Egg noodles are a versatile pantry staple that can transform ordinary meals into delicious comfort food. From classic soups to hearty casseroles, these tender noodles serve as the perfect base for countless dishes that satisfy both weeknight cravings and special occasions.
You’ll find egg noodles work wonderfully in everything from traditional beef stroganoff to creative one-pot dinners. They cook quickly, absorb flavors well, and provide a satisfying texture that pairs nicely with creamy sauces, stir-fries, and slow-cooked meats.
Whether you’re looking for family favorites or new culinary adventures, egg noodles offer endless possibilities for your dinner table.
1. Beef Stroganoff
Beef Stroganoff is a classic comfort dish that pairs perfectly with egg noodles. The creamy sauce made with tender beef strips and mushrooms creates a rich, satisfying meal.
You can prepare this delicious recipe in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. The sauce typically includes sour cream, which gives it that signature tangy flavor.
Some recipes add white wine and mustard for extra depth. The tender beef and hearty mushrooms combine with the creamy sauce to create a perfect topping for wide egg noodles.
This one-pan meal is both simple and impressive. You’ll find it’s a family favorite that everyone will request again and again.
2. Chicken Paprikash
Chicken Paprikash is a Hungarian dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce. The sauce gets its flavor from paprika, which gives it a warm, slightly spicy taste and a beautiful red color.
To make this dish, you cook chicken pieces in a sauce made with tomatoes, paprika, and sour cream. The result is a comforting meal that’s perfect for cold days.
You can serve Chicken Paprikash over buttered egg noodles. The noodles soak up the creamy sauce, making every bite flavorful.
It’s a simple but impressive dinner that’s sure to please your family.
3. Sour Cream Noodle Bake
Sour Cream Noodle Bake combines egg noodles with savory ground beef and a creamy sauce. This comfort food dish is perfect for weeknight dinners.
To make it, you’ll need to brown ground beef in a skillet while cooking egg noodles until al dente. The sauce blends sour cream with cottage cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Layer the noodles, meat, and cream mixture in a baking dish. Top with shredded cheese and bake at 350°F until bubbly and golden.
This recipe is popular with kids and adults alike. You can prepare it ahead of time and have everything on hand for busy evenings.
4. French Onion Chicken Noodle Casserole
This delicious casserole combines the rich flavors of French onion with classic chicken noodle comfort food. The dish features egg noodles, tender chicken, and a creamy sauce made from French onion dip and cream of chicken soup.
You’ll need wide egg noodles as the base for this casserole. The creamy mixture includes sour cream, though some recipes use French onion dip instead for extra flavor.
Top your casserole with cheese and crispy French fried onions for the perfect finish. This meal is great for family dinners and can be prepared ahead of time for busy weeknights.
The combination of savory onions, tender noodles, and juicy chicken creates a satisfying one-dish meal that everyone will enjoy.
5. Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup
Rotisserie chicken noodle soup is a quick and comforting meal you can make in about 30 minutes. Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time while adding rich flavor to your soup.
The key ingredients include tender rotisserie chicken, wide egg noodles, carrots, celery, and fresh garlic. Some recipes also include fresh dill for a bright flavor boost.
You can prepare this soup on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. The slow cooker method allows the flavors to develop more deeply throughout the day.
This hearty soup makes an ideal weeknight dinner when you need something warm and satisfying with minimal effort. It’s also perfect for cold days or when someone in your household is feeling under the weather.
6. Buttered Egg Noodles
Buttered egg noodles are a simple yet satisfying dish that can be prepared in minutes. All you need is egg noodles, butter, salt, and pepper.
To make them, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles until they’re just slightly underdone. This takes about 30 seconds to 1 minute less than the package directions.
Drain the noodles and toss them with a generous amount of butter while they’re still hot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Buttered noodles work well as a side dish or as a base for heartier dishes. They pair perfectly with Swedish meatballs, beef stroganoff, chicken goulash, or anything with a gravy sauce.
7. Ground Beef Casserole
Ground beef casserole with egg noodles is a comfort food classic that’s easy to prepare on busy weeknights. You’ll need ground beef, egg noodles, tomato sauce, and cheese as your basic ingredients.
Brown your beef with onions and garlic for extra flavor. Mix in tomato sauce or cream of mushroom soup depending on your preference. Some recipes add a splash of sherry for depth.
Cook your egg noodles until al dente, then combine with the beef mixture. Top with plenty of cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.
This hearty dish feeds a family economically. You can customize it by adding corn or other vegetables for extra nutrition.
8. Tuna Casserole
Tuna casserole is a classic comfort dish that makes good use of egg noodles. You can prepare this family favorite in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
The dish combines tender egg noodles with creamy soup, cheese, and flaked tuna. Many recipes add green peas for color and nutrition.
For the best flavor, look for recipes that include a crunchy topping like fried onions or buttery breadcrumbs. This creates a nice texture contrast with the creamy noodle mixture.
You can easily customize tuna casserole with different soups as the base. Cream of celery, mushroom, or chicken all work well depending on your preference.
9. Homestyle Cabbage and Noodles
Homestyle Cabbage and Noodles, also known as Haluski, is a comfort food with Eastern European roots. This simple dish combines buttery egg noodles with sautéed cabbage and onions.
To make it, you’ll need egg noodles, a head of cabbage, an onion, and plenty of butter. Some versions add bacon for extra flavor, while others keep it vegetarian.
The key to great Haluski is browning the cabbage lightly in butter until it becomes tender and slightly sweet. Then you toss it with cooked egg noodles.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. It’s an economical, filling dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
10. Dan Dan Noodles
Dan Dan Noodles are a popular Sichuan dish featuring slippery egg noodles tossed in a spicy, flavorful sauce. The dish offers a perfect balance of heat, tanginess, and richness that makes it incredibly satisfying.
The sauce typically combines sesame paste, chili oil, soy sauce, and Sichuan peppercorns for that signature numbing spice. You can top your noodles with crispy caramelized ground chicken or pork for added protein.
For a complete meal, add vegetables like bok choy, yu choy, or bean sprouts. The combination of chewy noodles, meaty toppings, and spicy sauce creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
This dish works great for weeknight dinners when you’re craving something better than takeout.
11. Khao Soi
Khao Soi is a Northern Thai curry noodle soup that features egg noodles in two delicious forms. The dish combines boiled egg noodles swimming in a rich curry broth with crispy fried noodles on top for contrast.
The curry sauce is made with garlic and shallots cooked in oil, creating a flavorful base. Chicken is the traditional protein choice, typically simmered directly in the aromatic curry broth.
To make this at home, place boiled egg noodles in a bowl, add a piece of chicken, and pour the hot curry soup over everything. Top with the crispy fried noodles for that authentic Khao Soi experience.
12. Haluski Cabbage & Noodles
Haluski is a simple comfort dish featuring buttery egg noodles tossed with fried cabbage and onions. This Eastern European classic makes a perfect side dish or main meal.
To make haluski, you’ll need egg noodles, a head of cabbage, onion, and plenty of butter. Some recipes include bacon for extra flavor.
The cooking process is straightforward. Sauté the cabbage and onions until they’re soft and slightly browned. Then mix with cooked egg noodles and season with salt and pepper.
This humble dish is budget-friendly and satisfying. You can adjust the butter amount to your preference, but traditional recipes are quite generous with it.
13. Egg Noodles with Ground Beef
Egg noodles with ground beef is a comforting, easy-to-prepare meal that satisfies hungry appetites. The dish combines tender egg noodles with seasoned ground beef for a delicious dinner option.
You can enhance the flavor by adding onion powder, garlic powder, and salt to your ground beef while cooking. Many recipes include cream of mushroom soup to create a creamy sauce that coats the noodles perfectly.
For a complete meal, try adding vegetables like corn or green beans. Cheese is another popular addition that adds richness to the dish.
This versatile recipe works well as a quick weeknight dinner. You can customize it with your favorite seasonings or create a stroganoff-style version with mushrooms for extra flavor.
14. Slow-Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Slow-cooker chicken noodle soup offers comfort with minimal effort. You can easily make this hearty dish at home instead of using canned soup.
Start by adding chicken, carrots, garlic, onion, and herbs to your crockpot. Pour in chicken broth and let everything cook until the chicken becomes tender enough to shred.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add dry egg noodles. Continue cooking for 30-45 minutes until the noodles soften.
This method gives you tender chicken, flavorful broth, and perfectly cooked egg noodles. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal without standing over the stove.
15. Easy Homemade Egg Noodles
Making your own egg noodles is simpler than you might think. You only need four basic ingredients: flour, eggs, salt, and water.
No special equipment is necessary to create delicious homemade noodles. You can roll and cut them by hand with just a rolling pin and knife.
Homemade egg noodles have a fresh, authentic taste that store-bought versions can’t match. They’re perfect for chicken soup, beef stew, or stroganoff.
The dough needs to rest before rolling, so plan ahead. Your noodles will cook faster than dried ones – usually just 2-3 minutes in boiling water.
16. Cheesy Noodle Bake
This comfort dish combines egg noodles with a rich blend of cheeses for a satisfying meal.
Start by cooking your egg noodles until just tender, then drain them well.
In a large bowl, mix together sour cream, ricotta, cream cheese, and Parmesan.
Add the cooked noodles to this creamy mixture and stir until well coated.
You can add cooked ground beef for protein if desired. Some recipes include a layer of meat sauce beneath the noodle mixture.
Transfer everything to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly. This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
17. Asian Stir-Fried Egg Noodles
Asian stir-fried egg noodles offer a quick, flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
The dish combines the satisfying texture of egg noodles with a savory sauce that balances salty, sweet, and umami flavors.
You can customize this versatile dish with your choice of proteins like chicken, prawns, or tofu.
Common additions include vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas for color and nutrition.
The sauce typically contains ingredients like soy sauce and oyster sauce, which create the distinctive Asian flavor profile.
You can prepare this dish in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent option when you’re craving Asian cuisine but short on time.
