Crock Pot Beef and Noodles

Table of Contents

1. Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Ingredients
2. Crock Pot Beef and Noodles Substitutions and Additions
3. How To Make Crockpot Beef and Noodles
4. Troubleshooting This Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe
5. How To Serve Crock Pot Beef and Noodles
6. When To Serve Crock Pot Beef and Noodles
7. How To Store Crock Pot Beef and Noodles
8. Why This Crockpot Beef and Noodle Recipe Is The Best
9. Crock Pot Beef and Noodles Frequently Asked Questions
10. More Slow Cooker Recipes You'll Love
11. JUMP TO RECIPE

This crock pot beef and noodles recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep and a long, slow cook time, you’ll come home to tender, flavorful beef and perfectly cooked noodles.

What You Need To Know

MAIN INGREDIENTS: Chuck roast, yellow onion, minced garlic, wide egg noodles, heavy cream.

QUICK STEPS: Place beef and seasonings in crockpot, cook on LOW for 7.5 hours, shred beef, add noodles and cook on HIGH, stir in heavy cream, garnish, and serve.

TOTAL TIME AND YIELD: 8 hours 40 minutes, 4 servings.

Why This Recipe

• The combination of fresh and dried garlic, along with onion and a hint of thyme, has been fine-tuned to enhance the natural flavors of the beef without overpowering it. This careful balance of seasonings ensures a flavorful but not overpowering broth that complements the noodles and beef.
• Unlike many other beef and noodles recipes, ours incorporates heavy cream at the end of cooking, creating a rich, luxurious sauce that clings to the noodles and beef for a more indulgent meal.
• Our recipe has been meticulously tested by our team of recipe developers to ensure perfect timing and temperatures. Cooking the roast on low for 8 hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully, while the final high heat step cooks the noodles to just the right texture without overcooking the beef.

Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Ingredients

This crock pot beef and noodles is a simple recipe, packed with flavorful ingredients all coming together to create a comforting meal. With just a few pantry staples and a chuck roast, you can create a dish that’s sure to satisfy.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 pound chuck roast
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 cups beef stock, divided
• 4 cups (approximately 8 ounces) wide egg noodles
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Crock Pot Beef and Noodles Substitutions and Additions

Chuck Roast: You can substitute with tri-tip roast, top round, or bottom round roast. These cuts also become tender after slow cooking and can easily be shredded.

Yellow Onion: Swap with white or red onion for a slightly different flavor. Shallots can also be used for a milder, sweeter taste.

Minced Garlic: If fresh garlic is unavailable, use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic.

Garlic Powder: If you’ve used garlic powder to replace fresh garlic, omit this additional garlic powder to avoid overpowering the dish.

Dried Thyme: Fresh thyme can be used instead, but you’ll need about three times the amount.

Beef Stock: If you’re out of beef stock, you can use chicken or vegetable stock, though the flavor will be lighter. Adding a tablespoon of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can help deepen the flavor.

Wide Egg Noodles: Substitute with any pasta you have on hand, like pappardelle or fettuccine. Cooking times may vary, so check for doneness earlier.

Heavy Cream: Half-and-half or whole milk can be used for a lighter version.

Fresh Parsley: Cilantro, basil, or chives can be used for a different but equally fresh garnish. Dried parsley can work in a pinch, though it won’t provide the same bright flavor.

How To Make Crockpot Beef and Noodles

This easy recipe for beef noodles is a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for busy days. With minimal prep and a few simple steps, you’ll have a comforting, hearty dinner ready to go. Here’s how to do it:

STEP ONE: Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Chop the yellow onion and mince the garlic. Measure out the seasonings and beef stock. Preparing everything in advance makes the cooking process smoother.

STEP TWO: Place the chuck roast in a four to five quart crockpot. Add the diced yellow onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and one cup of beef stock. Cover the crockpot with the lid.

STEP THREE: Set the crockpot to LOW and cook for eight hours. This slow cooking method allows the beef to become tender and absorb the flavors of the seasonings.

STEP FOUR: At the seven and a half hour mark, remove the beef from the crockpot and place it on a plate. Using two forks, gently shred the beef, discarding any fatty pieces.

Cover the shredded beef with aluminum foil to keep it warm while you cook the noodles.

STEP FIVE: Turn the crockpot heat to HIGH. Add the remaining two cups of beef stock and the wide egg noodles to the crockpot. Stir to ensure the noodles are mostly submerged in the liquid. Replace the lid and cook for 35-40 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.

STEP SIX: Once the noodles are tender, stir in the heavy cream until it is fully incorporated. This step adds a rich, creamy texture to the dish.

STEP SEVEN: Add the shredded beef back into the crockpot. Stir gently to mix the beef with the noodles and cream, being careful not to break up the beef too much.

STEP EIGHT: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top of the dish. Serve the Crock Pot Beef and Noodles while warm for the best texture and flavor.

