Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles

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Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles

Main Dishes

Looking for a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food that practically cooks itself? This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe delivers tender, juicy beef simmered in a rich, savory gravy and tossed with egg noodles for the ultimate cozy dinner. It’s a family favorite that’s as satisfying as it is simple—perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless Cooking – Let the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting.
Tender, Flavorful Beef – Slow cooking makes the meat melt-in-your-mouth good.
Comfort Food Classic – A warm, filling meal that everyone will ask for again.
Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day.
Customizable – Make it creamier, spicier, or even veggie-packed to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef & Gravy:

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into chunks
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • 3 cups beef broth (low sodium)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

For Finishing the Dish:

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup sour cream (optional for creaminess)
  • 12 oz egg noodles (wide or extra wide)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

  • Skillet for searing
  • 6-quart slow cooker
  • Wooden spoon
  • Medium pot for noodles
  • Strainer
  • Serving ladle

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Beef

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add beef in batches and sear until browned on all sides. This adds depth of flavor.
  3. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Add Aromatics & Seasoning

  1. In the same skillet, sauté onions for 2–3 minutes until softened.
  2. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
  4. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, and thyme.
  5. Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Beef

  1. Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
  2. Once fully cooked, shred the beef slightly or break it apart with a spoon.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles Separately

  1. About 15–20 minutes before serving, bring a pot of water to a boil.
  2. Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente.
  3. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Add Creamy Elements & Noodles

  1. Stir the cream of mushroom soup into the beef mixture until well combined.
  2. For added creaminess, stir in the sour cream.
  3. Add the cooked noodles to the slow cooker and gently mix to coat everything evenly.
  4. Let it all warm together for 10 minutes on Low.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

  1. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top.
  2. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Tips for Best Results
Use a Good Cut – Chuck roast or stew meat both work well when slow-cooked.
Brown the Beef – Adds a deep, rich flavor to the dish.
Cook Noodles Separately – Keeps them from getting mushy in the slow cooker.
Adjust Creaminess – Add sour cream, heavy cream, or leave it as a rich broth—it’s up to you.
Don’t Skip the Garlic – It builds great flavor with the onions and seasonings.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – Ideal for soaking up all that delicious gravy.
Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, green beans, or carrots are great sides.
Simple Side Salad – A crisp salad helps balance the richness of the dish.
Mashed Potatoes – Use the beef and sauce as a topping for even more comfort.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

  • Stovetop: Heat over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water as needed.
  • Microwave: Reheat in intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep or leftovers.

2. What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken or cream of celery instead—or make a homemade roux.

3. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Add carrots, mushrooms, or peas during the last 1–2 hours of cooking.

4. What if I want a thicker sauce?
Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir into the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes.

Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles is everything you want in a comfort food meal—rich, satisfying, and wonderfully easy. It’s a low-effort dinner that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this cozy classic is sure to be a hit.

Try it today and savor the flavors of home-cooked comfort. Don’t forget to leave a review and share your favorite add-ins!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 hours (on low)
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 440 | Protein: 34g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 21g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 690mg

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Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles

Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles

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  • Author: Sandra
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (on low)
  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Looking for a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food that practically cooks itself? This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe delivers tender, juicy beef simmered in a rich, savory gravy and tossed with egg noodles for the ultimate cozy dinner. It’s a family favorite that’s as satisfying as it is simple—perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef & Gravy:

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into chunks

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1½ tsp salt

  • 1 tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp dried thyme

  • 3 cups beef broth (low sodium)

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

For Finishing the Dish:

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

  • ½ cup sour cream (optional for creaminess)

  • 12 oz egg noodles (wide or extra wide)

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)


Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Beef

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. Add beef in batches and sear until browned on all sides. This adds depth of flavor.

  3. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Add Aromatics & Seasoning

  1. In the same skillet, sauté onions for 2–3 minutes until softened.

  2. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

  3. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.

  4. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, and thyme.

  5. Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Beef

  1. Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.

  2. Once fully cooked, shred the beef slightly or break it apart with a spoon.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles Separately

  1. About 15–20 minutes before serving, bring a pot of water to a boil.

  2. Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente.

  3. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Add Creamy Elements & Noodles

  1. Stir the cream of mushroom soup into the beef mixture until well combined.

  2. For added creaminess, stir in the sour cream.

  3. Add the cooked noodles to the slow cooker and gently mix to coat everything evenly.

  4. Let it all warm together for 10 minutes on Low.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

  1. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top.

  2. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.


Notes

Use a Good Cut – Chuck roast or stew meat both work well when slow-cooked.
Brown the Beef – Adds a deep, rich flavor to the dish.
Cook Noodles Separately – Keeps them from getting mushy in the slow cooker.
Adjust Creaminess – Add sour cream, heavy cream, or leave it as a rich broth—it’s up to you.
Don’t Skip the Garlic – It builds great flavor with the onions and seasonings.

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