Description
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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Ingredients
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
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–8 hours
- Cuisine: American Comfort