Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles – Hearty, Easy Comfort Food
Looking for a warm, satisfying dinner that practically cooks itself? This Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles recipe is the perfect blend of savory beef, aromatic herbs, and tender egg noodles. It’s the ultimate comfort food—rich, filling, and unbelievably easy to make with your crockpot!
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish will win over everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Beef & Noodles Recipe
-
Effortless slow cooker magic – Just set it and forget it!
-
Comforting and filling – Perfect for cozy dinners or leftovers.
-
Simple pantry ingredients – No complicated prep or hard-to-find items.
-
Customizable – Add mushrooms, peas, or even cream for variations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
2 lbs beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized chunks
-
1 onion, finely chopped
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
4 cups beef broth
-
1 tsp salt
-
1/2 tsp black pepper
-
1 tsp dried thyme
-
1 tsp dried rosemary
-
1 bay leaf
-
3 cups egg noodles (uncooked)
-
1/4 cup flour
-
1/4 cup water
-
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the beef pieces on all sides until well-seared. This step is optional but helps lock in flavor and enhances the dish’s richness.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear in batches if needed for a proper golden crust.
Step 2: Load the Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker. Add:
-
Chopped onion
-
Minced garlic
-
Beef broth
-
Salt & pepper
-
Thyme
-
Rosemary
-
Bay leaf
Give it a gentle stir to combine.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours (or HIGH for 4–5 hours), until the beef is fork-tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
About 30 minutes before serving, remove the bay leaf and stir in the egg noodles. Make sure the noodles are submerged in the broth to cook evenly.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
-
1/4 cup flour
-
1/4 cup water
Stir the slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the broth into a delicious sauce.
Step 6: Add Worcestershire Sauce
Pour in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for a punch of umami and savory depth. Stir everything together and cook for another 30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your hearty beef & noodles hot, straight from the slow cooker.
Suggested pairings:
-
Buttery mashed potatoes
-
Steamed green beans
-
Crusty dinner rolls
-
A crisp green salad
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles
-
Cut beef into uniform chunks for even cooking.
-
Add vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or carrots if desired.
-
For creamy sauce: Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese at the end.
-
Make it gluten-free: Use cornstarch instead of flour for the thickening slurry and gluten-free noodles.
Storage & Reheating
-
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
-
Freezer: Freeze cooled leftovers for up to 3 months.
-
Reheat: Microwave or warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen beef?
A: It’s best to thaw meat first for even cooking and safety.
Q: What type of noodles work best?
A: Egg noodles are traditional, but rotini, fettuccine, or wide noodles also work.
Q: Can I skip the flour and water step?
A: Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Try cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles recipe is a crowd-pleasing classic. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make—all with ingredients you probably already have. Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a busy weekday, this dish delivers comfort in every bite.
👉 Don’t forget to pin, print, or share this recipe with your family and friends. It’s sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation!