Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles

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Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles is a timeless comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to family dinners. This dish features succulent beef pieces simmered in a savory broth and served over tender egg noodles. The slow cooking process enhances the flavors and ensures the beef is incredibly tender. While this dish has no single point of origin, various versions are found worldwide, reflecting its universal appeal and adaptability.

Accompaniments for Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles:

  1. Steamed Vegetables: Adding lightly steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans introduces freshness and vibrant color to your meal. These vegetables provide a nice balance to the richness of the beef and noodles.
  2. Crusty Bread: Serve with a loaf of crusty bread, such as a baguette or garlic bread. This not only adds texture but is also perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth, ensuring none of the delicious sauce goes to waste.
  3. Side Salad: A crisp side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette complements the warm and hearty beef and noodles. It adds a refreshing contrast and a burst of brightness to the meal.

Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 pounds chuck roast
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 2 cups beef broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 pound egg noodles
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water, optional)
  • 1 tablespoon oil

Instructions:

  1. In a skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chuck roast on all sides until browned. Transfer the roast to the slow cooker.
  2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and optional sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker.
  3. In a bowl, combine the beef broth (or water) and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture over the roast and vegetables in the slow cooker.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours (or on high for 4 hours), until the beef is tender and shreds easily.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  7. For a creamy sauce, stir in the heavy cream (or cornstarch mixture) into the slow cooker during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
  8. Shred the cooked beef using two forks and serve over the cooked egg noodles.
  9. Adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving.

Enjoy this comforting and delicious Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles, perfect for a cozy family dinner!