🥩 Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles (FoodieMoms Original)

There’s nothing quite like the smell of slow-cooked beef simmering all day — rich, savory, and deeply comforting. This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe is an old-fashioned classic reimagined for the modern kitchen.

Tender chunks of beef stew meat are simmered low and slow in a flavorful broth until they practically melt in your mouth, then tossed with buttery egg noodles for the ultimate cozy dinner. It’s hearty, filling, and incredibly easy to make — no fancy ingredients, no fuss, just pure comfort in a bowl.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ Hands-off slow cooker meal — perfect for busy days
• ✅ Comforting and hearty — a family favorite
• ✅ Affordable ingredients, big flavor
• ✅ Freezer-friendly for meal prep
• ✅ Classic homestyle flavor everyone loves

This dish combines tender beef, silky noodles, and a rich, beefy gravy that feels like Sunday dinner made simple.

🧺 Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat (chuck roast or sirloin), cut into cubes
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• 12 ounces wide egg noodles
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional for richness)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Brown the beef (optional but flavorful).
For extra flavor, sear the beef cubes in a skillet with a drizzle of oil until browned. Then transfer to your slow cooker.

2. Add aromatics and broth.
Add chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and thyme. 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. Thicken the sauce.
In the last 30 minutes, mix cornstarch and water, then stir into the slow cooker. Cover and let the sauce thicken.

5. Add noodles.
Cook egg noodles separately according to package directions. Drain and stir into the slow cooker along with butter for extra richness.

6. Serve and enjoy.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm — perfect with a slice of buttered bread or a green salad.

Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles

Tender beef simmered in savory gravy and tossed with egg noodles — an easy slow cooker comfort food classic.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 480

Ingredients

  

• 2 lb beef stew meat cut into cubes
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp dried thyme optional
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water
• 12 oz wide egg noodles
• 2 tbsp butter optional
• fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Skillet (optional for browning)

Method

 

1. Brown beef cubes in a skillet if desired, then add to slow cooker.
2. Add onion, garlic, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Stir.
3. Cook on low 7–8 hours or high 4–5 hours until tender.
4. Mix cornstarch and water, stir into slow cooker to thicken sauce.
5. Cook noodles separately and stir into beef mixture with butter.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

For creamier texture, stir in ½ cup sour cream before serving.

🍲 FoodieMoms Tips

1. Choose the right beef: Chuck roast gives the most tender results.
2. Want creamy beef and noodles? Stir in ½ cup sour cream or heavy cream before serving.
3. For extra flavor: Add a splash of soy sauce or red wine while cooking.
4. Make it a full meal: Add mushrooms, carrots, or peas during the last hour.
5. Short on time? Skip browning and toss everything right into the slow cooker — still delicious!

🕰️ Slow Cooker Tips

• Low & slow = more tender beef.
• Don’t overcook noodles in the slow cooker — cook them separately for best texture.
• Thicken the sauce near the end so it stays rich, not watery.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Serve with buttered dinner rolls or garlic toast.
• Add a side salad or steamed green beans for balance.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch.
• Leftovers make an amazing next-day lunch!

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Freeze: Store up to 2 months (cool before freezing).
• Reheat: Gently rewarm on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen sauce.

🧠 Fun Facts

• Slow cooker beef recipes date back to Depression-era “stew pots”, when cooks stretched inexpensive cuts of beef with broth and starches for hearty family meals.
• Egg noodles became the traditional pairing because their light texture absorbs gravy beautifully without overpowering the beef.
• This recipe is a Midwestern favorite — served at family gatherings, potlucks, and Sunday suppers alike.

🌟 Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe lies in its simplicity. The slow cooking process breaks down the beef’s connective tissue, transforming it into buttery, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Combined with tender noodles and a flavorful gravy, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug.

Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this dish proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated — just lovingly cooked and generously served.

🧾 Nutrition (Per Serving Approx.)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 37g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Iron: 25% DV