The Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe for Comfort

Beef and noodles dance beautifully in this slow cooker recipe that promises comfort without complexity.

Tender meat melts into silky strands of pasta, creating a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Weeknight dinners demand simplicity, and this dish delivers pure satisfaction.

Rich flavors develop slowly, transforming basic ingredients into something magical.

Home cooks appreciate minimal effort for maximum deliciousness.

Minimal prep means more time relaxing while dinner simmers to perfection.

One bite will convince you this recipe belongs in your regular meal rotation.

Beef and Noodles Slow Cooked for Full-Flavored Comfort

• No-Fuss Family Meal: One-pot dish that delivers rich, hearty flavors without complicated techniques, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution that pleases both kids and adults.
• Time-Saving Magic: Requires only 10 minutes of initial prep, then the slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to adjust thickness with optional cornstarch slurry and adaptable to personal taste preferences, ensuring everyone at the table gets exactly what they want.

Beef and Noodles Ingredients

• Chuck Roast: A tender, flavorful cut perfect for slow cooking, best when well-marbled with fat for rich taste.
• Beef Broth: Creates a rich, savory liquid base for slow cooking the meat.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor enhancers that add depth and aroma to the dish.
• Thyme: Herb that provides a subtle earthy and slightly minty flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and tangy complexity to the meat.
• Onion Soup Mix: Provides instant seasoning and additional depth of flavor.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creaminess and creates a rich, smooth sauce.
• Egg Noodles: Traditional pasta that absorbs the flavorful sauce and complements the beef.
• Cornstarch, Water: Creates a slurry to thicken the sauce if desired.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb for added color and light flavor contrast.

Beef & Noodles Slow Cooker Method

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Base

Place the chuck roast in the slow cooker.

This cut of meat will become incredibly tender and flavorful during the long cooking process.

• Chuck roast

Step 2: Create Flavor Foundation

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Beef broth
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Onion soup mix
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme

Step 3: Slow Cook to Tenderness

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours.

The beef will become so tender that it falls apart easily when touched with a fork.

Step 4: Shred the Beef

Using two forks, shred the beef directly in the slow cooker.

Mix the shredded meat thoroughly with the cooking liquid to distribute the flavors evenly.

Step 5: Add Noodles

Introduce uncooked egg noodles to the slow cooker.

Cover and cook on high heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Adjust Sauce Consistency

If you prefer a thicker sauce, create a quick cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water.

Stir this into the slow cooker and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Dish out the beef and noodles into warm bowls.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a bright, fresh garnish.

Enjoy this comforting, hearty meal straight from the slow cooker.

Comfort Tips for Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles

• Choose a well-marbled chuck roast for maximum flavor and ensure it falls apart easily during slow cooking.
• Add egg noodles during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking to maintain their perfect texture and avoid overcooking.
• Consider using low-sodium beef broth and adding a splash of red wine for a richer, more complex taste profile.
• Use cornstarch slurry as a quick thickening technique if you prefer a more robust, clingy sauce around the beef and noodles.
• Swap regular egg noodles with gluten-free alternatives or use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version of this comforting dish.

Leftover Beef and Noodles Guide

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the beef and noodles will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled meal to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm gently in microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Defrost overnight in refrigerator, then reheat in microwave or on stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add broth if sauce appears thick.

Easy Matches for Beef and Noodles

• Pair with Rustic Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red like Cabernet Franc or Merlot that complements the rich, savory beef flavors with its subtle tannins and smooth finish.
• Create Hearty Side Salad: Toss crisp mixed greens with tangy vinaigrette and crumbled blue cheese to cut through the dish's richness and provide fresh, bright contrast.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Toast thick slices of artisan bread brushed with garlic butter, perfect for soaking up the delicious mushroom-infused sauce and adding textural variety.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare herb-roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts with olive oil and sea salt to add nutritional balance and earthy undertones that enhance the main dish.

Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Dinner Twists

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace egg noodles with gluten-free noodles or rice. Swap cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free onion soup mix.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream of mushroom soup or homemade mushroom broth. Substitute beef broth with low-sodium vegetable broth for a lighter flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace chuck roast with jackfruit or firm tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and add extra mushrooms for umami depth.
• Keto-Friendly Modification: Swap noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Reduce onion quantity and use a low-carb cream alternative to maintain ketogenic macronutrient ratios.

FAQs

• Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can substitute chuck roast with other tough, budget-friendly cuts like bottom round roast or brisket that become tender when slow-cooked.

• Is it possible to make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Use the meat/stew function and cook for about 45 minutes, then quick release and add noodles on sauté mode for 6-8 minutes.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace the cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free version, use gluten-free egg noodles, and ensure the beef broth and onion soup mix are certified gluten-free.

• Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze Beef and Noodles for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers, leaving some space for expansion, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker beef and noodles deliver comfort straight from midwestern kitchens, blending tender shredded beef with silky pasta. Rich gravy and melt-in-your-mouth meat invite you to savor a classic home-style meal that warms both body and soul.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) beef chuck roast

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid Ingredients:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 (10.5 oz / 298 grams) can cream of mushroom soup

Thickening Agent (Optional):

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Noodles:

• 12 oz (340 grams) egg noodles

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Nestle the chuck roast into the slow cooker, creating a centered foundation for the hearty meal.
2. Infuse the meat with a robust flavor profile by layering diced onion, minced garlic, aromatic beef broth, creamy mushroom soup, zesty onion soup mix, tangy Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, cracked black pepper, and earthy thyme.
3. Seal the slow cooker and allow the contents to gently simmer and tenderize on low heat for 8 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours, ensuring the beef becomes delicately fall-apart tender.
4. Use two forks to meticulously shred the beef directly within the cooking liquid, distributing the meat evenly throughout the rich sauce.
5. Introduce uncooked egg noodles into the slow cooker, submerging them completely in the flavorful braising liquid.
6. Cover and continue cooking on high heat, stirring periodically to prevent noodles from sticking, until they reach a perfectly soft and tender consistency, approximately 20-30 minutes.
7. For those desiring a more luxurious sauce texture, whisk cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry, then gently incorporate it into the slow cooker.
8. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, enabling the sauce to thicken and develop a glossy, luxurious consistency.
9. Transfer the beef and noodles to serving dishes, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant final touch.

Notes

• Test meat tenderness by gently pulling with two forks; if it falls apart easily, it’s perfectly cooked.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium beef broth and skipping the onion soup mix, replacing with additional herbs and spices.
• Customize the dish for gluten-sensitive diets by substituting regular egg noodles with gluten-free alternatives made from rice or chickpea flour.
• Prevent noodles from becoming mushy by adding them during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking and checking texture frequently.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg