Crock Pot Beef and Noodles Recipe

Beef and noodles is a classic comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners or busy weeknights. What makes this version even better is that it’s made in a Crock Pot (slow cooker), allowing the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender and the flavors to develop slowly over time. This hearty, savory dish is ideal for a family meal or a dinner that’s sure to feed a crowd.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential recipe for Crock Pot Beef and Noodles, provide tips for making it your own, suggest variations, and even give advice on how to store leftovers. Whether you’re a seasoned slow-cooker pro or a beginner, you’ll find everything you need to make a delicious, satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Instructions:

Step 1: Searing the Beef (Optional, but Recommended)

Searing the beef before adding it to the Crock Pot helps to develop richer flavors and enhances the overall texture of the dish. While this step is optional, it’s highly recommended for the best results.

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the beef stew meat or chuck roast chunks. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
3. Sear the beef for about 2-3 minutes per side until it’s browned and caramelized. You want a good sear to lock in the flavor, so don’t rush this step.
4. Once browned, transfer the beef to the Crock Pot.

Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the Crock Pot with the beef.

Step 3: Adding the Broth and Seasonings

To the Crock Pot, add:

• Beef broth
• Carrots (you can slice them thin or cut them into rounds)
• Frozen peas (if using)
• Salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and the Worcestershire sauce.
• Tomato paste
• Bay leaf (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)

Stir everything together to combine. If you prefer, you can adjust the seasonings to your taste at this stage. Feel free to add more Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of additional herbs like oregano or basil for a slightly different flavor profile.

Step 4: Cooking the Beef and Vegetables

Set the Crock Pot to low and cook for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The beef should be fork-tender and the flavors well melded by the end of the cooking time. This long cook time is key to developing the tenderness of the beef and the deep flavors in the sauce.

Step 5: Adding the Noodles

1. About 30 minutes before serving, add the egg noodles to the Crock Pot, stirring to make sure they’re submerged in the liquid. If you’re using thicker pasta, you might need to cook it a bit longer.

   • Tip: If you like your noodles on the firmer side, you can cook them separately and then add them to the Crock Pot just before serving to avoid overcooking.

2. To thicken the sauce slightly, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry, and stir it into the Crock Pot. This will help thicken the broth into a nice, gravy-like consistency.

3. Let the noodles cook for 25-30 minutes on low or until they’re tender, stirring occasionally. Check the noodles toward the end of cooking to ensure they’re not overdone.

Step 6: Final Adjustments

Once the noodles are cooked to your liking, remove the bay leaf (if used). Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce if needed. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can make a cornstarch slurry and add it at this point, letting it cook for another 5-10 minutes to thicken up.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the beef, noodles, and broth into bowls, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Tips for the Best Crock Pot Beef and Noodles

1. Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Chuck roast is the best cut for this dish, as it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked slowly. If using stew meat, ensure it’s well-seared before adding to the slow cooker for maximum flavor.

2. Do Not Overcook the Noodles: Noodles in the slow cooker can become mushy if cooked for too long. Add them toward the end of the cooking time and keep an eye on them.

3. Searing Is Optional, But Worth It: Although not necessary, searing the beef adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the dish. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the flavor will be less intense.

4. Keep the Broth Level in Check: If you find that the liquid is getting too low or your sauce is too thick, add a splash more beef broth or water. It’s better to have extra sauce than a dry dish.

5. Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, celery, or even mushrooms for more flavor and nutrition.

6. Make It Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will only improve as it sits.

7. Freeze Leftovers: If you have leftovers, this dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Variations and Additions:

1. Creamy Beef and Noodles: Add a few tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce toward the end of cooking for a creamy version of this dish. You could also stir in a cup of heavy cream or milk for a richer sauce.

2. Beef Stroganoff Twist: For a Beef Stroganoff variation, add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and 1 cup of sour cream about 30 minutes before serving. The sour cream will add a tangy, creamy richness to the sauce.

3. Spicy Version: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the Crock Pot for a bit of heat. This will give the dish a nice kick that balances the richness of the beef.

4. Mushroom Lovers: Add sliced mushrooms into the Crock Pot along with the onions and garlic. Mushrooms complement beef perfectly, adding earthiness and texture.

Conclusion:

Crock Pot Beef and Noodles is the epitome of comfort food. It’s easy to prepare, deeply flavorful, and perfect for a hearty meal. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or preparing it ahead of time for a larger gathering, this dish is sure to satisfy.

From its tender beef to its flavorful broth and satisfying noodles, it has all the elements of a perfect meal. Customize it to your tastes, make it your own, and enjoy the cozy satisfaction that comes with a homemade meal made effortlessly in a slow cooker.

Yield: 6

Crock Pot Beef and Noodles Recipe

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Beef and noodles is a classic comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners or busy weeknights. What makes this version even better is that it's made in a Crock Pot (slow cooker), allowing the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender and the flavors to develop slowly over time. This hearty, savory dish is ideal for a family meal or a dinner that’s sure to feed a crowd.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast or stew meat, cut into chunks
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) beef broth (or homemade beef broth)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or substitute with cream of chicken)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups wide egg noodles (uncooked)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for creamier texture)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the beef: Place the beef chunks in the Crock Pot. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shreds.

Add noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, add the uncooked egg noodles to the Crock Pot, stirring them into the sauce. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.

Finish the dish: Once the noodles are tender, stir in the heavy cream if you’re using it for extra creaminess. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

• Beef options: You can use beef stew meat or a beef chuck roast for this recipe. If using a roast, be sure to shred it after cooking.
• Noodles: If you prefer a thicker or more saucy dish, you can add extra broth or cream. You can also substitute egg noodles with other types of pasta if you prefer.
• For a thicker sauce: If you find the sauce too thin, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the Crock Pot 30 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce.