My family adores a warm, comforting bowl of beef and noodles, especially on chilly weeknights. This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe is pure magic—it’s simple, flavorful, and makes the house smell amazing. I first tried this recipe when my grandma shared it during a family get together and it’s been in constant rotation at my house ever since.
The slow cooker does all the work, transforming budget-friendly stew meat into tender, melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. The rich broth, infused with herbs and spices, coats the noodles perfectly. It’s a true one-pot wonder. You’ll love how easy it is to throw together and how satisfying it is to enjoy!
Why This Works
This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe is a winner for so many reasons:
- Set-it-and-forget-it convenience: The slow cooker truly makes this recipe a breeze, allowing you to focus on other things while your dinner cooks to perfection.
- Budget-friendly: This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles dish uses affordable stew meat, which gets incredibly tender in the slow cooker.
- Family-pleasing flavor: The savory beef and noodles are a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
- Adaptable: You can easily customize this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe to suit your family’s preferences with different seasonings and vegetables.
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles dish:
- Beef stew meat: About 1-1.5 lbs. Choose a well-marbled cut for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and a touch of seasoned meat tenderizer are key for flavor.
- Aromatics: A minced yellow onion and a couple of heaping teaspoons of minced garlic add depth to the broth.
- Beef broth: Enough to cover the meat and create a rich base for the noodles.
- Worcestershire sauce: A dash of Worcestershire sauce adds a tangy, savory kick.
- Egg noodles: Wide egg noodles are classic for beef and noodles dishes. Add them towards the end of cooking time.
From Start to Finish
Step 1: Season and Brown the Beef
Season the stew meat generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned meat tenderizer. Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the stew meat in batches, ensuring a nice sear on all sides. This enhances the rich, meaty flavor of the finished dish.
Step 2: Slow Cooker Magic
Transfer the browned stew meat (and any accumulated juices from the skillet) to your slow cooker. Add the minced onion, minced garlic, and enough beef broth to completely cover the meat. Season the broth with additional salt, pepper, and woodfire blend. Stir everything gently to combine.
Step 3: Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-7 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. The slow cooking process allows the beef to break down and become incredibly tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Noodle Time
About 30-45 minutes before serving, stir in the egg noodles. Give them a stir every 10-15 minutes to prevent sticking. Cook until the noodles are tender but not mushy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting meal!
Test-Kitchen Tips
- For an even richer flavor, try using bone-in beef short ribs instead of stew meat. Be sure to remove the bones before serving.
- Don’t overcook the noodles! Start checking them at the 30-minute mark and stir frequently to prevent them from sticking together.
- If you prefer a thicker broth, you can whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Want more slow cooker recipes? Try our Slow Cooker Pulled Pork.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Flavor Twists
- Mushroom Magic: Add a pound of sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the beef for an earthy twist. Our Creamy Mushroom Soup would be a delicious pairing with this variation.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in some chopped carrots, celery, and peas along with the noodles. This adds color, texture, and nutrients to your Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth for a touch of heat.
- Herby Delight: Stir in a tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary along with the noodles. This infuses the broth with aromatic flavor.
Can I put noodles in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can definitely put noodles in a slow cooker. Just be sure to add them towards the end of the cooking time, about 30-45 minutes before serving, to prevent them from becoming overcooked and mushy.
Can I put raw beef in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Raw beef cooks beautifully in a slow cooker, becoming tender and flavorful over time. Browning the beef first adds an extra layer of richness, but it’s not strictly necessary.
Can I put raw noodles in a crockpot?
While you can put raw noodles in a crockpot, it’s generally recommended to add them towards the end of cooking time. This prevents them from getting overcooked and mushy.
What is the best cut of meat for beef and noodles?
Beef stew meat is a classic choice for beef and noodles, but you can also use chuck roast, short ribs, or even ground beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Make It a Meal
This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles dish is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple side salad or some steamed green beans for a balanced meal. A crusty loaf of bread is also perfect for sopping up every last drop of that delicious broth. Check out our side dish recipes for inspiration!
That’s a Wrap
I hope you and your family love this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe as much as mine does! It’s a true weeknight hero, delivering comfort and flavor with minimal effort. Be sure to let me know how it turns out in the comments below! For more delicious recipes, check out our dinner category page. Don’t forget to share your culinary creations with me on social media – I’d love to see them! Find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
