Amish Beef and Noodles Recipe

Hearty Amish Beef and Noodles Recipe: A Comforting Classic

Hearty amish beef and noodles capture the essence of comfort cooking from Pennsylvania’s rural kitchens.

Generations have passed down this simple yet satisfying meal through close-knit communities.

Tender strips of beef mingle with silky egg noodles, creating a dish that speaks directly to your soul.

Farmhouse traditions shine through each carefully prepared bite of this classic recipe.

Slow-cooked meat transforms into a rich, savory experience that connects you with wholesome culinary heritage.

Nostalgic flavors await you in this straightforward, delicious meal that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Dive into this recipe and let the magic of traditional cooking fill your kitchen with love.

Why Amish Beef and Noodles Is Pure Comfort

  • Satisfy Hearty Hunger: Packed with rich, tender beef and soft noodles, this comforting dish delivers a robust meal that fills bellies and warms souls.
  • Master Simple Cooking Techniques: The recipe teaches essential skills like browning meat, creating a flavorful broth, and perfectly cooking noodles with minimal kitchen expertise.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients allow personal touches like adding green onions or adjusting seasonings to match individual taste preferences.
  • Create Family-Style Comfort: Perfect for gathering loved ones around the table, this traditional Amish-inspired recipe brings everyone together with its homemade, nostalgic flavors.

The Hearty Ingredients Behind This Cozy Classic

Main Protein:
  • Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the main protein for this comforting Amish dish.
Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onions, Garlic Powder: These ingredients add depth and savory notes to the overall flavor profile.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the beef and balance the dish.
Liquid and Thickening Agents:
  • Beef Broth: A rich liquid that creates the base for the sauce and helps tenderize the meat.
  • Beef Base: Provides additional concentrated beef flavor to intensify the sauce.
  • Butter, Flour: Work together to create a smooth, thickened sauce with a silky texture.
Noodle Component:
  • Noodles: The classic pasta element that makes this a hearty, filling Amish-style meal.
Cooking and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for browning the beef and creating a flavorful base in the Dutch oven.
  • Green Onions: An optional fresh garnish that adds a bright, mild onion flavor and visual appeal.

How to Make Beef and Noodles the Old-Fashioned Way

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Generously coat beef with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring an even distribution of seasoning across the entire surface.

Step 2: Sear and Brown the Meat

Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat.

Brown beef in batches, creating a deep golden crust on all sides. Transfer browned meat to a separate bowl.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

  • Butter
  • Onions
  • Salt

Reduce heat and add butter to the same Dutch oven. Toss in onions and a pinch of salt.

Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until onions turn golden and develop a sweet, rich flavor, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 4: Create a Flavorful Base

Sprinkle flour into the onion mixture and cook for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.

Add garlic powder, beef base, and beef broth. Whisk thoroughly and bring to a rolling boil.

Carefully return the reserved beef to the pot.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Beef

Cover the Dutch oven and reduce heat to low.

Allow the beef to simmer gently for about 2 hours, or until the meat becomes incredibly tender and starts to fall apart.

Step 6: Cook the Noodles

Remove beef using a strainer.

Increase heat to high and bring the broth to a vigorous boil. Add noodles, cooking them slightly less than package instructions to maintain a perfect texture.

Step 7: Combine and Finish

Fold the beef back into the noodles. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking until noodles reach desired tenderness and beef is heated through.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, with an optional sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and chopped green onions for added brightness.

Tips for Tender Beef and Rich Broth

  • Brown beef in batches for a deep, rich flavor that develops delicious caramelization and prevents overcrowding the pan.
  • Use homemade beef base or high-quality store-bought broth to enhance the overall depth and richness of the dish.
  • Cook onions slowly until golden to release natural sweetness and build a robust flavor foundation for the sauce.
  • Let the beef simmer low and slow to ensure maximum tenderness, breaking down tough muscle fibers and creating melt-in-your-mouth meat.
  • Choose wide egg noodles for an authentic Amish-style texture that captures and holds the savory sauce perfectly.

Creative Twists for Your Amish-Style Bowl

  • Slow Cooker Comfort: Transform the recipe by transferring browned beef and sautéed onions into a slow cooker. Pour broth mixture over meat, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours until beef becomes fork-tender.
  • Spicy Southwest Version: Add diced green chiles, ground cumin, and smoked paprika to the beef base. Replace standard noodles with wide corn tortilla strips for a zesty Mexican-inspired rendition.
  • Herb-Infused Classic: Incorporate fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage during the onion sautéing stage. Use egg noodles and finish with chopped fresh parsley for an aromatic herb-rich experience.
  • Mushroom Enriched Edition: Sauté sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms alongside onions.

