The tender, slow-cooked beef combined with creamy noodles creates a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. The savory gravy coats every bite, making it the perfect meal for chilly evenings or busy weeknights.
This dish is ideal for a family dinner, and the leftovers taste even better the next day! It’s a one-pot wonder that’s sure to please everyone, from kids to adults. Plus, it’s so simple to prepare — just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the work! Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just your family, this Slow-Cooked Beef and Noodles is a dish everyone will love.
Full Recipe:
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2 lbs stew beef, cut into chunks
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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1 teaspoon ground black pepper
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½ cup diced onion
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1 tablespoon minced garlic
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2-3 sprigs fresh thyme, minced
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1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Roasted Beef Base
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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20 oz cream of mushroom soup (2 cans)
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2 cups low-sodium beef broth
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12 oz dry extra-wide egg noodles (1 package)
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Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for serving)
Directions:
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Place the beef in the crockpot and season with salt, pepper, onion, garlic, thyme, and beef bouillon. Mix everything together so the beef is well coated.
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In a large bowl, combine Worcestershire sauce, soup, and broth. Pour over the meat in the crockpot.
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Put the lid on the crockpot and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 7-8 hours.
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About 20 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles according to package directions.
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Serve the noodles in bowls topped with meat, sauce, and fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high | Total Time: 7-8 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 503 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why Crockpot Beef and Noodles is Perfect for Family Meals
The combination of beef and noodles is a classic comfort food. When made in the crockpot, this dish becomes even more convenient. Cooking beef in a slow cooker allows for a more hands-off approach, so you can spend your time doing other things while the meal cooks itself. The stew beef becomes so tender that it practically falls apart, and the flavors from the sauce infuse every bite of the meat and noodles.
Another key to success in this recipe is the use of high-quality ingredients. A well-seasoned beef bouillon and the addition of Worcestershire sauce give the dish a rich umami flavor that enhances the overall taste. The cream of mushroom soup provides a velvety texture that makes the sauce extra creamy, while the egg noodles offer the perfect base to soak up all that flavorful goodness.
In addition, this dish is highly versatile. You can serve it as-is for a hearty meal, or pair it with sides like roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad. The creamy beef sauce is so rich that you won’t want to leave any behind, so having a piece of bread or a side dish to help scoop up the sauce is always a good idea.
The Convenience of a Slow Cooker Meal
There’s no denying the convenience of using a slow cooker to prepare meals. The crockpot is a great tool for busy families because it allows you to prepare a meal without needing to stay actively involved in the cooking process. Just throw everything into the crockpot, set the temperature, and let it cook.
Crockpot Beef and Noodles takes advantage of this hands-off method, with the slow cooking time turning tougher cuts of beef into a tender, flavorful dish. For those looking for an even creamier version, you can add half a cup of heavy cream towards the end of the cooking time. This makes the sauce even richer, giving it a luxurious texture that coats the noodles perfectly.
When cooking on low, the beef has ample time to break down and become tender, making it ideal for those who prefer to cook their meal on a slow simmer. For those in a rush, the high setting can work too, cutting the cooking time in half, although the beef might not be quite as tender.
How to Customize Your Crockpot Beef and Noodles
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s easily customizable. If you don’t have stew beef on hand, you can substitute it with other cuts of beef that are suitable for slow cooking. Brisket or chuck roast, for example, would work well in this recipe and provide the same tender results.
If you prefer to make the dish a little lighter, you can use a reduced-fat version of cream of mushroom soup, or substitute it with a different type of cream-based soup, like cream of chicken. You could even use a dairy-free option to make it suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
For additional flavor, feel free to add extra seasonings. A dash of paprika, some ground thyme, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish an interesting twist. You could also stir in a bit of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor when serving.
Serving Ideas and Pairing
This dish is comforting and filling on its own, but pairing it with a side can take the meal to the next level. Here are some great pairing ideas:
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Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli complement the rich flavors of the beef and noodles.
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Garlic Knots or Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce that coats the noodles and beef.
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Cucumber Salad: The fresh, crunchy texture of a cucumber salad balances the richness of the beef and noodles.
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Mashed Potatoes: If you want to make the meal even more indulgent, serve the beef and noodles over mashed potatoes for an even heartier meal.
No matter how you serve it, this dish is sure to satisfy your hunger and leave you with a comforting feeling that only comfort food can bring.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
One of the best things about Crockpot Beef and Noodles is that it makes excellent leftovers. After a busy day, having leftovers on hand for the next meal is a huge time-saver. To store leftovers, simply place the beef and noodles in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to two months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat it in a saucepan over medium-low heat. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second increments until it’s heated through.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Comfort Meal
Crockpot Beef and Noodles is the epitome of easy comfort food. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a satisfying, flavorful meal that will please the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a dish to prepare in advance or just want a hearty meal without much hassle, this recipe is perfect. The slow cooking process ensures the beef is tender and flavorful, and the creamy sauce is the perfect complement to the wide egg noodles. It’s the kind of meal that you can enjoy on a chilly evening or any time you need a little comfort food in your life.
From its simplicity to its mouthwatering flavor, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether served for dinner on a busy weeknight or at a cozy gathering, Crockpot Beef and Noodles is a dish that delivers on both flavor and convenience. So, go ahead and give it a try – your family will thank you!