Braised Beef with Cheesy Noodles is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender, slow-cooked beef with rich, savory sauce and creamy cheese over perfectly cooked noodles. This dish brings warmth and indulgence to your table, ideal for cozy nights or special family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers deep, satisfying flavors from slow-braised beef and a cheesy noodle base that perfectly soaks up the sauce. The beef becomes fork-tender while the noodles and cheese create a creamy, luxurious texture. It is a hearty, family-friendly meal that looks and tastes gourmet, yet is easy to prepare.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Beef chuck or stew meat, cut into cubes
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
Tomato paste
Beef broth
Olive oil
Egg noodles or pasta of choice
Cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
Green onions or chives (for garnish)
Salt and black pepper

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat.
Season beef with salt and pepper, then sear in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté diced onions and garlic until fragrant.
Stir in tomato paste and soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce), cooking for 1–2 minutes.
Return beef to the pot and add beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then cover and braise on low heat for 2 to 2.5 hours until beef is tender.
Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Combine hot noodles with cubed or shredded cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
Serve braised beef over cheesy noodles and garnish with green onions.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2.5 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Variations

Different Cheeses: Use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for different flavor profiles.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
Vegetable Boost: Add mushrooms, carrots, or peas during the braising process.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat beef in a covered saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave. For noodles, reheat with a splash of milk to maintain the creamy texture. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for braising?

Beef chuck or stew meat is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful during slow cooking.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the meat and sauté aromatics first, then transfer to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded or cubed cheese melts more smoothly.

Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes, the braised beef actually tastes better the next day as the flavors develop.

Is it possible to use a pressure cooker?

Yes, use the sauté function to brown, then pressure cook on high for about 45 minutes.

What pasta works best?

Egg noodles, fusilli, or wide pappardelle all work well to hold the sauce.

Can I skip the cheese?

Yes, though the cheese adds a creamy richness that balances the savory beef.

How do I make it spicier?

Add chili powder, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the braising liquid.

Can I add wine?

Yes, replace part of the broth with red wine for added depth.

What is the best way to reheat without drying out the meat?

Use a covered pan with a bit of broth to gently reheat the beef and retain moisture.

Conclusion

Braised Beef with Cheesy Noodles is the kind of dish that satisfies your craving for something rich, hearty, and homemade. With tender beef, luscious sauce, and creamy noodles, it’s a comforting meal that’s as rewarding to make as it is to eat. Perfect for weeknights or weekend gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress.

Braised Beef with Cheesy Noodles

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Braised Beef with Cheesy Noodles is a comforting, slow-cooked dish featuring tender beef simmered in a rich sauce, served over creamy, cheese-laden egg noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 3 hrs
Total Time: 3 hrs 20 mins
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Braising
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Season beef chunks with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Stir in tomato paste, then deglaze with red wine (if using). Cook for 2 minutes.
Add beef broth, thyme, and rosemary. Return beef to the pot and bring to a simmer.
Cover and braise on low heat for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until beef is fork-tender.
Meanwhile, cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot.
Add butter, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese to the noodles. Stir until creamy and smooth.
Serve braised beef over cheesy noodles and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.