Slow cooker meals have a way of turning the mundane into something quietly special, and this beef and noodles recipe is no exception. Imagine coming home to the inviting scent of tender beef simmered slowly with herbs and a thick, savory gravy. The soft egg noodles soak up every bit of flavor, making each forkful a little celebration of comfort. It’s not fancy, but it’s the kind of food that feels like it understands you.
One evening, I just plopped the beef in the slow cooker and forgot about it while life happened around me—kids arguing over their homework, the doorbell ringing twice, and me fiddling with my phone instead of setting the table. When dinner was finally ready, the kitchen was filled with the warmest, richest smell, and I realized I hadn’t set the timer quite right, so the noodles were a bit softer than usual. Still, the whole family dug in without a second thought, and honestly, that little imperfection made it even more homey.
Why You’ll Love It:
- This dish is hands-off for most of the day, freeing you up for whatever life throws at you.
- The slow-cooked beef is incredibly tender, almost melting in your mouth, but the rich gravy is the star that pulls it all together.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. Nothing fancy, just real comfort on a plate.
- Cooking everything in one pot means less cleanup, though you might want to be patient when stirring in the noodles so they don’t stick.
If you’re worried about timing or texture, remember it’s okay to check in on the noodles early to avoid overcooking. I’ve learned that a little softness isn’t a dealbreaker when the flavors are this satisfying.
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Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A comforting and hearty slow cooker beef and noodles recipe featuring tender beef, rich gravy, and soft egg noodles, perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
12 ounces egg noodles
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Season the beef cubes with salt and black pepper evenly.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches and brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Transfer onion and garlic to the slow cooker.
Pour beef broth into the slow cooker. Add Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir gently to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the beef is tender.
About 30 minutes before serving, remove bay leaves from the slow cooker.
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy.
Add egg noodles to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high for 20-25 minutes, or until noodles are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley.
Serve hot, spooning beef and noodles with gravy onto plates.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
Kitchen Notes:
Using a slow cooker means you don’t have to babysit the pot, which is perfect if you have a busy afternoon or just want to chill out. I usually serve this with a simple green salad or steamed veggies to brighten things up. Occasionally, I swap out the egg noodles for a heartier pasta or even mashed potatoes, though I’m not sure it’s quite the same cozy vibe. Adding mushrooms or a splash of red wine can change the flavor profile a bit, but I haven’t tested these tweaks enough to say they’re better — just different.
FAQ:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the beef and onions the night before and refrigerate them. Just add everything to the slow cooker when you’re ready.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You could adapt it to a stovetop, but you’d need to keep an eye on it and stir more often to prevent burning.
Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s best not to freeze the noodles as they get mushy, but you can freeze the beef and gravy separately.
Ready to cozy up your evening? This slow cooker beef and noodles recipe is waiting to turn your kitchen into a warm haven. Give it a try and see how easy comfort food can be.