Crockpot Beef and Noodles

Crockpot Beef and Noodles is the ultimate comfort food—a rich, savory dish of tender beef slow-cooked in a flavorful gravy and served over hearty egg noodles. It’s a hands-off, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly easy—just toss everything in the slow cooker
• Tender, flavorful beef with minimal effort
• Comforting, hearty, and deeply satisfying
• Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd
• Versatile—serve over noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice
• Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
• Can be customized with vegetables or herbs
• Excellent for leftovers
• Freezer-friendly
• One of the most comforting crockpot meals you’ll make

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Beef chuck roast or stew meat
• Beef broth
• Onion, diced
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper
• Egg noodles
• Cornstarch and water (optional, for thickening)
• Optional: cream of mushroom soup or brown gravy mix
• Optional: parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Prep the beef: Cut roast into chunks (if not using stew meat). Pat dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Layer in crockpot: Add the seasoned beef, diced onion, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
3. Slow cook: Cover and cook on Low for 7–8 hours or High for 4–5 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
4. Shred the beef: Use two forks to shred the beef right in the crockpot. Stir well.
5. Cook the noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in uncooked egg noodles. Cover and continue to cook on High until noodles are tender (20–30 minutes).
6. Thicken the sauce (optional): If the sauce is thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir into the crockpot and cook an additional 10–15 minutes until thickened.
7. Serve: Ladle beef and noodles into bowls or over mashed potatoes. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep time: 10–15 minutes
• Cook time: 7–8 hours on Low, or 4–5 hours on High
• Total time: 7–8 hours (mostly hands-off)

Variations

• Creamy version: Stir in a can of cream of mushroom soup or sour cream at the end for added richness
• Add vegetables: Mix in mushrooms, peas, or carrots in the last hour
• Use different noodles: Substitute with pappardelle, rotini, or even rice
• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce
• Herbed version: Stir in thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor
• No noodles: Serve over mashed potatoes or with crusty bread instead

Storage/reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze the beef and sauce separately (without noodles) for up to 3 months
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding broth or water to loosen if needed

FAQs

Can I use frozen beef?

No, always thaw beef completely before using in a slow cooker for food safety.

Do I have to brown the beef first?

No—it’s not required for this recipe, though searing adds extra flavor.

Can I cook the noodles separately?

Yes—boil separately and stir in just before serving to better control texture.

What type of beef is best?

Chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling, which makes it tender and flavorful after slow cooking.

Will the noodles get mushy?

They can if overcooked. Stir them in 30 minutes before serving and watch closely.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes—make the beef portion ahead, store it, and cook noodles fresh before serving.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Use a cornstarch slurry or reduce the liquid by removing the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Can I use a different pasta?

Sure—try rotini, bowtie, or any short pasta, though cook times may vary.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely—it’s mild, soft, and very comforting.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just be sure your slow cooker is large enough, and allow for additional cook time if needed.

Conclusion

Crockpot Beef and Noodles is everything a cozy meal should be: warm, hearty, easy, and delicious. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy fall-apart tender beef and perfectly cooked noodles in a savory, satisfying gravy. It’s the kind of dish your family will ask for again and again.

Print