Slow-Cooked Beef and Noodles

 

Slow-Cooked Beef and Noodles is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender, slow-simmered beef in a rich, savory broth served over egg noodles. This easy, hands-off recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, offering deep, satisfying flavors with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Incredibly Tender Beef – Slow cooking ensures melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Rich, Savory Flavor – A deep, comforting broth enhances the dish.
  • Hands-Off Cooking – The slow cooker does most of the work.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!
  • Family-Friendly – A classic dish that pleases all ages.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
  • Beef broth
  • Onion, chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Soy sauce
  • Dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Egg noodles
  • Cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Prepare the beef: Season the beef chunks with salt, pepper, and thyme.
  2. Slow cook: In a slow cooker, combine beef, beef broth, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
  3. Shred the beef: Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return it to the broth.
  4. Cook the noodles: About 20 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  5. Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it into the slow cooker. Let it cook for another 10 minutes.
  6. Combine and serve: Toss the cooked noodles with the beef mixture or serve the beef and gravy over the noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 6
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (slow cooker)
  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes

Variations

  • Creamy Version: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or sour cream before serving.
  • Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
  • Mushroom Twist: Add sliced mushrooms for extra umami flavor.
  • Vegetable Additions: Carrots, peas, or green beans work well.
  • Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or mashed cauliflower instead of egg noodles.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, adding a splash of broth if needed.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, brisket or stew meat work well, but chuck roast provides the best tenderness.

Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, simmer covered on low heat for about 2-3 hours, checking for tenderness.

What type of noodles should I use?

Egg noodles are traditional, but you can use any pasta or even mashed potatoes.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.

How do I prevent the beef from drying out?

Make sure it’s fully submerged in broth while cooking, and don’t overcook it.

Can I add wine to the broth?

Yes, a splash of red wine adds depth of flavor.

Can I use frozen beef?

Yes, but increase the cooking time by about an hour.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! It’s mild, hearty, and comforting.

What side dishes pair well with this meal?

A side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread complement it well.

How can I make the sauce richer?

Add a tablespoon of butter before serving for extra richness.

Conclusion

Slow-Cooked Beef and Noodles is a comforting, satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with deep, rich flavors. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy tender beef, flavorful broth, and perfectly cooked noodles in every bite!

 

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Slow-Cooked Beef and Noodles

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  • Author: Mariem
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 2 hrs
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow-cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Tender beef simmered in a rich, savory sauce and served over egg noodles for the ultimate comfort dish.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 1/2 lbs beef chuck roast, sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 12 oz egg noodles
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot and brown beef slices. Remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté onions and garlic until soft.
  3. Return beef to the pot, add broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and pepper. Simmer for 2 hours.
  4. Cook noodles separately, then mix with beef.
  5. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.


Notes

  • For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream.
  • Use slow cooker for a hands-off approach (cook on low for 6 hours).

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