18. Mushroom Stroganoff
Mushroom Stroganoff is a delicious vegetarian twist on the classic beef dish.
You can make it in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
The star ingredients are portobello mushrooms, which give the dish a meaty texture and rich flavor. Mixed with a creamy sauce, this stroganoff becomes hearty and satisfying without any meat.
Serve it over egg noodles for the most traditional experience. The noodles catch all that creamy sauce perfectly.
This one-pot meal only needs about 10 ingredients and is both comforting and loaded with flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy a meatless meal without sacrificing taste.
19. Swedish Meatballs with Noodles
Swedish meatballs with egg noodles is a comforting dish perfect for cold winter nights.
The recipe features tender meatballs seasoned with allspice, giving them their distinctive flavor.
The meatballs are smothered in a rich, creamy gravy sauce that coats every bite. You can prepare this meal in one pot, making cleanup easy.
To make the meatballs, combine milk-soaked breadcrumbs with finely chopped sautéed onions and ground meat. Form small balls and cook until browned.
You can serve these savory meatballs over egg noodles for a complete meal. For busy weeknights, consider making extra meatballs to freeze for future dinners.
20. Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole
Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole brings comfort food to your dinner table in just about 30 minutes.
This dish combines tender egg noodles with shredded chicken breast in a rich, creamy sauce.
You can easily customize this casserole with vegetables like peas and mushrooms. Many recipes use condensed soups for convenience, but you can also make your own cream sauce from scratch.
For extra flavor, top your casserole with cheese and buttered bread crumbs before baking. The bread crumbs create a delicious crunchy topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy interior.
This family-friendly meal works great for weeknight dinners or potlucks. You can prep it ahead and bake when needed.
21. Vegetable Noodle Stir-Fry
Vegetable noodle stir-fry is a quick and healthy meal you can make in just 25 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
For this dish, you’ll need egg noodles and your favorite fresh vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and snap peas.
The vegetables stay crisp and crunchy, adding great texture to the soft noodles.
The sauce brings everything together with savory flavors. Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of honey for a simple yet tasty coating.
You can enjoy this as a vegetarian meal or add chicken for extra protein. It’s healthier than takeout and just as delicious!
Understanding Egg Noodles
Egg noodles are a versatile pasta variety that forms the foundation of countless comfort dishes. They differ from regular pasta primarily due to their higher egg content, which gives them their distinctive yellow color and rich taste.
History and Origin
Egg noodles trace their roots back thousands of years with variations appearing across multiple cultures.
Chinese egg noodles date back to at least 100 BCE during the Han Dynasty, where they were made from wheat flour and eggs. In European cuisine, egg noodles became prominent in Germanic and Eastern European cooking traditions.
The popular wide egg noodles common in American cooking developed from German and Eastern European immigrant influences in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Hungarian, Polish, and Jewish culinary traditions brought dishes like kugel and haluski to American tables.
Today’s commercially produced egg noodles maintain similar ingredients to their historical counterparts but with standardized production methods.
Nutritional Benefits
Egg noodles offer several nutritional advantages compared to regular pasta.
A one-cup serving of cooked egg noodles contains approximately:
- 220 calories
- 8 grams of protein
- 40 grams of carbohydrates
- 3 grams of fat
- 2 grams of fiber
The egg content in these noodles provides additional protein and essential nutrients like selenium, B vitamins (especially B12), and folate. Many commercial egg noodles are enriched with iron and B vitamins to enhance their nutritional profile.
Whole wheat varieties offer more fiber and nutrients than traditional versions. If you’re watching your carbohydrate intake, consider portion control when enjoying egg noodle dishes.
Cooking Techniques for Egg Noodles
Mastering the right cooking techniques for egg noodles can transform your meals from good to great. The texture and flavor of properly cooked egg noodles provide the perfect foundation for countless dishes.
Boiling Techniques
Always start with a large pot of water—about 4 quarts of water for 8 ounces of noodles. Add 1-2 tablespoons of salt to the water for flavor. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding noodles.
Unlike Italian pasta, egg noodles cook relatively quickly. Most varieties need only 5-7 minutes until they’re tender but still firm (al dente).
Stir the noodles occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking. Test a noodle by biting into it to check doneness—it should be soft but retain some firmness.
Don’t rinse egg noodles after draining unless using them in a cold dish. The starch on the surface helps sauce adhere better. For casseroles, you can undercook them by 1-2 minutes as they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
Stir-Frying Tips
Prepping noodles properly for stir-frying is crucial. Boil them for 2-3 minutes less than package directions, as they’ll finish cooking in the wok.
After boiling, drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Then, toss with a teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking while they wait to be stir-fried.
Heat your wok or large skillet until very hot before adding oil. This creates the perfect cooking surface for quick stir-frying.
Add pre-cooked noodles to your stir-fry after cooking meat and vegetables. Toss constantly for even heating and sauce distribution.
For extra flavor, try adding garlic powder, black pepper, or red pepper flakes as mentioned in cooking forums. The high heat helps noodles absorb seasonings quickly while maintaining their texture.
