Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles

Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles is the ultimate comfort food—a hearty, savory dish made with tender, slow-cooked beef and flavorful noodles.

This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a meal that practically cooks itself. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a warm and satisfying dish that’s ideal for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet (optional, for searing)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck roast or stew meat
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing)
• 4 cups (960ml) beef broth
• 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 cups (200g) egg noodles
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream (optional, for creamier sauce)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Beef: Season the beef generously with salt and pepper.
2. Optional Searing: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 3–4 minutes per side. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
3. Load the Slow Cooker: Place the beef in the slow cooker. Add beef broth, onion soup mix, garlic powder, and thyme. Stir to combine.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
5. Shred the Beef: Use tongs or two forks to shred the cooked beef directly in the slow cooker.
6. Cook the Noodles: About 20–30 minutes before serving, add the egg noodles to the slow cooker. Stir well to submerge them in the broth, cover, and cook on high until tender.
7. Optional Creaminess: Stir in heavy cream if a creamier sauce is desired.
8. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

8–10 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high)

Total Time

8 hours 10 minutes (low) or 4 hours 10 minutes (high)

Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 1g

Expert Tips

• Noodle Timing: Keep an eye on the noodles when adding them to ensure they don’t overcook.
• Meat Substitutes: You can use beef brisket or short ribs if chuck roast isn’t available.
• Broth Boost: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for deeper flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with rotini, bowtie pasta, or any sturdy pasta. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Cook the beef and refrigerate it with the broth. Reheat and add the noodles just before serving.

What sides go well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad complement this dish beautifully.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze the beef and broth in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat, then add freshly cooked noodles.

Storing & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
• Freezing: Freeze the beef and broth without noodles for best results.

Substitutions & Variations

• Vegetable Addition: Add carrots, celery, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free noodles and ensure the onion soup mix is gluten-free.
• Herb Alternatives: Swap thyme with rosemary or bay leaves for a different flavor.

Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles

Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles is the ultimate comfort food—a hearty, savory dish made with tender, slow-cooked beef and flavorful noodles.

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Equipment

• - Slow cooker
• - Large skillet (optional, for searing)
• - Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs

Ingredients

  

• - 2 lbs 900g beef chuck roast or stew meat
• - Salt and pepper to taste
• - 2 tbsp olive oil optional, for searing
• - 4 cups 960ml beef broth
• - 1 packet 1 oz onion soup mix
• - 1 tsp garlic powder
• - 1 tsp dried thyme
• - 2 cups 200g egg noodles
• - 1/2 cup 120ml heavy cream (optional, for creamier sauce)
• - Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

 

• **Prepare the Beef:** Season the beef generously with salt and pepper.
• **Optional Searing:** Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 3–4 minutes per side. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
• **Load the Slow Cooker:** Place the beef in the slow cooker. Add beef broth, onion soup mix, garlic powder, and thyme. Stir to combine.
• **Cook:** Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
• **Shred the Beef:** Use tongs or two forks to shred the cooked beef directly in the slow cooker.
• **Cook the Noodles:** About 20–30 minutes before serving, add the egg noodles to the slow cooker. Stir well to submerge them in the broth, cover, and cook on high until tender.
• **Optional Creaminess:** Stir in heavy cream if a creamier sauce is desired.
• **Serve:** Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.