Amish Beef & Noodles

Introduction

Amish Beef & Noodles is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender beef, rich broth, and soft, homemade egg noodles in a deliciously savory sauce. This dish, inspired by the traditional recipes of the Amish community, is known for its simplicity and flavor. With its tender beef, the slight chewiness of the noodles, and the savory broth, Amish Beef & Noodles brings warmth and comfort to the table, making it the perfect meal for family gatherings, a cozy dinner on a cold night, or as a potluck favorite.

Whether you are cooking for a large family or preparing a meal to share with friends, Amish Beef & Noodles is guaranteed to satisfy everyone. The comforting flavors and tender textures make it an irresistible dish that pairs well with a fresh salad and crusty bread.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Holiday meals
• Potlucks and gatherings
• Comfort food lovers
• Cold weather meals

Why You’ll Love This Amish Beef & Noodles Recipe

Here’s why Amish Beef & Noodles will become your go-to comfort food recipe:

• Tender Beef: The beef is slowly simmered until it becomes perfectly tender and falls apart in your mouth. This is what gives the dish its comforting, rich flavor.
• Homemade Noodles: The combination of homemade egg noodles with the beef and broth creates an unforgettable texture that store-bought noodles just can’t replicate.
• Savory Broth: The broth is simmered with the beef and seasonings, developing a deep, rich flavor that enhances every bite of beef and noodle.
• Simple and Wholesome Ingredients: With just a handful of simple ingredients, Amish Beef & Noodles is easy to prepare and doesn’t require fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Versatile: You can adjust the seasonings, use different cuts of beef, or even make the noodles ahead of time to suit your preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1.5 hours
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this traditional Amish Beef & Noodles:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat (or chuck roast), cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
• 1 cup water
• 2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (ensure it’s halal if required)
• 3 cups homemade egg noodles (or store-bought if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Beef Stew Meat: Using beef stew meat or chuck roast ensures that the beef becomes tender as it simmers in the broth, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Homemade Noodles: Homemade egg noodles are a key part of this dish, giving it a texture and flavor that store-bought noodles simply can’t match.
• Beef Broth: Beef broth forms the base of the dish, adding a rich, savory foundation to the sauce that binds the beef and noodles together.
• Seasonings: A balance of salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf adds depth to the dish, while Worcestershire sauce enhances the savory flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make the perfect Amish Beef & Noodles:

Brown the Beef:

1. Heat the Oil: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the Beef: Add the beef stew meat to the pot in batches, being careful not to overcrowd it. Brown the beef on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Simmer the Beef and Broth:

4. Add the Broth and Seasonings: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, water, salt, pepper, thyme, bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the beef simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, until the beef is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Prepare the Noodles:

6. Make the Noodles: While the beef is simmering, prepare the homemade egg noodles. (You can also use store-bought noodles if desired). If making homemade noodles, mix together the flour, eggs, salt, and water to form a dough, roll it out thinly, and cut it into strips. Set the noodles aside until ready to use.

Add the Noodles:

7. Add the Noodles to the Broth: Once the beef is tender, remove the bay leaf. Add the egg noodles to the pot and stir to combine. Let the noodles cook in the broth for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are tender.

Thicken the Broth (Optional):

8. Thicken the Broth: If you prefer a thicker broth, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the broth thickens.

Finish and Serve:

9. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce.
10. Serve: Ladle the Amish Beef & Noodles into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley (if desired), and serve hot.

How to Serve Amish Beef & Noodles

Amish Beef & Noodles can be served in a variety of ways:

• With Bread: Serve alongside crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the rich broth.
• With Salad: Pair with a simple side salad for a fresh contrast to the hearty beef and noodles.
• As a Standalone Meal: This dish is filling on its own, but you can add some steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• For Leftovers: Amish Beef & Noodles makes great leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Additional Tips for Amish Beef & Noodles

Here are some tips to make your Amish Beef & Noodles even better:

• Slow Cooker Option: If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can make this dish in a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the beef is tender, then add the noodles for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Tender Beef: To achieve the most tender beef, simmer it low and slow. Don’t rush the cooking process; let the beef become tender by cooking it for a full hour or more.
• Noodle Thickness: Adjust the thickness of your noodles according to preference. If you want them thicker, simply roll the dough out to a thicker consistency before cutting.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the beef and broth mixture a day ahead, refrigerate it, and then add the noodles when you’re ready to serve.
• Beef Options: You can substitute the beef stew meat with chuck roast, brisket, or any cut of beef that becomes tender when slow-cooked.

Recipe Variations of Amish Beef & Noodles

Here are some variations you can try:

• Chicken & Noodles: Swap the beef for chicken breast or thighs for a lighter version of this dish. Chicken tends to cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Vegetable Amish Noodles: Add mushrooms, carrots, or peas for a vegetable-packed version of this dish.
• Spicy Amish Beef & Noodles: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Creamy Amish Beef & Noodles: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream for a creamy texture and flavor.
• Slow-Cooked Amish Beef & Noodles: Make this dish in a slow cooker by using the same ingredients, cooking the beef on low for 6-8 hours, and adding the noodles in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Freezing and Storage for Amish Beef & Noodles

• Freezing: You can freeze Amish Beef & Noodles for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up on the stove.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dish may thicken as it cools, so add a bit of water or broth when reheating.

Special Equipment for Amish Beef & Noodles

Here are some special equipment items you might need to make Amish Beef & Noodles:

• Dutch Oven or Large Pot: A heavy pot is ideal for braising the beef and simmering the noodles.
• Rolling Pin: If making homemade noodles, a rolling pin is essential to roll out the dough thinly.
• Mixing Bowls: For preparing the noodles, you’ll need large mixing bowls for the dough.
• Strainer: Use a strainer to remove any excess water or broth if necessary.

FAQ Section about Amish Beef & Noodles

1. Can I use store-bought noodles? Yes, you can use store-bought egg noodles if you prefer a quicker option.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make the beef and broth mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Add the noodles just before serving.
3. Can I use a different type of beef? You can use chuck roast, brisket, or any cut of beef that becomes tender when simmered for long periods.
4. How do I make this dish gluten-free? Substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free noodles or a gluten-free noodle blend.
5. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, you can brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic as directed, then cook everything in the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours. Add the noodles for the last 30 minutes.

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Conclusion of Amish Beef & Noodles

Amish Beef & Noodles is the perfect comfort food dish, filled with rich, savory flavors and tender beef that melts in your mouth. It’s a great meal to make for a family dinner, special occasion, or just a cozy night at home. The simplicity of the ingredients and the slow-simmered flavors make it a timeless classic, passed down through generations. Whether you serve it on a chilly evening or as part of a larger meal, Amish Beef & Noodles will quickly become one of your favorite recipes. Enjoy!