Cooking with a Crockpot is one of the best ways to achieve a tender, flavorful meal with minimal effort. This Crockpot Beef and Noodles recipe is no exception. It’s the perfect dish for busy days, where you can set it and forget it, and come back to a hearty, comforting meal. The beef becomes incredibly tender as it slow-cooks, soaking up all the rich flavors of the broth. The noodles absorb the savory sauce, creating a deliciously satisfying meal that’s both filling and flavorful.
Tender Beef, Savory Sauce, and Comforting Noodles
One of the highlights of this Crockpot Beef and Noodles is the slow-cooked beef. As it cooks, the beef becomes so tender it practically falls apart. Paired with the savory broth and noodles, it’s the ultimate comfort food. The dish is simple but packed with rich flavors, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you’re feeding a crowd.
The best part? You can make it ahead of time, let the Crockpot do all the work, and come home to a delicious meal ready to serve. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping a meal for the week, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking routine.
Now, let’s dive into the ingredients and the simple process to bring this dish to life.
Ingredients for Crockpot Beef and Noodles
To create this hearty and flavorful meal, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients that work together to make the beef tender and the noodles perfectly cooked in a rich, savory broth.
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Beef Chuck Roast – This cut of beef is perfect for slow cooking, as it becomes tender and juicy. It has just the right amount of fat to give the dish its rich flavor.
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Beef Broth – A flavorful base for the sauce, beef broth infuses the meat and noodles with a deep, savory taste.
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Onion – Chopped onions add sweetness and depth to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor.
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Garlic – A few cloves of garlic will infuse the broth with a savory aroma and subtle heat.
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Carrots – Sliced carrots provide a bit of sweetness and texture that complement the beef and noodles.
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Egg Noodles – The star of the dish, egg noodles soak up the savory broth and become the perfect texture after slow cooking.
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Salt and Pepper – Basic seasonings that elevate the flavor of the entire dish. Adjust to taste.
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Dried Thyme – This herb adds an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with beef.
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Parsley – Fresh parsley is optional but makes for a lovely garnish that adds color and a burst of freshness when serving.
How to Make Crockpot Beef and Noodles
This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, and the Crockpot does most of the work. Here’s how you can create this comforting dish:
Step 1
Start by placing the beef chuck roast at the bottom of your Crockpot. Season generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
Step 2
Add the chopped onion, garlic, and sliced carrots around the beef in the Crockpot. Pour in the beef broth until the beef is almost submerged. The broth should cover the meat, but not necessarily the entire roast.
Step 3
Cover the Crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
Step 4
Once the beef is done, remove it from the Crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded beef to the Crockpot and stir to combine with the broth and vegetables.
Step 5
Add the egg noodles to the Crockpot, stirring to incorporate them into the liquid. Cover and cook on high for 30-45 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and have absorbed the flavors of the broth.
Step 6
Once the noodles are cooked, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
Step 7
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh and vibrant touch.
Serve the Crockpot Beef and Noodles hot, and enjoy the perfect balance of tender beef, flavorful broth, and soft noodles.
How Long to Cook Crockpot Beef and Noodles
The cooking time for Crockpot Beef and Noodles is relatively flexible, but there are a few general guidelines to ensure that your beef becomes tender and your noodles are perfectly cooked. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, and the beef to break down into a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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Beef Cooking Time – For the beef, cooking on low for 6-8 hours will yield the best results. This allows enough time for the meat to become incredibly tender. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours, but the texture might not be as tender.
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Noodle Cooking Time – Once the beef is shredded and returned to the Crockpot, the egg noodles will need to cook on high for 30-45 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook. The noodles should be soft but still hold their shape.
How to Store Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t worry; this dish stores well and can be enjoyed later. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
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Refrigerator – Allow the Crockpot Beef and Noodles to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
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Freezer – You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 1 month. Be sure to store the beef and noodles in an airtight, freezer-safe container. When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat on the stove over low heat.
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Beef and Noodles
To ensure the best results, here are some tips to keep in mind:
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Choose the Right Cut of Beef – For this recipe, beef chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender and juicy after slow cooking. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin, as they may dry out.
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Add Vegetables – If you want to add extra flavor and nutrients, feel free to throw in additional vegetables like peas or corn during the last 30 minutes of cooking. They’ll add color and texture to the dish.
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Adjust the Seasoning – Taste the dish once it’s finished cooking. Depending on your preference, you may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or thyme to enhance the flavor.
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Check the Noodles – Keep an eye on the noodles as they cook. Different brands of noodles may require slightly different cooking times. If you prefer them more al dente, check for doneness a few minutes before the 30-minute mark.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute beef chuck roast with other cuts of beef such as brisket or round roast. However, chuck roast is ideal because of its marbling, which makes the beef tender and juicy when slow-cooked. If using a leaner cut, be mindful that it may not be as tender and could dry out faster. -
Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
It’s not recommended to start with frozen beef in the Crockpot, as it can lead to uneven cooking. However, if you have frozen beef, it’s best to thaw it completely before placing it in the Crockpot. This ensures even cooking and better texture. -
Can I cook the noodles separately?
Yes, if you prefer, you can cook the egg noodles separately on the stove and then mix them with the beef and broth once the meat is cooked. However, slow-cooking the noodles in the Crockpot allows them to absorb the flavors of the broth and beef, making the dish even more delicious. -
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef and broth portion ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and cook the noodles just before serving. Alternatively, you can cook the entire dish, let it cool, and store the leftovers in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat thoroughly before serving.
Crockpot Beef and Noodles
- Total Time: 3-4 hours on high
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Beef and Noodles recipe is a cozy and comforting dish perfect for busy days. The slow-cooked beef becomes incredibly tender, while the egg noodles absorb all the savory flavors from the broth. With minimal prep work, this dish practically cooks itself, making it an easy and satisfying meal for your family. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
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2 lbs beef chuck roast
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4 cups beef broth
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1 medium onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 carrots, sliced
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4 cups egg noodles
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1 tsp dried thyme
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Place the beef chuck roast in the bottom of the Crockpot. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
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Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced carrots around the beef. Pour the beef broth over the top.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
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Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the Crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded beef to the Crockpot and stir.
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Add the egg noodles and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high for 30-45 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
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Serve hot and enjoy your comforting Crockpot Beef and Noodles.
Notes
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If you want extra flavor and crunch, add a handful of chopped walnuts or almonds before serving.
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Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
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For a bolder flavor, feel free to substitute the beef chuck roast with a different cut of beef like brisket or round roast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low
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