Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles Recipe

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If you’re craving a dish that wraps you in cozy comfort with every bite, look no further than Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles. This hearty, soul-soothing meal brings tender, juicy beef chuck roast slowly cooked to perfection with savory broth and seasoned just right, paired with tender egg noodles that soak up every bit of that rich flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and makes your kitchen smell like pure deliciousness for hours.

Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles lies in its straightforward and well-balanced ingredients. Each one is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible aroma, making the cooking process as enjoyable as the eating.

  • 2-3 lbs beef chuck roast: This cut becomes fall-apart tender and rich when slow-cooked, essential for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
  • 4 cups beef broth: The base of the slow cooker liquid, giving depth and a savory backbone to the dish.
  • 1 packet onion soup mix: Adds a wonderful burst of aromatic onion flavor and seasoning without extra fuss.
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings subtle tanginess and a hint of umami, balancing the richness.
  • Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste: Simple, classic seasonings that enhance and brighten the flavors.
  • 12 oz egg noodles: Soft and pillowy, these noodles absorb the savory juices perfectly for a comforting bite every time.
  • Optional garnishes – fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese: Freshness and a touch of sharpness for finishing your dish beautifully.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles

Step 1: Season and Set the Beef

Start by generously seasoning your beef chuck roast with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This basic but crucial step helps to build a rich crust of flavor as the meat slowly cooks. Place the roast directly into your slow cooker so it can soak up those wonderful seasonings.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Seasonings

Pour in 4 cups of beef broth, and sprinkle in the entire packet of onion soup mix, followed by that teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a gentle stir to combine but don’t worry about fully mixing the beef—just let the flavors mingle as they slow cook.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours. This slow, gentle cooking breaks down the beef until it’s so tender it practically falls apart at the touch of a fork — the hallmark of a perfect Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles meal.

Step 4: Prepare the Egg Noodles

About 30 minutes before your beef is done, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Be sure to drain them well and set them aside—these noodles will soak up the delicious juices from the beef, so timing is key.

Step 5: Shred the Beef and Combine

Using tongs or two forks, shred the beef right in the slow cooker. Stir the beef into the broth and juices so everything melds together. Then, add those perfectly cooked egg noodles into the slow cooker and gently fold them in, allowing the noodles to soak up the flavorful broth. Let it all warm through for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles

Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped parsley brings a pop of color and brightness that cuts through the rich beefiness. A dusting of grated Parmesan cheese creates a lovely savory finish, adding just the right touch of indulgence.

Side Dishes

To round out this hearty meal, consider serving with simple sides like steamed green beans, a crisp side salad, or roasted root vegetables. These options keep the meal balanced while letting the Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles remain the star of your table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a twist, try serving the Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles over creamy mashed potatoes or alongside buttery garlic bread to soak up every last drop of that rich broth. You can also pile it high in a bowl, garnish generously, and serve family-style for a warm, inviting experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making leftovers even more delicious. Just be sure to keep the noodles separate if possible to avoid them getting too soggy.

Freezing

Freezing Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles is a smart way to have a comforting meal ready for busy days. Store the shredded beef and broth separately from the noodles in freezer-safe containers or bags. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months and thaw quickly in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the beef mixture in a saucepan over low heat until it’s hot and simmering, then stir in freshly cooked or reheated noodles. Avoid microwave reheating the noodles alone, as they can dry out; warming everything together ensures the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles?

Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use brisket or round roast. The key is slow cooking to break down the connective tissues and get that tender, shreddable texture.

Do I have to cook the noodles separately?

It’s best to cook the egg noodles separately just before the beef finishes. Adding raw noodles to the slow cooker can result in mushy or unevenly cooked pasta. Cooking them separately ensures perfect texture and lets the noodles soak up the flavorful broth afterward.

Can I make this recipe on high heat only?

Yes, if you’re short on time, cooking on high for 4 to 5 hours works well. Just check the beef for tenderness before the timer runs out so you don’t overcook it—the low setting is preferred when time allows for the most tender results.

What if I want a thicker sauce?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in some cornstarch mixed with cold water about 15 minutes before serving. Let it simmer in the slow cooker uncovered to thicken up the broth to your liking.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Carrots, celery, and mushrooms work beautifully in Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles. Add them at the beginning so they cook down and infuse the broth with extra flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles isn’t just a recipe — it’s a celebration of comfort food done right, bringing warmth, hearty flavors, and simplicity together in every forkful. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, I can’t recommend giving this dish a try enough. Your slow cooker and your taste buds will absolutely thank you!

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Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles Recipe

This Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles recipe features tender, shredded beef cooked to perfection with savory onion soup mix and beef broth, served over perfectly cooked egg noodles. It’s a comforting, hearty dish perfect for easy weeknight dinners or cozy family meals.

  • Author: Joe
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high
  • Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 23 lbs beef chuck roast
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 packet onion soup mix
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
  • 12 oz egg noodles

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Season the beef: Generously season the chuck roast with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on all sides to infuse it with flavor.
  2. Set up slow cooker: Place the seasoned chuck roast into the slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth, then sprinkle the onion soup mix over the top. Add Worcestershire sauce and gently stir to distribute the ingredients without moving the roast too much.
  3. Cook the beef: Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef becomes tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  4. Prepare egg noodles: About 30 minutes before the beef finishes cooking, bring a pot of salted water to boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  5. Shred the beef: Using tongs or forks, shred the cooked beef directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded beef to combine it thoroughly with the flavorful broth.
  6. Add noodles and warm through: Mix the cooked egg noodles into the slow cooker, coating them evenly with the beef and broth mixture. Cover and let everything warm together for 10 to 15 minutes.
  7. Serve and garnish: Serve the beef and noodles hot in bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and sprinkled grated Parmesan cheese if desired for added freshness and flavor. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Notes

  • For extra richness, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
  • Use homemade beef broth for a more robust flavor if possible.
  • The onion soup mix adds a lot of flavor but check for sodium content if you prefer a low-sodium version.
  • If you want thicker sauce, remove the beef and reduce the cooking liquid on the stove before mixing back in.
  • Leftovers can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup beef and 1 cup noodles)
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: slow cooker beef, beef and noodles, comfort food, easy dinner, crockpot recipe, shredded beef, beef chuck roast

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