Creamy Skillet Ground Beef & Noodles

258 1 minute read

This Creamy Skillet Ground Beef & Noodles is a quick and cozy meal made with tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and a smooth, flavorful sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect comfort food for busy nights.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Quick & easy: Ideal for weeknights when you need a no-fuss meal.
Pantry-friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Satisfying: Hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor—great on its own or with simple sides.

Ingredients at a Glance

Egg noodles: Any pasta will work, but wide egg noodles are traditional.
Ground beef: Use lean beef to keep the sauce smooth and not greasy.
Aromatics: Diced onion and fresh garlic add depth.
Butter & cream: For richness and a velvety texture.
Seasonings: Paprika, thyme, a bouillon cube, salt, and pepper.
Beef broth & Worcestershire: Build the flavorful sauce base.
Flour: Thickens the sauce to a perfect gravy consistency.

How to Make It

1. Cook Beef & Onion:
In a large pan, brown the ground beef with diced onion until the beef is cooked through and the onion is soft. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant. Remove everything from the pan and set aside.

2. Make the Roux:
Melt butter in the same pan. Stir in the paprika and flour, whisking constantly for a minute or two to remove the raw flour taste.

3. Build the Sauce:
Slowly whisk in beef broth, then add the bouillon cube and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Finish with Cream & Herbs:
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream until smooth. Add fresh thyme for a pop of flavor.

5. Combine Everything:
Return the beef mixture to the pan and fold in the cooked noodles. Stir until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.

Tips for Success

Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Alternate cookware: A Dutch oven works well if you don’t have a skillet.
Creamy swaps: No heavy cream? Try sour cream or cream cheese for a tangy twist.