If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy weeknight meal, look no further than Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles. This beloved classic combines tender chunks of slow-braised beef, aromatic broth, and perfectly cooked egg noodles, all brought together with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with mouthwatering aromas and a hearty, comforting dinner ready to enjoy with the people you love. That’s exactly what you get with this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe—a bowlful of pure comfort that you’ll want to make again and again!

Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles brings something delicious to the table, from savory beef and rich broth to fragrant spices and soft noodles. While the ingredient list is wonderfully simple, every element is essential for building up layers of taste, texture, and old-fashioned comfort in every bite.

Beef chuck roast (2 pounds): The key to melt-in-your-mouth beef; its marbling makes the meat incredibly tender after long, slow cooking.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps brown the beef for an even deeper flavor.
Yellow onion, diced (1 small): Infuses the dish with sweet and savory undertones as it cooks down.
Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Gives that irresistible aromatic punch every comforting stew needs.
Beef broth (4 cups): The flavorful foundation that transforms the beef into a savory, soul-warming meal.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds umami depth and a subtle tang you’ll crave in every spoonful.
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Provides a gentle herbal background note that balances the richness.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning every component just right.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a mild kick and enhances the other flavors.
Bay leaf (1): A classic slow-cooker staple, giving a savory depth that you’d miss if left out.
Egg noodles (12 ounces): The ultimate noodle for soaking up broth and delivering perfect texture.
Cornstarch mixed with water (2 tablespoons each, optional): For those who prefer a thicker, stew-like consistency.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches if needed, brown the beef chunks on all sides—this simple step locks in flavor and gives your Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles irresistible depth right from the get-go. Don’t rush this part, as a good sear means even richer broth later!

Step 2: Build the Base in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the beautifully browned beef straight into your slow cooker. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, then pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, salt, pepper, and drop in a bay leaf. Stir everything gently to combine—that’s the flavor powerhouse in action.

Step 3: Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. This hands-off time transforms the beef into fork-tender perfection and lets all those savory flavors mingle and deepen. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it magic trick of the Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe.

Step 4: Shred the Beef

About 20 to 30 minutes before serving, fish out and discard the bay leaf. Shred the beef with two forks directly in the slow cooker—it should fall apart beautifully. The broth will soak into every crevice of the beef, making each bite even more luscious.

Step 5: Cook the Noodles

Add the uncooked egg noodles right into the slow cooker and stir to submerge them in the savory broth. Crank the heat to high and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, until the noodles are tender but not mushy. Your kitchen will already smell amazing by now—just wait until you lift that lid!

Step 6: Optional—Thicken the Broth

If you’d like a thicker, stew-like consistency, stir in the cornstarch and water slurry. Let it cook on high for another 5 to 10 minutes, and watch as the sauce coats every noodle and chunk of beef gloriously. Then, get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles

Garnishes

A sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley or a grind of black pepper just before serving adds a pop of color and a bit of brightness. You could also top with a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess, or a little shredded Parmesan if you like things extra decadent.

Side Dishes

While Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles is truly satisfying on its own, it’s fantastic paired with buttery dinner rolls or a crisp green salad. Some roasted or steamed green beans, glazed carrots, or even simple sautéed spinach can round out your meal without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

Try ladling the beef and noodles into deep, wide bowls for a rustic presentation, or spoon it over creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort combo. If you’re serving guests, top each portion with a swirl of sour cream and a sprinkling of chives—it’s a little touch that feels special every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop overnight, making the leftovers even better the next day!

Freezing

For long-term storage, transfer cooled beef and noodles to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—this way the noodles stay as tender as the first time.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of extra beef broth if needed to loosen things up. The microwave works too; use short bursts and stir occasionally for even heating. Leftover Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles is just as comforting the second (or third!) time around.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is preferred for its tenderness, you can use brisket, bottom round, or even stew meat. Just make sure it’s a cut that benefits from low and slow cooking for the best texture.

Do I have to brown the beef first?

Browning adds extra flavor and rich color to the dish, but if you’re really short on time, you can skip this step and place the raw beef straight into the slow cooker. The results will still be tasty, just a bit less robust.

Can I substitute the egg noodles?

Definitely! Wide pasta noodles or even gluten-free options work well. Just keep an eye on cooking time, since different noodle types may soften at different rates in the slow cooker.

What if I want the sauce even creamier?

Stir in a half cup of sour cream at the very end, just before serving. This gives the Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles a creamy, tangy lift that’s absolutely irresistible!

How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?

Add the noodles only in the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking, and keep an eye on them until just tender. If you prefer, you can cook the noodles separately and stir them in right before serving for even more control over texture.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe, it will instantly earn a spot in your comfort food hall of fame. It’s easy, hands-off, and delivers so much flavor for so little effort. If you’re craving a meal that feels like a big, cozy hug at the end of a long day, give this one a try—you’ll be hooked with the first spoonful!

Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Tender beef simmered in savory broth until melt-in-your-mouth delicious, paired with egg noodles for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef:

2 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into large chunks

Additional:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
12 ounces egg noodles
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

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Instructions

Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet, brown beef chunks, then transfer to the slow cooker.
Cook in Slow Cooker: Add onion, garlic, broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours.
Add Noodles: Shred beef, add noodles to the slow cooker, and cook until tender.
Thicken (Optional): Stir in cornstarch slurry if desired for a thicker broth. Serve hot.