Every time this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe simmers away in my kitchen, I’m instantly taken back to my grandma’s house—where the scent of slow-braised beef and buttery noodles meant comfort was coming. This cozy classic isn’t just nostalgic—it’s a lifesaver on busy days, delivering bold flavor with minimal effort.
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Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe
This recipe is everything you want in a comforting, fuss-free dinner. The beef gets incredibly tender after slow cooking, and the savory broth wraps around each noodle like a warm hug. With only 20 minutes of prep, it’s a hands-off miracle meal perfect for weeknights or feeding a crowd. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and just plain delicious—everything you’d want in homemade Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles.
You’ll love how it:
- Uses affordable chuck roast for rich, beefy flavor
- Cooks entirely in the slow cooker
- Delivers crowd-pleasing results every time
- Doubles as the perfect leftovers meal
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles
Step 1 – Sear the Beef
Start by patting your beef dry and tossing it in the flour, salt, and pepper mixture. Then, in a hot skillet, brown the beef in batches. Don’t skip this step—it’s what gives the dish its crave-worthy depth.
Step 2 – Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, sauté your onions until golden (about 5–7 minutes), then stir in the garlic for one more fragrant minute. Transfer all that flavor goodness to your slow cooker.
Step 3 – Slow Cook to Perfection
Add your seared beef, beef broth, thyme, and mushrooms to the slow cooker. Stir everything gently and let your Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles simmer on HIGH for 4 hours until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Step 4 – Add Noodles and Serve
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the egg noodles and parsley. Switch to LOW and let the noodles cook until just tender. Give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning. Let your Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles rest 5–10 minutes before serving so the noodles can soak up all that cozy, beefy flavor.
Tips for Success
- Cut your own roast for better texture and even pieces
- Brown the beef for a rich, savory base you can’t get from shortcuts
- To keep your Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles from getting mushy, always add the noodles during the final 30 minutes.
- Rest before serving so the sauce thickens and flavors settle
- Freeze before adding noodles if you want make-ahead convenience
Variations & Add-Ins
Creamy Version
Craving something even cozier? Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or a spoonful of sour cream just before serving.
Veggie-Boosted
Toss in frozen peas, diced carrots, or a few handfuls of spinach during the last 30 minutes to sneak in extra nutrients.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free egg noodles and double-check your beef broth is labeled gluten-free.
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze before adding noodles for up to 3 months
- Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to revive the noodles without drying them out
What to Serve With Beef and Noodles
This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles is a full meal on its own, but it shines even brighter with:
- Crusty sourdough or garlic bread
- A simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans for a crisp bite
More Cozy Slow Cooker Recipes You’ll Love
If you adore this beef and noodles recipe, try these slow cooker favorites next:
- This tender and savory Crockpot pepper steak dinner is full of sweet and savory flavor.
- Or whip up a hearty and satisfying Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole for a stick-to-your-ribs kind of night.
You can also pin more dinner inspiration from Pinterest for a cozy collection of home-style meals.
FAQ
Can I put noodles in a slow cooker?
Yes—but timing is everything. Add egg noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking so they soak up flavor without turning mushy.
What is the best cut of meat for beef and noodles?
Chuck roast is the gold standard. It’s affordable, marbled, and breaks down beautifully in the slow cooker for tender, juicy bites.
Can I put raw beef in slow cooker?
Technically yes, but searing it first adds deep flavor and better texture. Browning is worth the extra 10 minutes!
What is the best cut of beef for beef and noodles in a slow cooker?
Stick with boneless chuck roast. It’s ideal for long, slow braising and yields the richest, melt-in-your-mouth result.
Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Card
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Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles: A Deliciously Easy Comfort Classic
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles is the ultimate cozy dinner—tender beef, savory broth, and soft egg noodles make this comfort food a family favorite.
Ingredients
2 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed and cubed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups beef broth
8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional)
2 tsp dried thyme
12 oz wide egg noodles
2 tsp dried parsley
Additional salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Pat beef dry with paper towels and toss with flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a skillet and brown beef in batches; transfer to slow cooker.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onions for 5–7 minutes; add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
4. Transfer onions and garlic to the slow cooker. Add broth, mushrooms, and thyme. Stir to combine.
5. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours until beef is tender.
6. Add egg noodles and parsley. Reduce to LOW and cook 30 more minutes.
7. Season to taste and let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Cutting your own chuck roast cubes gives better texture control.
Brown the meat for the best flavor.
Keep noodles al dente—they continue to soften after cooking.
Leftovers keep 3–4 days in the fridge.
Freeze without noodles for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 415
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
