Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender beef with flavorful noodles, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal preparation while delivering maximum flavor. The rich, savory gravy and melt-in-your-mouth beef make this a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off cooking – The slow cooker does all the work, making dinner effortless.
- Rich and comforting – Tender beef and a flavorful gravy create a cozy, homey meal.
- Simple ingredients – No complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Versatile serving options – Can be served over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice.
- Great for leftovers – Tastes even better the next day and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Beef stew meat
- Brown gravy mix
- Au jus mix
- Water
- Wide egg noodles
Directions
Prepare the Slow Cooker Mixture
- In the crock of a 4 to 6-quart slow cooker, combine the beef stew meat, brown gravy mix, au jus mix, and water.
- Stir until the meat is evenly coated with the seasonings.
Cook
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Prepare the Noodles
- About 20 minutes before the beef is done, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
Combine and Serve
- If the gravy is thinner than desired, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker, turn the heat to high, and cook for about 20 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Serve the beef and gravy over the cooked egg noodles.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6-8 hours
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
Variations
- Use different noodles – Try fettuccine, rotini, or even homemade dumplings for a unique twist.
- Make it extra creamy – Stir in ½ cup of sour cream or heavy cream before serving.
- Boost the flavor – Add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or garlic to the slow cooker for extra depth.
- Swap the protein – Use chicken thighs for a different take on this dish.
- Spice it up – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Chuck roast, sirloin, or rump roast all work well in this recipe.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes! Cook on high for 4-5 hours if you’re short on time.
How do I make the gravy thicker?
Use the cornstarch slurry method (mixing cornstarch with cold water before adding to the slow cooker).
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free gravy mix and serve with gluten-free pasta or rice.
What should I serve with this dish?
Pair it with roasted vegetables, a side salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Carrots, mushrooms, or peas would make great additions.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes! Just store in freezer-safe containers and reheat when needed.
Can I use fresh instead of dried seasonings?
Yes! If using fresh herbs, double the amount to get the same flavor.
Can I use homemade beef broth?
Definitely! Homemade beef broth adds even more depth to the dish.
Can I prepare this the night before?
Yes! Assemble everything in the slow cooker the night before and refrigerate. Just start cooking in the morning.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles is a simple yet flavorful meal that brings comfort to the table with minimal effort. The tender beef, rich gravy, and perfectly cooked noodles create a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether served for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this hearty meal is always a winner!
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Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles
This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender beef slow-cooked in a rich, savory gravy and served over egg noodles. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this hearty meal is perfect for busy weeknights. Serve with a side of vegetables or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying dinner.
- Total Time: 6-8 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
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 beef stew meat, brown gravy mix, au jus mix, and water. Stir until the beef is well coated.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Prepare the Noodles: About 20 minutes before the beef is done, cook egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Thicken the Gravy (Optional): If the gravy is too thin, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir it into the slow cooker. Turn to high and cook for another 20 minutes until thickened.
- Combine & Serve: Serve the slow-cooked beef and gravy over the cooked egg noodles.
Notes
- Try different noodles: Use fettuccine, rotini, or homemade dumplings.
- Make it creamy: Stir in ½ cup sour cream or heavy cream before serving.
- Boost the flavor: Add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or garlic.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
