Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles

Cozy, comforting, and effortlessly delicious, this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe is the ultimate easy dinner solution. Tender, fork-shredded beef simmers all day in a flavorful broth before being tossed with soft egg noodles and topped with fresh herbs. It’s a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meal that’s perfect for busy evenings, potlucks, or simply warming up on chilly nights.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hands-Off Cooking – Set it and forget it in your slow cooker.
Melts-in-Your-Mouth Beef – Low and slow cooking delivers tender, juicy meat.
One-Pot Dinner – Minimal dishes and effort.
Family Favorite – Mild, rich flavors that appeal to all ages.
Comfort Food Classic – Reminds you of warm, home-cooked meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef:
2–3 lbs chuck roast or similar cut, trimmed and cut into large chunks
Salt and pepper for seasoning
1 tbsp vegetable oil (optional, for browning)

For the Cooking Liquid:
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
½ cup water (or extra broth)
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
½ tsp dried rosemary (crushed)
1 tsp paprika
Optional: 1 bay leaf

For the Noodles:
12 oz wide egg noodles (or pasta of choice)
2 tbsp butter (optional, for tossing noodles)

For Garnish & Serving:
Chopped fresh parsley or chives
Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese
Optional sides: steamed green beans, side salad, or crusty rolls

Tools You’ll Need
Slow cooker or crockpot (6-quart recommended)
Large skillet (if browning beef)
Cutting board and knife
Measuring spoons and cups
Baking sheet or plate (to hold browned beef)
Colander (for draining noodles)
Wooden spoon or tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep and (Optional) Brown the Beef
Season beef chunks generously with salt and pepper.
(Optional but flavorful) Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear beef in batches until browned on all sides, about 3 minutes per side.
Transfer the beef to your slow cooker as it’s finished browning.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, sauté onions until translucent (about 3 minutes); add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Scrape up brown bits and pour the mixture into the slow cooker.
Add beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and bay leaf.
Stir to combine, ensuring beef is mostly submerged.

Step 3: Slow Cook
Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender enough to shred easily.

Step 4: Shred the Beef
Remove bay leaf, then use two forks to shred the beef in the slow cooker, stirring it into the broth.

Step 5: Cook the Noodles
About 20 minutes before serving, cook egg noodles in boiling salted water until al dente.
Drain, then toss with butter if desired.

Step 6: Combine & Serve
Stir the noodles into the slow cooker, letting them soak up the broth for 2–3 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasonings.
Serve hot in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley or chives and optional Parmesan.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles
Sear for Extra Flavor – Browning the meat enhances depth and richness.
Don’t Rush the Cooking – Low and slow delivers more tender, flavorful beef.
Broth Balance – Use low-sodium broth so you can control the salt.
Noodle Timing Matters – Add noodles last to avoid them becoming overly soft or absorbed.
Make It Creamier – Stir in a swirl of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream.
Change the Protein – Chicken thighs or turkey roasts can be used with slight cooking time adjustments.
Add Veggies – Stir in carrot ribbons, peas, or mushrooms during the last hour for added texture.

Serving Suggestions
Green Veggies – Steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach or green bean almondine.
Warm Rolls – Great for dipping in the flavorful broth.
Side Salad – A crisp, vinegar-based salad cuts through richness.
Pickles or Coleslaw – Offers bright, tangy contrast to the creamy dish.

How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months (no cheese!).

Reheating:
Stovetop: Gently warm in a pot, adding broth if needed.
Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring halfway to ensure even warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I skip browning the beef?
   Yes, but searing adds flavor and caramelization.
2. What’s the best cut of beef?
   Marbled cuts like chuck roast are ideal—tender when slow-cooked.
3. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Use GF noodles or spiralized zucchini/quinoa pasta.
4. Should I cook the noodles in the slow cooker?
   No—those absorb too much broth and can become mushy. Cook separately and add at the end.

Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe is the epitome of comfort food—rich, satisfying, and effortless. The tender beef and silky noodles create a bowl of warmth that feeds both body and soul. Whether it’s a hectic weekday or a quiet weekend dinner, this dish is a welcome, nostalgic addition to your table.

Give it a try tonight and let the humble slow cooker work its magic—you might just find your best comfort-food rival in this cozy casserole. Don’t forget to snap a photo and share your cozy bowl with us—I’d love to see how it turned out!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 4–8 hours
Cuisine: American Comfort

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 530 | Protein: 36g | Carbohydrates: 40g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 680mg

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