If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, all-in-one meal that simplifies dinner time, look no further than this Beef Noodle Skillet recipe. Inspired by classic home-style cooking, this dish brings together savory ground beef, tender egg noodles, and fresh broccoli in a creamy, cheesy sauce, all in a single pan. It’s a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-clean-up dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite any night of the week.
This recipe takes the ease of skillet cooking to a new level, drawing inspiration from dishes like Ground Beef and Rice Skillet, but swapping rice for comforting egg noodles and adding a touch more sauce for that perfect slurp-worthy bite. The addition of broccoli means no need for extra side dishes – it’s all conveniently cooked together. Perfect for busy weeknights, this Pioneer Woman inspired beef noodle skillet is set to deliver both satisfaction and simplicity straight to your table. For those who appreciate the magic of one-pan meals, this recipe is a must-try. To ensure everything cooks perfectly and fits comfortably, a large skillet is indeed a helpful tool.
Close-up of a beef noodle skillet with melted cheese and green onions
Choosing Your Beef
When it comes to ground beef, the choice is yours. While 85% lean ground beef is a great option, feel free to use whatever you prefer or have readily available. This recipe is versatile enough to work with ground pork, chicken, or turkey as well, or even a mix of your favorites.
If you opt for ground chicken or turkey, consider enhancing the flavor profile. These meats can be milder compared to beef or pork, so adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce can really boost the savory notes and depth of flavor.
And if you find yourself with frozen ground beef, don’t worry! There are quick and safe methods to thaw it. Check out resources on how to defrost ground beef to get dinner started in no time.
Noodles for Comfort
Egg noodles are the heart of this comforting skillet dish. Their popularity in classics like Chicken Noodle Soup is a testament to their irresistible texture and comforting nature. In this beef noodle skillet, egg noodles bring a luxurious, silky feel that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. However, if you have other types of noodles or pasta on hand, they can certainly work. Whole wheat pasta is a nutritious alternative that would also be delicious.
If you decide to use noodles other than egg noodles, it’s important to check the cooking time recommended on the packaging. Adjust the cooking time in the recipe accordingly. If your chosen noodles require significantly longer cooking time than the standard 10 minutes for egg noodles, you might need to add a bit more beef stock to the skillet to ensure they cook fully without drying out the dish. Keep an eye on the liquid level and add more stock if needed.
Customizing Your Skillet with Add-Ins
Broccoli is the featured vegetable in this Beef Noodle Skillet, offering great flavor and nutrition that pairs wonderfully with beef and creamy sauce.
However, if broccoli isn’t your favorite, or you’re looking to mix things up, there are plenty of other vegetables that would work beautifully. Consider cauliflower florets, sliced carrots, peas, pea pods, sliced or diced bell peppers, or asparagus. Almost any vegetable, or a combination, can be a tasty addition. For quicker-cooking vegetables like peas or asparagus, add them halfway through the noodle cooking time to prevent them from becoming too soft.
For the cheesy topping, Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, or a blend of both, are excellent choices. But feel free to experiment with what you have on hand. Mozzarella, Gouda, or Gruyere would all melt wonderfully and add great flavor. For an extra layer of flavor, especially if you’re a cheese lover, consider stirring in about 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese before topping with the shredded cheese. This adds a lovely depth and richness to the dish.
To complete this comforting meal, warm up some crusty bread while the skillet finishes cooking. It’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce, making this Pioneer Woman Beef Noodle Skillet a truly satisfying dinner experience.
Enjoy! – Christine xo
Listen to more Recipe of the Day episodes here.
Print Recipe
Recipe Details
This Pioneer Woman inspired Beef Noodle Skillet is a comforting one-pan meal, perfect for a hearty family dinner any night of the week!
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 tsp. salt, plus more to taste
- 3/4 tsp. pepper, plus more to taste
- 3 cups bite-sized broccoli florets
- 8 oz. egg noodles
- 1 3/4 cups low-sodium beef stock
- 1 (14.5-oz.) can diced tomatoes
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes*
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Cheddar-Jack cheese blend
- 1 green onion, sliced
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef, pressing it into an even layer. Cook untouched for 4 minutes.
- Stir in diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, breaking up the beef. Cook for 5-6 minutes until beef is cooked through and onion is tender.
- Add broccoli florets, egg noodles, beef stock, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes, until noodles and broccoli are tender and sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle cheese over the top, cover, and let stand for 2 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
- Garnish with sliced green onion and serve hot.
*For those sensitive to spice, substitute red pepper flakes with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a milder flavor.
