Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles – There’s nothing quite like walking into your home and being greeted by the irresistible aroma of slow-cooked beef and noodles. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, evoking memories of Sunday dinners at grandma’s house. With tender chunks of beef, silky egg noodles, and a rich, savory broth, this recipe is a family favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe Works
This recipe has been perfected through countless trials to ensure it delivers maximum flavor and comfort. The secret lies in two key steps: browning the beef before slow cooking and letting the slow cooker work its magic. Browning the meat creates a deep, caramelized flavor, while the slow cooker transforms the beef into melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The mushrooms and onions add richness, and the egg noodles soak up all the delicious flavors as they cook. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles
To create this hearty dish, you’ll need a handful of quality ingredients. Here’s what makes this recipe stand out:
1. The Beef
- Chuck roast is the star of this recipe. Its marbling breaks down during cooking, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. While pre-cut stew meat can save time, cutting your own chuck roast ensures uniform pieces and better texture.
2. The Aromatics
- Onions, garlic, and thyme form the flavor foundation. The onions caramelize during browning, adding sweetness and depth, while garlic and thyme infuse the dish with aromatic warmth.
3. The Mushrooms
- Sliced mushrooms are optional but highly recommended. They add an earthy flavor and meaty texture, enhancing the richness of the broth.
4. The Noodles
- Wide egg noodles are the perfect choice for this recipe. They hold up well during cooking and have a delightful texture that soaks up the savory broth.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed and cubed
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
For the Base:
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- Additional salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prep the Beef:
- Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning.
- In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Toss the beef cubes in the seasoned flour until evenly coated.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, transferring the browned pieces to the slow cooker.
2. Build the Base:
- In the same skillet, cook the chopped onions until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Transfer the onions and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Add the beef broth, sliced mushrooms, and dried thyme to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
3. Slow Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 4 hours. The beef should become very tender.
4. Finish the Dish:
- Add the wide egg noodles and dried parsley to the slow cooker.
- Reduce the heat to LOW and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Cut Your Own Beef: For the best results, buy a whole chuck roast and cut it into cubes yourself. This ensures uniform pieces and better texture.
- Don’t Skip Browning: Browning the beef adds a depth of flavor that can’t be achieved otherwise.
- Noodle Texture: Keep the noodles slightly al dente when adding them to the slow cooker, as they will continue to cook in the hot broth.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the dish without the noodles for up to 3 months.
Perfect Pairings for Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Crusty sourdough bread for soaking up the delicious broth.
- A simple green salad to add a fresh contrast.
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans for a touch of greenery.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal hands-on time, and delivers a meal that’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to impress. The tender beef, savory broth, and silky noodles come together to create a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
There’s a reason this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe has become a family favorite. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With just a little prep work and a few hours in the slow cooker, you’ll have a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. So, grab your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s pure comfort in every bite.
