Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles

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Slow cooker beef and noodles is a dish that speaks to the heart of Midwestern comfort food. It’s the kind of recipe passed down through generations, bringing families together after a long day of hard work. The beauty of this meal lies in its simplicity: beef, seasonings, and tender egg noodles, all cooked together in a slow cooker to create a rich, flavorful dish. As the beef slowly cooks, it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the noodles soak up the savory gravy, making each bite comforting and satisfying.

The slow cooker makes this dish easy to prepare, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to make a hearty meal ahead of time. The rich aroma filling your kitchen as it cooks is just as much a part of the experience as the meal itself. Whether you serve it with a loaf of crusty bread, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad, this beef and noodle dish is sure to create a memorable, cozy dinner that brings everyone to the table.

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

2 lbs beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
3 cups egg noodles
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Directions

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the beef pieces until well-seared on all sides. This step adds a rich depth of flavor, though it’s optional.
  2. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
  4. About 30 minutes before serving, remove the bay leaf and add the egg noodles to the slow cooker. Stir to combine with the beef and cooking liquid.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the flour and water to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
  6. Add the Worcestershire sauce, stir well, and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
  7. Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy the warm, nostalgic flavors.

Variations & Tips

For a creamier texture, consider stirring in half a cup of sour cream or a can of cream of mushroom soup before serving. If you’re craving more vegetables, sliced mushrooms, carrots, or peas can be added during the last hour of cooking. If you prefer a different pasta, try wide fettuccine instead of egg noodles. For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Nutritional Insights & Dietary Considerations

This dish is rich in protein, which comes from the beef and contributes to muscle maintenance and repair. The beef broth adds extra flavor and hydration. While this dish is hearty and filling, it may not be suitable for those following low-fat or low-calorie diets. For a lighter version, you can substitute leaner cuts of beef or use a reduced-fat broth. If you’re following a gluten-free diet, consider swapping out the egg noodles for a gluten-free pasta alternative.

Sharing and Commenting is Caring

If you enjoyed making this delicious beef and noodles recipe, let us know how it turned out! Your thoughts and suggestions not only help us improve but inspire others to try this comforting dish in their own kitchens. A simple comment or share goes a long way in bringing more people together over great food.