Some dinners just feel like a hug on a plate, and this crock pot beef with noodles is exactly that kind of meal. It’s one of those recipes I reach for when the day has been long and the air outside has turned crisp. The smell of slow-simmered beef mingling with herbs fills the kitchen, making the wait almost as comforting as the first bite.
I remember the first time I made this — juggling the browning of beef cubes while the kids were asking for snacks somewhere between dinner and dessert. The kitchen was a little chaotic, and I wasn’t even sure if I had enough patience for the overnight slow cooking. But as the hours passed, the aroma pulled me back to the counter, and I found myself sneaking tastes of the savory gravy. The noodles, slick with that rich sauce, felt like a little reward for the waiting. It’s not fancy, and honestly, I had a moment where I thought I might have overcooked the beef, but it all came together in the end.
- The beef becomes incredibly tender after hours in the crock pot, making each mouthful melt-in-your-mouth satisfying.
- The gravy is rich but not overly thick; it’s simple — and that’s kind of the point.
- Wide egg noodles soak up the flavors perfectly, creating a comforting balance of textures.
- Prep is minimal, but the slow cooking does mean planning ahead.
- This recipe serves a good crowd, making it a great choice for family dinners or leftovers.
If you’re worried about timing, you can always start the crock pot earlier in the day. It’s forgiving enough that a little extra cooking time won’t ruin the meal. Plus, reheating gently on the stove keeps the beef tender and the sauce silky, so leftovers don’t lose their charm.
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Crock Pot Beef with Noodles
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A hearty and comforting crock pot beef with noodles recipe featuring tender slow-cooked beef in a savory gravy served over egg noodles.
Ingredients
2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 ounces wide egg noodles
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add beef cubes in batches and brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Transfer browned beef to the crock pot.
In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, then transfer onion and garlic to the crock pot.
Pour beef broth into the crock pot. Add Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until beef is tender.
About 30 minutes before serving, cook egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned to make a roux.
Slowly whisk in 1 cup of the cooking liquid from the crock pot into the roux to create a gravy. Pour the gravy back into the crock pot and stir well.
Add cooked egg noodles to the crock pot and gently toss to combine with beef and gravy.
Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
Don’t stress about fancy gear — a sturdy crock pot and a skillet for browning are all you really need. When it comes to serving, try a simple green salad or steamed veggies on the side to cut through the richness. I’ve toyed with swapping herbs here and there, sometimes adding a splash of red wine to the gravy for a deeper flavor, but honestly, the classic mix feels just right. If you’re feeling adventurous, tossing in mushrooms or caramelized onions might add a nice twist, though I haven’t tested all these variations thoroughly.
FAQ
Can I skip browning the beef?
Technically yes, but browning adds so much flavor and texture. It’s worth the extra step if you have the time.
What if I don’t have wide egg noodles?
Any pasta you like will work, though wider noodles hold up best when mixed with the gravy.
Can I make this gluten-free?
You could try a gluten-free flour to thicken the gravy and gluten-free noodles, but I haven’t tried it personally.
If you’re craving something that feels like home, this crock pot beef with noodles quietly delivers. Give it a try next time you want a no-fuss, soulful dinner that waits patiently for you.