Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Poor Man's Beef and Noodles....

Today was one of those days where you are like "Why did I even get out of bed?"  We had a small catastrophe to deal with on the home front, and we literally hit the ground running from the time we got out of bed.  Come dinner time I knew I wanted to put something nice and hearty on the table. However, to be honest, since I spent last week cooking from my pantry, I hadn't been to the store, so I wasn't really sure what I had.  What to do?  What to do?  Ironically enough, I went to my pantry arsenal and saw a bag of egg noodles.  Then, inspiration struck!  Beef Tips and Noodles!  But, wait, I don't have beef tips and I don't really have the time to go to the store.  So, I did what so many of us home cooks do...I got creative!  *lol*  In the spirit of that culinary creativity, today, I present to you, POOR MAN'S BEEF AND NOODLES! I have a feeling this will be a family favorite for sure!  It was delish!  Here is how you make it. 
Poor Man's Beef and Noodles
*Prep Time: 10 minutes *Cook Time: 20 minutes *Difficulty: Easy *Servings:  4-6
Here is what you will need:

  • 2 lb. of Ground Beef
  • 1 lb. of Egg Noodles
  • 1/2 c. of Bread Crumbs
  • 1 tsp. Parsley
  • 1 tsp. Onion Powder
  • 6 Beef Bouillon Cubes dissolved in 8 c. water or 8 c. Beef Broth
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 tbsp. Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tbsp. Tomato Paste
  • 1/4 c. Worcestershire Sauce
  • 4 tbsp. Cornstarch


Tools you will need:

  • Dutch Oven or Deep Skillet with Lid
  • Stock pot for Noodles
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Whisk
  • Wooden Spoon





Let's Get Started!

Before we begin with our meatballs, fill a stock pot with water and add a Tbsp. of salt.  Let the water come to a boil for the noodles.  Also, place your bouillon cubes and water in a microwave safe bowl and let it go for 5 minutes.  This should dissolve the cubes and give you a lovely broth.  BE SURE TO TAKE OUT A 1/4 C. OF BROTH AND SET ASIDE FOR LATER. 


Now we can get going on our meatballs. 
Place your meat, breadcrumbs, parsley, onion powder, eggs, and salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. 


Then, with your hands, because they are the kitchen tools God gave ya, gently combine all the ingredients.  It should look like this.  :) 


If you have a small cookie dough scoop, get that out, and make your meatballs. 
If you don't have one, think the size of golf balls. 


Once your meatballs are formed, heat your Dutch oven and add 3 tbsp. of butter to 3 tbsp. of olive oil.  You don't HAVE to use the butter, but why wouldn't you!?!  Besides, it adds great flavor to your meat. 


Once your oil is hot, you are going to add your meatballs.  Let them brown for a couple minutes on both sides.  We are not cooking them all the way through here. You just want to give them a nice crust.


See, like this!  I recommend doing them in two batches.  If not, they will not brown properly.


When you have browned your meat, drain off most of the fat in the pan, and add your broth...


Tomato paste...


Mustard...


And Worcestershire Sauce!


Remember that broth you set aside earlier?  Well, now you want to add your cornstarch to it and...


Whisk till smooth.


Once your broth mixture comes to a boil, drop it to a simmer, and add your slurry!  (That is the highly technical name for cornstarch and liquid, used as a thickener.)



Return your meatballs to your gravy, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes. 


During it's simmer your gravy will thicken and become almost like silk.  I could literally bath in that right there!  Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE gravy?  You will notice that I haven't added any salt.  That is because the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce can both be a little salty.  You can always add, but you can't take away.  Taste your broth and add any salt and pepper you may thing it needs. 


When your noodles are finished, add them to a plate, bless them with this luxurious gravy, add a few meatballs, and there you go!  A HEAVENLY 30 minute meal your family will DEVOUR!!!! 


This pairs nicely with a side salad and a dollop of sour cream. If you are lucky, there will be some left over for lunch tomorrow...But don't hold your breath!  *lol*  This is a very family friendly, quick, easy, and inexpensive meal!  Also, if you have children 4 or older, get them in the kitchen with you and allow them to form the meatballs!  I assure you when you cook with your kids they will never forget it, and they will not turn the food away!  Let me know how you like this recipe and as always...

Happy Reading, Happy Eating, and Happy Living,

~The Kitchen Wife~







Poor Man's Beef and Noodles:
*Prep Time: 10 minutes *Cook Time: 20 minutes *Difficulty: Easy *Servings:  4-6
Here is what you will need:
     
       2 lb. of Ground Beef

  •  1 lb. of Egg Noodles

  •  1/2 c. of Bread Crumbs
  •  1 tsp. Parsley
  •  1 tsp. Onion Powder
  •  6 Beef Bouillon Cubes dissolved in 8 c. water or 8 c. Beef Broth
  •  2 Eggs
  •  1 tbsp. Dijon Mustard
  •  1 tbsp. Tomato Paste
  •  1/4 c. Worcestershire Sauce
  • 4 tbsp. Cornstarch

  • Tools you will need: 
    • Dutch Oven or Deep Skillet with Lid
    • Stock pot for Noodles
    • Measuring Spoons
    • Whisk
    • Wooden Spoon
     Directions:
    1. Before we begin with our meatballs, fill a stock pot with water and add a Tbsp. of salt.  Let the water come to a boil for the noodles.
    2. Place your bouillon cubes and water in a microwave safe bowl and let it go for 5 minutes.  This should dissolve the cubes and give you a lovely broth.  BE SURE TO TAKE OUT A 1/4 C. OF BROTH AND SET ASIDE FOR LATER. 
    3. Place your meat, breadcrumbs, parsley, onion powder, eggs, and salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. 
    4. Then, with your hands, gently combine all the ingredients.
    5. If you have a small cookie dough scoop, get that out, and make your meatballs.  If you don't have one, think the size of golf balls. 
    6. Heat your Dutch oven over medium high heat, and add 3 tbsp. of butter to 3 tbsp. of olive oil. 
    7. Once your oil is hot, you are going to add your meatballs.  Let them brown for a couple minutes on both sides. 
    8. When you have browned your meat, drain off most of the fat in the pan, and add your broth, tomato paste, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
    9. Whisk together.
    10. Take the cup of beef brother you set aside and add the cornstarch to it.
    11. Whisk until combined and smooth. 
    12. Add to the pot.
    13. Return the meatballs to the pot and let simmer for 20 minutes.
    14. Gravy will thicken as it simmers. 
    15. Serve over egg noodles, and ENJOY!













    3 comments:

    1. awesome writing...GOOD JOB!! FOOD looks SOOOOOOO yummy.. one question...i currently have a stove that is a glass top...I would love to use a cast iron ANYTHING...but i do know you cant do that on glass top stove....suggestions?

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    2. Hey Mandee - just a suggestion - can you put the recipe together at the end so it can easily be copied and pasted for easy printing? I don't know if you've seem Pioneer Woman's recipes - she takes step by step pictures - and then at the end, puts text only of the entire recipe. I will not be offended if you don't take that opinion, I'm just suggesting it incase you haven't thought of it! :-)

      Love your blog and the recipes!!! We are having this one tonight! :-)
      (((HUGS)))

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Christa,
        Thanks so much for the great feedback! That is a great suggestion and I will do that from here on out. Blogging is all very new to me, and I am always open to things that will make it more user friendly! I hope you enjoy your dinner tonight! I would love to see pics on the facebook page! www.facebook.com/thekitchenwife

        Delete