If you’re looking for a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef slowly cooked to perfection blends beautifully with rich gravy and wide egg noodles, creating a simple yet deeply satisfying dinner. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want effortless cooking without sacrificing any of that cozy, hearty flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is like setting the stage for a winning performance—each one plays a crucial role in bringing out the delicious simplicity of this dish. From the beef’s richness to the gravy’s savory depth, and the noodles’ tender bite, every element adds texture, taste, and color to the final masterpiece.
- Beef stew meat, 2 lbs: Choose well-marbled beef or chuck roast cut into cubes for maximum tenderness and flavor after slow cooking.
- Brown gravy mix, 1 packet (0.87 oz): Adds a classic, savory base that thickens during cooking and complements the beef perfectly.
- Au jus mix, 1 packet (1 oz): Enhances the beefy depth and gives the sauce a delightful richness and complexity.
- Water, 3 cups: The essential liquid to meld all flavors and create the perfect slow-cooked gravy.
- Wide egg noodles, 12 oz: These noodles soak up the luscious gravy and provide a tender, hearty texture to complete the dish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker Mixture
Start by placing your beef stew meat into a 4 to 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle in the brown gravy mix and au jus mix, then pour the water on top. Give everything a good stir so the beef cubes get coated evenly with the flavorful mixes. This is what sets the flavor foundation for your dish, so don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Cook Until Tender
Put the lid on your slow cooker and set it to either low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours. The goal here is to let the beef cook slowly until it becomes fork-tender and infused with those rich gravy spices. The aroma filling your kitchen will be that wonderful reward for your patience.
Step 3: Prepare the Noodles
About 20 minutes before your beef is done, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the wide egg noodles following the package’s instructions, aiming for al dente texture. Drain them well so they’re ready to soak up that flavorful gravy.
Step 4: Thicken the Gravy (Optional)
If your gravy looks a bit thin and you prefer it heartier, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker, turn the heat up to high, and let it cook for another 20 minutes. This step gives your sauce a luscious, velvety consistency.
Step 5: Combine & Serve with Love
Finally, spoon the tender beef and its rich gravy over the cooked egg noodles. The noodles will soak up all those savory juices, making every bite incredibly satisfying. Now it’s time to dig in and enjoy the magic of this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate this humble dish beautifully. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or thyme on top for a pop of color and herbaceous brightness that cuts through the richness of the beef and gravy. A little cracked black pepper or a dash of paprika can also add a subtle kick and enhance the overall presentation.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides like steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad to balance the meal. For a heartier approach, roasted root vegetables or a warm crusty bread are perfect for soaking up the leftover gravy on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting family-style meal, serve the beef and noodles in a large, rustic serving bowl with extra gravy on the side for guests to add as they like. Alternatively, plate it individually with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar for an extra layer of indulgence. You can even add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions right on top for a gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the noodles and beef together helps the flavor to intensify, but if you want to maintain the noodle texture, store them separately and combine before reheating.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully—just transfer cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. Add a splash of water or broth if the gravy has thickened too much during storage. This slow cooker favorite will taste just as cozy and delicious the next day!
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat or chuck roast are best for slow cooking due to their fat content and tenderness, you can experiment with other cuts like brisket or short ribs, keeping in mind that cooking time might vary slightly.
What if I don’t have brown gravy or au jus mix?
You can create your own savory base by using beef broth, a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, some salt and pepper, and a bit of cornstarch to thicken later. It won’t be exactly the same, but still delicious!
Is it possible to cook this recipe on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, but you’ll need to simmer the beef and gravy gently on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender, then prepare noodles separately. The slow cooker just makes it easier and hands-off.
How do I prevent noodles from getting mushy if cooking in advance?
Cook the noodles until just al dente and rinse them under cold water immediately to stop cooking. Toss them with a small amount of oil before storing to prevent sticking, and add to the beef mixture right before serving.
Can I add vegetables to this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe?
Definitely! Carrots, mushrooms, and peas can be added to the slow cooker during cooking or stirred in at the end for extra color and nutrition without overpowering the classic flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe has been a beloved staple in my kitchen for its undeniable comforting charm and straightforward preparation. I urge you to give it a try and let the slow cooker work its magic while you enjoy your day. There’s nothing quite like coming home to the aroma of tender beef and rich gravy pooling over noodles—pure comfort in every bite!
Print
Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 4 to 5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes to 8 hours 5 minutes (low) or 4 hours 5 minutes to 5 hours 5 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe featuring tender beef stew meat simmered in a rich brown gravy, served over wide egg noodles. Perfect for a satisfying, hands-off meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
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 until the beef is completely coated with the seasoning and gravy mix.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the beef is tender and cooked through.
- Prepare the Noodles: About 20 minutes before the beef is done cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the wide egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles thoroughly.
- 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 into the slow cooker, turn the setting to high, and cook for an additional 20 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Combine & Serve: Serve the slow-cooked beef and thickened gravy over the prepared egg noodles immediately for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can brown the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker, but this step is optional.
- Use wide egg noodles for the best texture and to hold the gravy nicely.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, adjusting the amount of cornstarch slurry as needed is recommended.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