Side Dishes That Go Great with Beef & Noodles

  • Hearty Red Wine Companion: Select a robust red wine like cabernet sauvignon or merlot to complement the rich beef flavors, cutting through the dish's heartiness with smooth tannins.
  • Rustic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or peasant bread to soak up the delicious gravy, adding texture and helping to capture every last bit of the savory sauce.
  • Fresh Vegetable Balance: Pair with roasted honey-glazed carrots or steamed green beans to provide a light, crisp contrast against the heavy, meaty noodle dish, creating a well-rounded meal experience.
  • Tangy Pickle Accent: Add a small side of quick-pickled cucumber or traditional dill pickles to introduce a bright, acidic element that helps cut through the richness of the beef and noodles.

Storing This Comfort Food Favorite

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freeze: Transfer cooled beef and noodles to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for 2-3 months.
  • Microwave Reheating: Place portions in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.
  • Stovetop Reheating: Pour leftovers into a skillet. Add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring gently until beef and noodles are heated evenly and steam rises.

Everything You Wondered About Amish Beef and Noodles

  • What makes the beef tender in this recipe?

The long, slow simmering process for 2 hours breaks down the meat fibers, creating incredibly tender beef that falls apart easily.

  • Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute beef with chuck roast, short ribs, or even pork shoulder to achieve similar results with a slow-cooking method.

  • Why do I need to brown the beef in batches?

Browning in batches ensures each piece gets a proper sear, which locks in flavor and creates a delicious caramelized exterior that adds depth to the dish.

  • Is beef base necessary for this recipe?

Beef base intensifies the meat flavor and provides a rich, concentrated taste that enhances the overall depth of the dish, but you can substitute with beef bouillon if needed.

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Amish Beef and Noodles Recipe

Amish Beef and Noodles Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Amish beef and noodles deliver comfort straight from Pennsylvania’s countryside kitchens. Richly seasoned beef mingles with tender egg noodles, creating a soul-warming meal that connects you to generations of homestyle cooking.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb (454 g) beef stew meat, cubed

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking and Base Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon beef base or bouillon
  • 4 cups (946 ml) beef broth
  • 8 ounces (227 g) egg noodles

Garnish:

  • Green onions, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Generously coat beef with salt and pepper, ensuring even distribution of seasoning.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven at high temperature. Methodically brown beef in batches, creating a rich caramelized exterior. Transfer browned meat to a separate bowl.
  3. Lower heat and introduce butter to the Dutch oven. Add onions with a delicate salt sprinkle. Sauté until onions transform into a golden, translucent state, approximately 5 minutes.
  4. Incorporate flour and toast for 2 minutes, developing a nutty aroma. Introduce garlic powder, beef base, and beef broth. Whisk thoroughly and elevate to a rolling boil. Reintegrate reserved beef into the liquid.
  5. Secure lid and reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Allow beef to tenderize for 2 hours, transforming into a melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
  6. Extract beef using a strainer. Intensify heat to high, bringing broth to a vigorous boil. Add noodles, cooking slightly less than package instructions to maintain perfect texture.
  7. Fold beef back into the noodle mixture. Reduce heat, allowing flavors to meld and noodles to reach optimal tenderness while warming the meat.
  8. Taste and refine seasoning. Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with fresh cracked black pepper and vibrant green onions for added zest.

Notes

  • Select high-quality chuck roast or beef chuck for maximum tenderness and rich flavor.
  • Consider trimming excess fat before cooking to control dish’s overall richness.
  • Browning meat creates deep caramelization, intensifying the dish’s savory profile.
  • Rest beef between batches while searing to maintain consistent pan temperature.
  • Low and slow cooking guarantees melt-in-your-mouth beef texture.
  • Homemade egg noodles elevate the traditional recipe with authentic Amish feel.
  • Use fresh cracked black pepper for robust, aromatic finish.
  • Gluten-free adaptation possible by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free blend.
  • Vegetable broth and mushroom substitute can transform recipe for vegetarian version.
  • Allow slight sauce thickening after adding noodles for ideal creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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