There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Crockpot Beef and Noodles filling your kitchen on a chilly day. Tender beef, rich broth, and perfectly cooked noodles come together in this hearty dish that's as satisfying as it is easy to prepare.
This recipe has been a family favorite for years, especially on busy weeknights when we need something simple yet delicious. With just a few basic ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can create a meal that's sure to warm both hearts and stomachs. Ready to dig in? Let’s get started.
Why You'll Love This Crockpot Beef and Noodles
Get ready to embrace the ultimate comfort food. This Crockpot Beef and Noodles recipe is guaranteed to become a go-to in your meal rotation.
First, it's incredibly convenient. Just toss everything into your slow cooker, set it, and let it work its magic. You'll come home to a meal that's practically ready to serve with minimal effort.
Second, it's a budget-friendly option. Using affordable cuts of beef like chuck roast ensures you get rich, tender meat without breaking the bank. Add in a few pantry staples, and you've got a full meal that's easy on your wallet.
Another reason to love this dish is its universal appeal. Whether you're serving a crowd or picky eaters, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. The savory flavors and hearty texture make it perfect for all ages.
Finally, the leftovers are a dream. This recipe reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying a second time around.
Ingredients Notes
The secret to this Crockpot Beef and Noodles lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Here's what makes each one shine:
Chuck roast: This is the star of the dish. Its marbled fat ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef after hours of slow cooking. You could substitute it with stew meat, but chuck roast gives the best results.
Beef broth: A good-quality broth forms the base of the flavorful sauce. Opt for low-sodium beef broth if you prefer to control the saltiness of the dish.
Seasonings: A mix of onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika adds depth to the beef while enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Egg noodles: These classic noodles are the perfect pairing for the tender beef and rich broth. Their wide, hearty shape soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Cornstarch: Used for thickening, this ensures the sauce clings to the noodles, creating a luscious consistency.
If you have a slow cooker with a searing function, you can brown the beef directly in the pot. Otherwise, you'll need a skillet for this step.
How To Make This Crockpot Beef and Noodles
Creating this satisfying dish is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to bring it to life.
Start by searing your chuck roast. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of oil, and brown the beef on all sides. This step locks in the juices and adds a deep, savory flavor to the dish.
Transfer the beef to your crockpot. Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle the seasonings evenly over the top. Cover the pot and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Once the beef is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork, remove it from the crockpot. Shred it into bite-sized pieces and return it to the broth.
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add this to the crockpot, stirring well to combine. Let it cook on high for 20-30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Finally, add the egg noodles to the crockpot, ensuring they're fully submerged in the broth. Cook for an additional 20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Give everything a good stir, and your dish is ready to serve.
This recipe requires very little active prep time, making it perfect for busy days. From start to finish, you’ll need about 8-9 hours on low or 5-6 hours on high, but most of that time is hands-off.
Storage Options
Crockpot Beef and Noodles is just as delicious the next day, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch.
For refrigeration, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
For freezing, transfer the cooled dish to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
If you plan to freeze portions, consider freezing the noodles separately to maintain their texture. Simply cook fresh noodles when reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to make adjustments based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine to the broth before cooking. It pairs beautifully with the beef and adds complexity to the dish.
If you're short on time, swap the chuck roast for pre-cut stew meat. While it may not be as tender, it’ll still taste amazing.
Want more veggies? Stir in peas, carrots, or mushrooms during the last hour of cooking. They'll blend seamlessly into the dish and add a pop of color.
For a dairy-free option, skip the cornstarch slurry and use a flour-based roux instead. It’ll create a similar thickness without the need for dairy products.
Experiment with different noodles if you like. Wide pappardelle or even rotini can work well in place of egg noodles.
This Crockpot Beef and Noodles recipe is a true comfort food classic. Whether you're looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to share with loved ones, it's sure to become a favorite in your home.
PrintCrockpot Beef And Noodles Recipe
This Crockpot Beef and Noodles recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender shredded beef, hearty egg noodles, and a rich, savory broth. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s an easy, hands-off dish that’s great for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place beef chuck roast in the Crockpot. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour beef broth and onion soup mix over the roast. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- Shred the beef with two forks and stir.
- Add egg noodles and 1 cup water to the Crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Cook for an additional 30-40 minutes on high until noodles are tender.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add ½ cup heavy cream after cooking the noodles.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
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