Crock Pot Beef and Noodles

Crock Pot Beef and Noodles is a tried and true Midwestern comfort food that brings rich hearty flavors with almost no effort. The slow cooker does all the hard work so you end up with tender beef mixed with noodles and a savory sauce perfect for chilly days or busy weeknights.

I started making this on Sundays when the weather got cold and now it is the number one dinner my family asks for when they want a cozy meal after a long day.

Ingredients

• Chuck roast: offers deep flavor and becomes meltingly tender when slow cooked look for marbling throughout the meat for best results
• Canola oil: helps to sear the beef and adds richness go for a fresh neutral tasting oil
• Beef broth: builds the savory base use a low sodium variety for better control of salt
• Worchestershire sauce or soy sauce: gives a little tang and umami boost choose a good quality brand for rich flavor
• Onion: infuses sweetness and depth yellow onions are classic here and add a natural balance
• Garlic: fresh cloves taste best but garlic powder is a solid shortcut in a pinch
• Italian seasoning: gives gentle herbal flavors and makes the dish extra aromatic
• Egg noodles: absorb the gravy without getting mushy dried or frozen varieties both work great
• Mushrooms: add an earthy note and more texture if you enjoy them pick firm white or cremini mushrooms
• Salt and pepper: rounds out all the flavors always taste and adjust just before serving
• Heavy cream or cornstarch slurry: helps thicken the sauce depending on whether you want creamy or just glossy gravy use milk for a lighter take

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Pat the roast dry and heat oil in a skillet until shimmering. Sear the beef for two minutes per side until it develops a rich crust. This step is optional but adds richness and depth you will notice in the finished dish.

Layer into Crock Pot:

Transfer the beef into your slow cooker. Scatter in the onion garlic Worchestershire sauce Italian seasoning and pour in the beef broth. Stir gently to combine and cover with the lid.

Slow Cook Until Tender:

Let the roast cook on low for six to seven hours or on high for about four hours. The beef should be fork tender and easy to shred.

Shred the Meat:

Remove the beef onto a cutting board and use two forks to pull it into bite sized shreds. Return the meat to the crock and stir to combine.

Add Noodles and Finish Cooking:

Add the noodles to the slow cooker pressing them gently into the liquid. Set the crock pot to high and cook for another ten to twenty minutes until the noodles are al dente. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water or broth if needed.

Thicken the Sauce:

Mix in the heavy cream for a richer gravy or use a cornstarch slurry for a classic glossy texture. Let the mixture bubble and thicken for several minutes until it coats a spoon. The sauce will set up more as it cools.

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Chuck roast is definitely my favorite piece to use here. My kids always race to get the biggest chunks of beef and every time we make it together the kitchen smells absolutely amazing for hours.

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely before storing. Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days. The noodles will soak up more sauce as it sits but a splash of broth brings everything back when reheating. For longer storage freeze just the beef mixture without noodles for up to two months for best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have chuck roast try brisket or stew beef both get tender and flavorful after hours of slow cooking. You can swap egg noodles for rotini fusilli or even wide rice noodles if needed. Add in diced carrots or celery for more veggies or skip the mushrooms if you are not a fan.

Serving Suggestions

Pile this beef and noodles high in shallow bowls and spoon plenty of gravy on top. Pair with buttered peas or roasted green beans for a simple plate. For weekend comfort a basket of warm crusty bread makes it a real crowd pleaser. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and just a hint of brightness.

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Cultural Context

This dish has deep roots in Midwest kitchens where slow cooked beef is a timeless way to feed a family. Originally a way to stretch tough cuts of meat this recipe has passed through generations and still turns up at potlucks family gatherings and Sunday dinners when comfort is the theme.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, while chuck roast is classic, brisket or round roast also work well when slow cooked until tender.

→ How do I prevent mushy noodles?

Add dried or fresh egg noodles during the last 10-20 minutes of cooking on high, watching closely for al dente texture.

→ Is browning the beef necessary?

Browning the beef adds extra flavor, but it is optional. You can skip this step for quicker prep and still get delicious results.

→ Can I make the sauce creamier?

Stirring in heavy cream or a cornstarch slurry at the end will create a luscious, thick gravy that coats the noodles perfectly.

→ What vegetables can I add?

Mushrooms, carrots, or peas make great additions. Add them with the beef or during the last hour for tenderness.