Crock Pot Beef and Noodles is the ultimate comfort food, made with tender beef slow-cooked in savory broth until perfectly juicy and flavorful. Infused with garlic, herbs, and a subtle tang, the beef melts into wide egg noodles coated in a rich, hearty gravy. Easy to prepare and full of cozy, homemade flavor, Crock Pot Beef and Noodles is a satisfying family favorite that turns simple ingredients into a warm, stick-to-your-ribs meal.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Beef and Noodles
- It’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy nights.
- Simple prep means more time for you and less time in the kitchen.
- Rich, savory flavors that make your taste buds dance.
- One-pot meal makes cleanup a breeze!
- Customizable with your favorite veggies for a personal touch.
Crock Pot Beef and Noodles
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Place the beef cubes in the bottom of the crock pot.
- Step 2: Add chopped onion and minced garlic over the beef.
- Step 3: Pour in beef broth and water, then stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce.
- Step 4: Sprinkle dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Step 6: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the egg noodles.
- Step 7: If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl and stir into the crock pot.
- Step 8: Cover and cook for an additional 20–30 minutes, until the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Step 9: Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 25g |
| Sugar | 3g |
Ingredients for Crock Pot Beef and Noodles
Gather these wholesome ingredients for a delicious and comforting meal!
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast – trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion – chopped
- 3 cloves garlic – minced
- 4 cups beef broth – for rich flavor
- 1 cup water – to adjust consistency
- 2 tbsp tomato paste – adds depth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce – for umami
- 1 tsp dried thyme – herbal flavor
- 1 tsp dried rosemary – aromatic touch
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- 8 oz egg noodles – the perfect base
- 2 tbsp cornstarch – optional, for thickening
- 2 tbsp cold water – optional, for thickening
- Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish
How to Make Crock Pot Beef and Noodles
This hearty Crock Pot Beef and Noodles recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of 7–8 hours on low (or 4–5 hours on high), you can set it and forget it! Add an extra 20–30 minutes if you want to thicken the sauce. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Place the Beef
Place the beef cubes in the bottom of the crock pot.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Add chopped onion and minced garlic over the beef.
Step 3: Pour in Liquids
Pour in beef broth and water, then stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce.
Step 4: Season It Up
Sprinkle dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
Step 5: Cook
Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender.
Step 6: Add Noodles
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the egg noodles.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl and stir into the crock pot.
Step 8: Final Cook
Cover and cook for an additional 20–30 minutes, until the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Step 9: Taste and Serve
Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 480 minutes |
| Extra Time | 30 minutes for thickening the sauce |
| Total Time | 525 minutes |
| Dietary | Beef-based comfort food |
| Serves | 6 |
| Best Served | Warm and hearty |
Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Beef and Noodles
- Choose chuck roast for tender, flavorful meat.
- Brown the beef before adding to the slow cooker for depth of flavor.
- Add vegetables like carrots and peas for extra nutrition and color.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels.
- Stir in cooked noodles just before serving to keep them from getting mushy.
How to Serve this Crock Pot Beef and Noodles
- Serve over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes for extra comfort.
- Pair with a side of steamed green beans or broccoli for a pop of color.
- Top with fresh parsley or chives for a burst of freshness.
- Enjoy with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- For a twist, add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top before serving.
- Serve in a bowl with a side salad for a complete meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can easily prepare and store your Crock Pot Beef and Noodles for later enjoyment:
Storing Crock Pot Beef and Noodles Leftovers
- Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing Crock Pot Beef and Noodles
- Cool the dish completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Remove excess air from bags to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Crock Pot Beef and Noodles
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture.
- Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can I put uncooked pasta in a crock pot?
Yes, you can put uncooked pasta in a crock pot! Just make sure to add enough liquid to cook the pasta properly. It’s best to add the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming too soft or mushy. This way, you’ll have perfectly cooked noodles that soak up all the delicious flavors of your beef and sauce.
2. What is the best meat to use for beef and noodles?
The best meat for beef and noodles is typically chuck roast or stew meat. These cuts are well-marbled and become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. They break down beautifully during the cooking process, resulting in a rich and hearty dish that pairs perfectly with the noodles. You can also use brisket or round steak if you prefer, but chuck is often the go-to choice for this recipe.
3. Can I put raw beef straight into a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can put raw beef straight into a slow cooker. Just make sure to season it well and add your other ingredients, like broth and vegetables, to enhance the flavor. The slow cooking process will tenderize the meat and allow it to absorb all the delicious flavors from the other ingredients, making for a comforting meal.
4. Should you cook noodles before putting in the crockpot?
It’s not necessary to cook the noodles before adding them to the crockpot. In fact, adding uncooked noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking is often recommended. This allows the noodles to absorb the flavors of the dish while cooking to the perfect texture. Just be sure to monitor the liquid levels to ensure the noodles have enough moisture to cook properly.
Final Thoughts
Get ready to savor the warmth of home with this delightful Crock Pot Beef and Noodles! It’s a simple, no-fuss recipe that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your heart with joy. Perfect for busy days, this hearty dish is sure to become a family favorite. So grab your slow cooker and enjoy every comforting bite!