Mediterranean Beef and Noodles Recipe
This Mediterranean Beef and Noodles dish brings together tender ground beef, aromatic spices, and al dente egg noodles all tossed in a savory tomato-garlic sauce with Mediterranean herbs. It’s a comforting one-pan meal that’s fast enough for busy weeknights yet packed with bold, sun-kissed flavors. Think of it as a cozy, hearty twist on classic Mediterranean pasta.
Total Time:
30 minutes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
8 oz (225g) egg noodles (or whole wheat pasta)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1½ cups crushed tomatoes (or tomato puree)
¼ cup beef broth (or water)
¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
2 tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions:
Cook the Noodles:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add Spices and Sauce:
Stir in oregano, basil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Mix well to combine.
Simmer:
Reduce heat to medium-low. Let the sauce simmer for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly.
Add Olives and Tomatoes:
Stir in sliced Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes (if using). Add red pepper flakes for heat, if desired.
Combine with Noodles:
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss well to coat with the sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until everything is heated through.
Finish & Serve:
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with crumbled feta and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips
Brown the Beef Well: Let the beef sear in the pan without moving it for a minute or two at first — this builds flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Keep them just al dente so they don’t get mushy when combined with the sauce.
Balance the Salt: If you’re using salty ingredients like feta and olives, taste the sauce before adding extra salt.
Use Fresh Herbs if Available: Fresh parsley, basil, or oregano add a burst of flavor at the end.
Deglaze the Pan: After browning the beef, you can splash a bit of red wine or beef broth to lift the flavorful bits from the pan.
Variations:
Cheesy Mediterranean Twist:
Stir in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese at the end for a melty finish.
Veggie-Loaded Version:
Add chopped spinach, kale, grated carrots, or diced bell peppers while sautéing the onion for added nutrients and texture.
Spicy Version:
Boost the heat by adding harissa paste, cayenne pepper, or extra red pepper flakes.
Protein Variations:
Replace ground beef with:
Ground lamb (for deeper Mediterranean flavor)
Ground turkey or chicken (for a lighter version)
Plant-based crumbles or lentils (for a vegetarian option)
Pasta Alternatives:
Swap egg noodles with:
Whole wheat pasta for more fiber
Orzo or penne for a firmer bite
Gluten-free pasta for dietary needs
Zesty Lemon Finish:
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest just before serving for a bright, fresh contrast to the richness.
Make-Ahead Tip:
You can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time. Store separately from the noodles and combine just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the beef and sauce ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Cook and toss with fresh noodles when ready to serve for best texture.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: You can freeze the beef sauce separately for up to 2 months. However, it’s best to cook the noodles fresh, as they can become mushy when frozen and reheated.
Q: What if I don’t have Kalamata olives or feta?
A: You can substitute green olives or capers for a briny touch. Use goat cheese, ricotta salata, or grated Parmesan in place of feta.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: Not inherently, but you can easily make it spicy with red pepper flakes, harissa, or a pinch of cayenne.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes, just use gluten-free pasta or noodles and check that your beef broth and crushed tomatoes are certified gluten-free.
Nutrition Facts
Note: Values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients used.
Calories: 470
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 6g
Sodium: 780mg
Cholesterol: 75mg
Conclusion
Mediterranean Beef and Noodles is a satisfying fusion of comfort and Mediterranean flair — with tender beef, fragrant herbs, savory tomato sauce, and briny olives and feta. It’s a versatile, weeknight-friendly dish that can be customized to your taste and dietary needs. Whether you’re craving something cozy or looking for a flavorful twist on pasta night, this recipe delivers!