Name: Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-483880H2M19S
Total time: 7 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb stew beef or chuck roast (cut into cubes); 1 onion (chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 4 cups beef broth; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp dried thyme; 2 bay leaves; Salt and pepper (to taste); 3 cups egg noodles (uncooked); 1/2 cup heavy cream (or sour cream for a tangy twist); Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite beats a warm, hearty bowl of beef and noodles. The savory beef, tender noodles, and rich sauce all come together in this easy-to-make, melt-in-your-mouth dish. The beauty of this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe lies in its simplicity. With minimal prep and a few hours of slow cooking, you’ll have a meal that’s perfect for busy days or when you want to enjoy a warm, filling dinner without much effort. Ready to make your home smell irresistible? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe is a dream come true for anyone who loves comfort food that practically cooks itself. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it simmers in the slow cooker, and the noodles soak up all the rich, savory flavors. Plus, this meal is incredibly easy to make and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. It’s a simple, no-fuss recipe that’ll have your family coming back for seconds.

Ingredients
(Full list of ingredients can be found below)

Stew beef or chuck roast (cut into cubes)
Onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Beef broth
Worcestershire sauce
Soy sauce
Dried thyme
Bay leaves
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Egg noodles (uncooked)
Heavy cream (or sour cream for a tangy twist)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Brown the Beef

Start by browning your stew beef or chuck roast in a skillet over medium-high heat. This step is optional, but browning the meat first will help develop deeper flavors. Once the beef is browned on all sides, transfer it to your slow cooker. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through; it will cook fully in the slow cooker.

2. Add the Aromatics

In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for a few minutes until they become fragrant and translucent. This step will really build flavor, so don’t skip it! Once they’re cooked, add them to the slow cooker along with the beef.

3. Pour in the Liquids

Next, add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and dried thyme to the slow cooker. The broth will help cook the beef low and slow, turning it nice and tender. Add a couple of bay leaves for extra depth of flavor, and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Let It Cook

Cover your slow cooker and cook the beef mixture on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. You want the beef to be fork-tender and flavorful, so low and slow is usually the best method. Give the mixture a good stir halfway through, if possible.

5. Add the Noodles

About 30 minutes before serving, add the uncooked egg noodles directly into the slow cooker. Stir everything together, making sure the noodles are fully submerged in the liquid. If you prefer your noodles a little firmer, you can add them closer to the end of the cooking time, but letting them cook in the broth will allow them to soak up all those delicious flavors.

6. Finish with Cream

Once the noodles are cooked and tender, stir in the heavy cream (or sour cream) to make the sauce rich and creamy. This adds the perfect finishing touch and gives the dish that comforting, velvety texture. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

7. Serve and Garnish

Scoop the beef and noodles into bowls, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and freshness, and serve hot. You can also add a side of crusty bread to mop up all that delicious sauce!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Browning the beef: While it’s an extra step, browning the beef first enhances the flavor of the dish. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but it’s worth the extra effort.
Beef choice: If you want even more melt-in-your-mouth beef, use a tougher cut like chuck roast or brisket. These cuts break down beautifully in the slow cooker, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.
Noodles: If you prefer, you can swap egg noodles for other types of pasta, like rotini or even a wide pappardelle. Just make sure you cook the noodles according to your desired texture!
Thicken the sauce: If you like a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help thicken the broth.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Vegetarian version: To make this dish vegetarian, swap the beef for a hearty plant-based protein, like tempeh or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter, plant-based version.
Add veggies: Feel free to throw in some chopped carrots, peas, or even potatoes to make this a one-pot meal. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to accommodate the vegetables.
Spices and herbs: If you like a little more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some hot sauce. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can also be added for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles dish is hearty and satisfying on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate your meal:

Side salad: Pair with a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the beef and noodles.
Crusty bread: A loaf of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
Roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or green beans for an extra dose of nutrients and flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers? No problem! Store any remaining beef and noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen up the sauce if needed. This dish also freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.

4 FAQs

Can I use frozen beef in this recipe?
It’s best to thaw the beef before adding it to the slow cooker for even cooking. If you’re in a rush, you can use frozen beef, but be sure to cook it on high for the longest time to ensure it cooks through.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Yes, absolutely! Carrots, peas, and even potatoes would work beautifully in this dish. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them at the beginning of the cooking time so they cook along with the beef.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to swap out the egg noodles for any kind of pasta you prefer. Keep in mind that different pasta shapes may have different cooking times, so check the texture before serving.
How do I avoid overcooking the noodles?
If you’re concerned about overcooking the noodles, add them towards the end of the cooking time. You can also check them periodically to make sure they’re cooked to your desired texture.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles is the epitome of comfort food. It’s easy to make, perfectly satisfying, and full of rich flavors. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or looking for a no-fuss dinner, this dish will definitely hit the spot. Tender beef, creamy sauce, and soft noodles come together to create a meal that’s guaranteed to be a favorite. Give it a try, and let your slow cooker do all the work while you relax and enjoy a comforting, home-cooked meal!

Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high
Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes (using low setting)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe offers the ultimate comfort food experience. With tender beef, hearty noodles, and a creamy, savory sauce, it’s the perfect meal for busy days or when you need something filling and warm. A simple, no-fuss recipe that practically cooks itself in the slow cooker!

Instructions

Brown the Beef: Brown stew beef or chuck roast in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once browned, transfer to the slow cooker.
Add the Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and garlic until translucent. Add to the slow cooker with the beef.
Pour in the Liquids: Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and bay leaves to the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.
Let It Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours, until beef is tender. Stir halfway through.
Add the Noodles: Add uncooked egg noodles about 30 minutes before serving. Stir to ensure noodles are submerged.
Finish with Cream: Once noodles are cooked, stir in heavy cream or sour cream for a creamy finish.
Serve and Garnish: Serve the dish in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley. Optionally, serve with crusty bread.

Notes

Browning the beef first enhances the flavor but is optional.
Use tougher cuts like chuck roast or brisket for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
You can swap egg noodles for other pasta types like rotini or pappardelle.
For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water and add to the slow cooker in the final 30 minutes.