If you’re craving a heartwarming, fuss-free meal that feels like a big, comforting hug, the Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe is your new best friend. Tender chunks of slow-cooked beef mingle with rich, savory gravy and are perfectly paired with wide, eggy noodles. This dish brings together simple pantry staples to deliver a soul-satisfying dinner that’s just bursting with cozy flavors and effortless charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients, each carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture without any complicated prep. The beauty here is how the beef turns silky tender, the gravy mix delivers that deep savory punch, and the wide egg noodles soak up every luscious bite for a perfect balance on your plate.
- 2 lbs beef stew meat: Choose chuck roast or stew beef cut into cubes for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- 1 packet (0.87 oz) brown gravy mix: This adds savory depth and a luscious, thickened sauce base.
- 1 packet (1 oz) au jus mix: Brings richness and a subtle beefy zing that makes the flavors pop.
- 3 cups water: The essential cooking liquid that helps break down the beef and combines all elements harmoniously.
- 12 oz wide egg noodles: They soak up the gravy perfectly, balancing the hearty beef with a silky pasta texture.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker Mixture
Start by tossing your cubed beef stew meat into the slow cooker along with the brown gravy mix, au jus mix, and water. Give everything a gentle stir so the beef is fully coated in that tantalizing gravy blend. This seasoning combo is what brings the dish’s deep, savory flavor, so make sure every piece of beef gets a taste of it.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Low and Slow
Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to low for 6 to 8 hours, or high if you’re short on time for 4 to 5 hours. As it simmers away, the beef transforms into tender, flavorful bites that practically fall apart. The slow cooking also lets the gravy thicken naturally, infusing every mouthful with comfort.
Step 3: Prepare the Noodles
About 20 minutes before your beef is done, get your wide egg noodles boiling on the stove. Cook them just until they’re al dente—tender but with a slight bite. Drain them well so they’re ready to soak up that beautiful beef gravy once combined.
Step 4: Thicken the Gravy (Optional)
If your gravy isn’t quite as thick as you’d like, whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the slow cooker. Turn the heat to high and let it cook for another 20 minutes to reach that perfect velvety consistency—rich and clingy enough to coat every noodle and beef chunk.
Step 5: Combine & Serve
Finally, pile the cooked noodles onto your serving plates and spoon over generous portions of the tender beef and luscious gravy. Give it a little stir so all those flavors marry together on your fork. That, my friend, is dinner served up with all the love and ease you’ve been dreaming of.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives gives you a sweet pop of color and a fresh herbal finish that brightens up this hearty dish beautifully. For a bit of tang, a dollop of sour cream or a grating of sharp cheddar cheese can also work wonders.
Side Dishes
Since this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe is already so filling and rich, keeping your sides simple is a smart move. Think crisp green beans sautéed with garlic, roasted root vegetables, or a light mixed green salad for a fresh contrast that balances out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a little fancy, try serving the beef and noodles in rustic bread bowls for an edible, fun twist. Or, layer the noodles and beef in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and breadcrumbs for a comforting baked version that’s perfect for a crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The beef gets even more flavorful overnight, making your next meal just as delightful. When storing, keep the noodles slightly separate if possible, so they don’t soak up all the gravy and get mushy.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save portions for busy days. Freeze beef and gravy in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. It’s best to freeze the noodles separately to maintain their texture after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up while warming. Adding fresh noodles during reheating works great too for a fresher bite.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat or chuck roast work best for tenderness, you can also try brisket or short ribs. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to make sure the beef becomes tender without drying out.
What if I don’t have brown gravy mix or au jus mix?
You can substitute with homemade gravy and beef broth, seasoning generously with onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. While it won’t be quite the same, it’ll still make a comforting and delicious meal.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes! Carrots, mushrooms, and onions can be added in the beginning for extra flavor and nutrition. Just keep in mind that adding too many veggies might change cooking times and liquid proportions slightly.
Should I cook the noodles in the slow cooker?
It’s better to cook the noodles separately on the stove so they don’t become too soft or mushy. Adding noodles at the end keeps them firm and allows you to control the texture perfectly.
How thick should the gravy be?
The gravy should be thick enough to coat a spoon smoothly but still pour easily over the noodles. If it’s too thin, use the cornstarch slurry step to thicken it; if too thick, add a bit more water or broth to loosen it up.
Final Thoughts
If you want a meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, you really can’t go wrong with this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe. It’s easy to make, requires minimal effort, and delivers maximum flavor that never fails to satisfy. Give it a try and see how this simple recipe becomes your next go-to comfort food classic!
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Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 4 to 5 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes to 8 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe combines tender beef stew meat cooked low and slow in savory brown gravy and au jus mixes, served over perfectly cooked wide egg noodles. It’s an easy, comforting dish ideal for busy days when you want a warm and satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (or chuck roast, cut into cubes)
- 1 packet (0.87 oz) brown gravy mix
- 1 packet (1 oz) au jus mix
- 3 cups water
Noodles
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
Optional Thickening
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker Mixture: In a 4 to 6-quart slow cooker, combine the beef stew meat, brown gravy mix, au jus mix, and water. Stir well until the beef is evenly coated with the gravy and au jus seasoning.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 4 to 5 hours until the beef is tender and flavorful.
- Prepare the Noodles: Approximately 20 minutes before the beef finishes cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly to remove all water.
- Thicken the Gravy (Optional): If the gravy seems too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker, set the heat to high, and cook for an additional 20 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Combine & Serve: Serve the tender beef and rich gravy over the cooked egg noodles, making sure to spoon plenty of sauce onto each plate for a comforting, hearty meal.
Notes
- Use chuck roast if stew meat is unavailable for a similar tender result.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker model; check beef tenderness before serving.
- Adjust gravy thickness with cornstarch slurry according to your preference.
- Wide egg noodles work best to hold the sauce; you can substitute with other pasta if desired.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
