even better with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce.
Ingredients
For the Dish:
1 lb beef stew meat (or thinly sliced beef strips), patted dry
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup red wine (optional, but adds richness)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
8 oz egg noodles (or pasta of choice)
1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for creaminess)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Season the beef generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes until the onions are deeply golden brown and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in the beef broth, red wine if using, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to add depth to the sauce. Return the seared beef to the skillet along with any juices that accumulated. Stir to combine everything. Cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the beef is tender and the flavors are well melded.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Stir the egg noodles directly into the skillet with the beef and sauce. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the noodles are tender. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or more broth to adjust the consistency. For extra creaminess, stir in the sour cream just before serving.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot, ideally with a slice of crusty bread or a crisp side salad.
Notes
Using a good quality beef broth and a dry red wine will enhance the flavor of the sauce significantly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes after the noodles are cooked. For an even heartier dish, you can add sautéed mushrooms or a sprinkle of Gruyère cheese before serving. Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.