If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish where tender chunks of beef swim in rich, flavorful gravy, all perfectly paired with wide, tender egg noodles. This recipe transforms a handful of basic ingredients into a cozy dinner that’s perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas while the slow cooker does all the hard work.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe plays an essential role, coming together to create layers of taste and texture that will have you coming back for seconds. The mix of spices enhances the beef’s richness, the noodles soak up every bit of that savory gravy, and the slow cooking method brings out the best in every component.
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (or chuck roast, cut into cubes): Choose a cut that becomes meltingly tender when slow cooked.
- 1 packet (0.87 oz) brown gravy mix: Adds a luscious, savory depth to the gravy that coats the beef perfectly.
- 1 packet (1 oz) au jus mix: Boosts the beefy flavor with its rich, meaty essence.
- 3 cups water: The base that helps meld the seasonings and tenderize the meat evenly.
- 12 oz wide egg noodles: These broad noodles soak up that delicious gravy, making every bite comforting and satisfying.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker Mixture
Start by placing the beef stew meat into your slow cooker along with the brown gravy mix, au jus mix, and water. Give everything a good stir so that the beef is evenly coated with the seasoning mixtures. This ensures every bite will be packed with flavor as the meat slowly cooks and the gravy develops its rich body.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and let it work its magic on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. Alternatively, you can cook it on high for 4 to 5 hours if you’re short on time. The slow heat breaks down the beef fibers until it becomes tender and juicy, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this dish so beloved.
Step 3: Prepare the Noodles
About 20 minutes before the beef finishes cooking, boil the egg noodles according to the package directions. Aim for al dente noodles – firm yet tender – so they hold up well when combined with the rich gravy. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly to prevent any sogginess in the final dish.
Step 4: Thicken the Gravy (Optional)
If your gravy seems a bit too watery after the long cook, here’s a little trick: mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker and turn it to high for an additional 20 minutes. This will thicken the sauce beautifully, giving it a silky consistency that clings deliciously to the noodles and beef.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Finally, serve the succulent beef and its savory gravy over the perfectly cooked egg noodles. This is the moment when all those wonderful flavors come together for a satisfying, soul-warming meal you’ll want to make again and again.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor. You can also add a dollop of sour cream to enhance the creaminess and add a tangy contrast that complements the rich gravy wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Simple sides such as steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp garden salad balance out the hearty main dish. These colorful veggies add a fresh, crunchy element that pairs perfectly with the softness of the noodles and beef.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, serve the beef and noodles in individual bowls with a sprig of rosemary on top. Or, try layering the meat mixture and noodles in a shallow casserole dish, sprinkle with some shredded cheese, and broil for a few minutes to create a bubbly golden crust – comfort food elevated!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cool, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The beef and noodles reheat beautifully, making this recipe perfect for planning ahead or packing lunch.
Freezing
This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe freezes well. Portion the leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, hearty meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to warm evenly. Add a splash of water or beef broth if the gravy thickened too much. Alternatively, use a microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat or chuck roast work best for tenderness, you can experiment with brisket or short ribs. Just remember that tougher cuts benefit from longer cooking times to break down properly.
Do I have to use packets of gravy and au jus mixes?
Not necessarily. You can make your own gravy and beef broth for a more homemade feel, but using the packets keeps it simple and convenient without sacrificing flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes! Adding carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms can make the dish even heartier. Just keep in mind that root veggies may require longer cooking times or should be chopped smaller to soften alongside the beef.
Should I cook the noodles in the slow cooker?
It’s best to cook the noodles separately to avoid them getting mushy. Adding them directly to the slow cooker can cause them to overcook and lose texture.
How can I make the gravy thicker without cornstarch?
You can use flour mixed with cold water as a thickener, or simply mash some of the beef and onions in the gravy to naturally thicken the sauce while stirring gently.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a classic family favorite from the very first bite. It’s effortless to prepare, packed with bold flavors, and wonderfully comforting – the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and enjoy the cozy deliciousness that only slow-cooked beef and noodles can deliver!
Print
Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 4 to 5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe features tender beef stew meat cooked low and slow with savory brown gravy and au jus mixes, served over perfectly cooked wide egg noodles. It’s a comforting, hearty dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Beef and Gravy Mixture
- 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
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening)
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 to ensure the beef is evenly coated with the gravy mixes.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until the beef is tender and flavorful.
- Prepare the Noodles: About 20 minutes before the beef finishes cooking, prepare the wide egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
- Thicken the Gravy (Optional): If the gravy in the slow cooker is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker, turn the heat to high, and cook for an additional 20 minutes until the gravy thickens appropriately.
- Combine & Serve: Serve the tender slow-cooked beef and rich gravy over the cooked egg noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can use chuck roast trimmed and cubed as an alternative to beef stew meat.
- If you want thicker gravy without cornstarch, you can reduce the liquid by cooking on high with the lid off during the last 30 minutes.
- For added flavor, consider sautéing the beef briefly before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