Troubleshooting This Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe

The beef turns out tough.
Make sure to cook the beef on LOW for the full eight hours to allow it to become tender.

Noodles are mushy.
Check the noodles for doneness at the 30-minute mark to prevent overcooking.

The sauce is too thin.
Add a cornstarch slurry (one tablespoon cornstarch whisked with one tablespoon water) when adding the noodles and beef stock to thicken the sauce.

The dish lacks flavor.
Taste and adjust the seasoning after adding the cream and before returning the beef to the crockpot.

The noodles are not cooking evenly.
To avoid dry noodles, stir them well to ensure they are fully submerged in the beef stock.

The beef is hard to shred.
If the beef is difficult to shred, it might need more cooking time. Place it back in the crockpot for an additional 30 minutes and check again.

There is not enough liquid in the crockpot.
If it looks like the liquid is drying out, add more beef stock or water as needed.

The dish is too salty.
Use low-sodium beef stock and adjust the salt level to your taste towards the end of cooking.

The heavy cream curdles.
Make sure to add the heavy cream slowly and stir well to incorporate it evenly into the hot liquid.

The crockpot is too full.
Ensure the ingredients fill the cooker about two-thirds to three-quarters full to allow proper cooking.

How To Serve Crock Pot Beef and Noodles

After all your effort preparing this crock pot beef and noodles, serving it in a way that maximizes its deliciousness is key. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or repurposing leftovers, here are some ideas to make the most of this comforting dish.

Classic Dinner: Serve the crock pot beef and noodles in a large serving dish, garnished with fresh parsley. Pair it with a simple side salad or cucumber salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the main dish.

Hearty Lunch: For a filling lunch, serve a generous portion of the beef and noodles with a slice of crusty bread. The bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, making for a satisfying meal.

Comfort Food Combo: Pair this dish with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. The textures and flavors of these sides complement the tender beef and creamy noodles perfectly.

Leftover Makeover: Transform leftovers into a beef and noodle casserole. Place the leftover beef and noodles in a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.

When To Serve Crock Pot Beef and Noodles

Crock pot beef and noodles is a versatile dish that fits perfectly into a variety of occasions, offering comfort and satisfaction. Here are some specific scenarios where this recipe can be served, enhancing each event with its delicious simplicity.

Family Gatherings: This dish is a great addition to a potluck or family gathering. Serve it alongside other comfort foods like green bean casserole or garlic butter rolls.

Meal Prep: Crock pot beef and noodles can be portioned out into meal prep containers for easy weekday lunches. Add a side of steamed broccoli or carrots to round out the meal.

Date Night: For a cozy date night at home, serve the beef and noodles with a glass of red wine. A Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon pairs nicely with the savory flavors of the dish.

Elegant Presentation: For a more formal presentation, serve the beef and noodles in individual bowls garnished with a sprig of parsley and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Sunday Dinner: Make this recipe for a relaxing Sunday dinner, providing a cozy, home-cooked meal that the whole family will look forward to.

How To Store Crock Pot Beef and Noodles

Storing leftovers or making this delicious beef and noodles ahead of time, can save you time and effort on busy days. Here’s how you can properly store and reheat this dish to keep it fresh and delicious.

MAKE AHEAD: This recipe can be made ahead to simplify your mealtime prep. Prepare the beef and noodles according to the recipe instructions, then let the dish cool completely.

Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge or freezer.

IN THE FRIDGE: To store crock pot beef and noodles in the fridge, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to two days.

For best results, reheat within this timeframe to maintain the texture and flavor.

IN THE FREEZER: For longer storage, freeze the dish without the extra two cups of beef stock and noodles. Prepare the beef mixture and allow it to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer-safe bag and store it in the freezer for up to two months.

When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop while cooking fresh noodles separately.

REHEATING: To reheat, you can use several methods:

• Stovetop: Place the beef and noodles in a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat on medium power for two to three minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated evenly.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Transfer the beef and noodles to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Why This Crockpot Beef and Noodle Recipe Is The Best

Crockpot beef and noodles is a classic dish that has become a favorite in many households, and it’s easy to see why. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about the simplicity, versatility, and comfort this recipe brings.

Easy to Prepare: With just a few minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it, making dinner time a breeze on busy weeknights.

Ultimate Comfort Food: The rich, creamy sauce and tender beef make it a cozy, comforting dish.

Versatile: It’s the perfect meal that fits any occasion, from weeknight dinners to family gatherings.

Minimal Cleanup: The crockpot does all the work, leaving you with fewer dishes to wash.

Kid-Friendly: Kids love the simple, hearty flavors, making it a family favorite.

Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients to create a satisfying meal.

Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, perfect for meal prep.

This crock pot beef and noodles recipe combines tender beef with creamy, flavorful noodles for an easy and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for busy days, offering comfort and deliciousness with minimal effort.

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• Sour Cream Casserole