Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles is the kind of cozy, stick-to-your-ribs dish that makes chilly evenings and busy days feel a little easier. Tender beef slow-cooked until it practically melts in your mouth, combined with hearty egg noodles in a rich, savory broth, creates the ultimate comfort food meal. This recipe is effortless thanks to the slow cooker—just a bit of prep, then let the magic happen while you go about your day. I once tried this with a splash of red wine added to the broth, and it gave the dish a deep, rich flavor that felt gourmet. Whether served as a family dinner or as a meal-prep favorite, this dish is warm, filling, and sure to be a repeat in your rotation.
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Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles – A Comfort Food Classic
- Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles is a hearty comfort food dish made with tender beef simmered in a rich broth and served with egg noodles for a warm, filling meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 bay leaves
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season beef with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear beef on all sides until browned, about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Transfer beef to a slow cooker. Add onion, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, parsley, pepper, and bay leaves.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours, or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until beef is tender and easily shredded.
- Remove beef from slow cooker, shred with two forks, and return to the pot.
- Stir in egg noodles and cook on HIGH for 20–25 minutes, or until noodles are tender. Stir occasionally.
- If a thicker sauce is desired, stir in cornstarch slurry and cook for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Can substitute stew meat or short ribs for chuck roast.
- Use frozen egg noodles for a chewier texture.
- Pairs well with biscuits or cornbread.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 8 hrs
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Beef chuck roast – A well-marbled cut that becomes fall-apart tender after slow cooking.
Egg noodles – Wide egg noodles soak up the flavorful broth, creating a hearty base.
Beef broth – Provides depth and richness to the sauce.
Onion – Adds sweetness and savory depth as it cooks down with the beef.
Garlic – Infuses the dish with an aromatic kick.
Carrots (optional) – Add natural sweetness and balance to the hearty flavors.
Celery (optional) – Provides a mild, savory note and extra texture.
Bay leaf – A classic herb that gives subtle earthy undertones.
Worcestershire sauce – Enhances the beefy flavor with savory umami.
Butter – Adds richness to the final dish, coating the noodles.
Flour or cornstarch – Used to thicken the broth into a gravy-like sauce.
Salt and black pepper – Simple seasonings to balance all the flavors.
Fresh parsley – A garnish that adds color and freshness.
Directions
Season the beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper. In a skillet, sear it on all sides until browned (optional, but adds depth). Place the beef into the slow cooker.
Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery around the beef. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then add the bay leaf. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
Once cooked, remove the beef and shred it with two forks. Whisk together flour or cornstarch with a little water, then stir it into the slow cooker broth to thicken. Return the shredded beef to the pot.
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in uncooked egg noodles and butter. Cook until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings. Cooking time is 8 hours on low or 4–5 hours on high, plus 30 minutes for the noodles.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the noodles. This dish also freezes well (before adding noodles); add fresh noodles when reheating for best texture.
Variations and Customizations
Mushroom Beef & Noodles – Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
Creamy Version – Stir in sour cream or heavy cream at the end for a stroganoff-like dish.
Herb-Infused – Add thyme, rosemary, or fresh dill for aromatic depth.
Spicy Kick – Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Vegetable Boost – Add peas, corn, or green beans toward the end of cooking.
Garlic Butter Finish – Stir in roasted garlic and extra butter for richness.
Wine Upgrade – Add a splash of red wine when searing the beef for a gourmet touch.
Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free noodles and a cornstarch slurry instead of flour.
Cheesy Twist – Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan before serving.
One-Pot Comfort – Skip thickening and serve it soup-style with extra broth.
FAQs
Do I need to sear the beef first?
It’s optional but adds extra flavor.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, brisket or stew meat works, but chuck roast is best for tenderness.
Do the noodles get mushy?
Not if added in the last 30 minutes before serving.
Can I use frozen beef?
Yes, but thaw before slow cooking for even cooking.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer beef for 2–3 hours until tender, then add noodles.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, it reheats beautifully and is great for meal prep.
What noodles work best?
Wide egg noodles are classic, but any sturdy pasta works.
Can I add cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, it creates a richer, creamier sauce.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Use a flour or cornstarch slurry stirred in before adding noodles.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freeze before adding noodles for best results.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and effortless thanks to the slow cooker. With fall-apart tender beef, savory broth, and buttery noodles, it’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or holiday gatherings, this recipe is versatile and endlessly customizable. Whether you keep it classic or try one of the fun variations, this dish will always deliver satisfying comfort.
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