This Easy Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles is a warm and cozy dish that everyone loves! It’s made with tender beef, flavorful broth, and noodles that soak up all the goodness.
What I adore is the simplicity! Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. Perfect for busy days—when I come home, dinner is all ready to enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking as it becomes tender over time. If you’re looking for a leaner meat, you can swap it for sirloin, just be careful not to overcook it.
Onion: A large onion adds a sweet flavor when cooked. If you’re short on time, you could use onion powder instead—about 1 tablespoon should do.
Egg Noodles: These are traditional, but feel free to use other noodles like wide pappardelle or even a gluten-free option if needed. Just watch the cooking time, as it may vary!
Cornstarch: This is used for thickening the broth. If you prefer, you can use flour instead; just mix it with water to avoid lumps.
How Do I Keep My Beef Tender and Flavorful in the Slow Cooker?
Cooking the beef low and slow is key to tenderness. Start by browning it in a skillet. This step adds flavor. Don’t rush it; take 3-4 minutes on each side. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip browning but the taste will be different.
- Season beef chunks and heat oil in the skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown all sides of the beef before moving it to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low heat for at least 7 hours; this helps the beef fibers break down.
Lastly, shredding the beef before adding the noodles helps it soak up the sauce, enhancing the flavors in each bite!
Easy Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Noodles:
- 3 cups egg noodles (wide or medium)
For Thickening:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Estimate:
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes for prep, with a cooking time of around 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high in the slow cooker. Total time will be roughly 8 hours if using low or 5 hours if using high.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Beef:
Begin by generously seasoning the beef chunks with salt and black pepper. It will help infuse flavor into the meat!
2. Brown the Beef (Optional):
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil. Once hot, carefully add the beef chunks. Brown them on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side for extra flavor. This step is optional but recommended.
3. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Stir everything together to mix well.
4. Set the Slow Cooker:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is very tender and easy to shred.
5. Shred the Beef:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker. Shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks or a knife.
6. Thicken the Broth:
Change the slow cooker setting to high heat. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the slow cooker to slightly thicken the broth.
7. Cook the Noodles:
Add the egg noodles to the broth in the slow cooker. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
8. Combine and Season:
Return the shredded beef back to the slow cooker and stir everything well to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the beef and noodles hot in bowls, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Enjoy your comforting, flavorful beef and noodles, made easy with the slow cooker!
FAQ about Easy Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles
Can I Use Frozen Beef Chuck Roast?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw the beef before cooking. If you use a frozen roast, you can still cook it in the slow cooker, but it will significantly increase the cooking time. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
What Can I Use Instead of Egg Noodles?
If you don’t have egg noodles on hand, feel free to substitute with other types of pasta like pappardelle or even a gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different noodles may require varying amounts of time to cook.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to loosen the sauce.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Simply combine everything in the slow cooker and start when you’re ready. You can also make it a day ahead and refrigerate until serving!
