Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles

If you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and packed with rich flavor, this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe will hit the spot. Tender chunks of beef are slow-cooked to perfection, then mixed with hearty egg noodles in a savory, creamy sauce. It’s the kind of meal that warms your soul—perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or chilly days when you just want something satisfying and fuss-free.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Set It & Forget It – The slow cooker does all the work, freeing up your day.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef – Slow cooking makes the beef ultra-tender.
Family Favorite – Kid-friendly, filling, and comforting.
Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Great Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef & Broth:

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

For the Noodles & Sauce:

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

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet (for searing beef)
• 6-quart slow cooker
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Pot (to cook noodles)
• Strainer
• Ladle for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Beef

1. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef chunks in batches, searing on all sides until browned. This adds flavor and locks in moisture.
3. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

1. In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Transfer onions and garlic to the slow cooker.
4. Season everything in the slow cooker with salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, and thyme.
5. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Stir to combine.

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 and shreds easily.
2. Once done, gently shred or break apart larger chunks of beef using a fork.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles Separately

1. About 20 minutes before serving, boil egg noodles according to package directions.
2. Drain well and set aside.

Step 5: Create the Sauce & Combine

1. Stir cream of mushroom soup into the slow cooker.
2. Add sour cream if using, and mix until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
3. Fold in the cooked noodles. If the mixture is too thick, add up to 1 cup of water or extra broth to loosen it.
4. Let everything warm together on Low for 10–15 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

1. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving.
2. Serve hot in bowls with crusty bread or a fresh green salad.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles
Brown the Beef – Searing adds deeper flavor to the finished dish.
Use Low-Sodium Broth – Helps control salt levels with the sauces.
Cook Noodles Separately – Prevents them from becoming mushy in the slow cooker.
Make It Creamier – Add sour cream, cream cheese, or a splash of heavy cream.
Reheat Gently – To maintain texture, warm on low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water.

Serving Suggestions
Crusty Bread – A must for soaking up the rich sauce.
Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts pair well.
Simple Salad – A crisp green salad balances the richness of the dish.
Mashed Potatoes – Serve beef and sauce over mash for extra comfort.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding broth if needed.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to avoid drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Chuck roast, round roast, or even beef tips work well for this recipe.

2. Can I cook the noodles in the slow cooker?
It’s not recommended—noodles can become overcooked and mushy. Cook them separately for best results.

3. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Freeze in portions and reheat as needed for an easy future meal.

4. Can I make it without the cream of mushroom soup?
Yes. You can replace it with a homemade roux or use cream of chicken or beef instead.

Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s satisfying, savory, and packed with flavor—all with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping comfort food for the week, this recipe delivers every time.

Try it once, and it might just become a regular in your slow cooker rotation. Don’t forget to leave a review and share your version with us!

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 670mg

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