Ground Beef And Noodle Skillet

Name: Ground Beef And Noodle Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 8 oz egg noodles; 1 cup diced tomatoes; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups beef broth; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Smart Quick Meals Ideas

When it comes to quick and hearty dinners, I absolutely love the ease of a Ground Beef and Noodle Skillet. This comforting dish not only satisfies my hunger, but it also brings together flavors that remind me of home-cooked meals from my childhood. With minimal preparation time and a single skillet, I can whip up a delicious meal that the whole family enjoys. It's a versatile recipe, allowing me to add or substitute vegetables based on what I have on hand, making it a go-to in my kitchen.

Created by

Genevieve Porter

Last updated on 2026-02-06T18:05:35.781Z

Cooking is a journey, and with this Ground Beef and Noodle Skillet, I tried to find the perfect balance of spices and textures. The combination of tender beef with chewy noodles coated in a savory sauce worked better than I initially anticipated. I used fresh vegetables to enhance the flavors and nutritional profile, and this addition made a significant difference. My family loved the colors and tastes, which made me realize how presentation can elevate a simple dish.

During my cooking adventure, I discovered that using a good quality beef not only enhances the dish's flavor but also keeps it tender. I recommend browning the beef properly before adding other ingredients to develop a rich base for the sauce. With just a bit of patience and care in the sautéing process, this skillet meal turned out to be a delightful treat that paired beautifully with a side salad!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
One-pan meal for effortless cleanup
Rich flavors that come together in less than an hour
Customizable with your choice of vegetables or spices

The Importance of Seasoning

Seasoning plays a crucial role in elevating the flavors in your Ground Beef and Noodle Skillet. While the recipe calls for Italian seasoning, you can easily tailor it to match your taste preferences. For a bit of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne. Alternatively, herbs like thyme or basil can enhance the dish's aroma. A well-seasoned beef mixture not only adds depth but also makes each bite more satisfying.

Don't overlook the importance of salt and pepper. Adding salt gradually during the cooking process helps to draw out the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables. Remember to taste as you go; this ensures that the final dish is well-balanced. If the mixture tastes flat, a splash of soy sauce or an extra pinch of seasoning can brighten it up and create a more complex flavor profile.

Vegetable Customization

One of the beauties of this skillet dish is its versatility when it comes to vegetables. If you find that you don’t have a bell pepper on hand, zucchini, mushrooms, or even frozen peas can seamlessly take its place. Each vegetable brings its own texture and taste, contributing to the overall richness of the dish. Just be mindful of cook times; softer veggies like zucchini may require less time to sauté than denser options like carrots.

If you're looking to sneak in more greens, you can stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. This not only boosts the nutritional value of the meal but also adds a pop of color. Cooking them for just a couple of minutes will ensure they wilt without losing their vibrant appearance.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you start cooking.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
8 oz egg noodles
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 bell pepper, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Make sure to have all ingredients prepped and ready to go for a smooth cooking experience.

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Ground Beef and Noodle Skillet.

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Sauté Vegetables

Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Combine Ingredients

Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Cook the Noodles

Once boiling, add the egg noodles. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the noodles are cooked to your liking.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and let it stand for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Enjoy this hearty dish as a standalone meal or pair it with your favorite side.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in some grated cheese just before serving. You can also add frozen peas or spinach for extra nutrition.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Ground Beef and Noodle Skillet is an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeknights. You can prepare the beef and vegetable mixture in advance, refrigerate it, and simply reheat it on the stovetop when ready to serve. If storing leftovers, keep the noodles separate to prevent them from becoming mushy. This way, you can maintain the perfect texture even after reheating.

If you prefer batch cooking, this dish freezes well. After cooking, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth if needed to restore moisture.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe is simple and forgiving, making it perfect for gatherings. If you want to serve a larger group, you can easily double the ingredients while maintaining the same cooking method. Just make sure your skillet is large enough to accommodate the increased volume, or consider using a Dutch oven for more space. As the quantity increases, keep an eye on the cooking times for both the beef and noodles, as they might require slight adjustments.

Conversely, if you're cooking for one or two, feel free to halve the ingredients. Leftovers from this dish store well, so it's a fantastic choice even for a smaller meal prep. Just remember that the noodles can absorb broth as they sit, so add a splash of beef broth during reheating to keep the dish saucy and enjoyable.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well and makes the dish a bit lighter.

→ What can I substitute for egg noodles?

You can use any pasta of your choice, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and reheat when ready to serve.

→ How can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for some heat!