If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug, the Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe is your new best friend. This dish brings together tender chunks of beef slowly cooked to perfection in a creamy mushroom sauce, all served over wide egg noodles that soak up every bit of flavor. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your plate with pure satisfaction, perfect for busy days when you want something delicious without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this recipe are straightforward but absolutely crucial. Each one adds its own magic—from the richly flavored beef broth to the creamy mushroom soup that gives the sauce its luscious texture. Together, they create layers of taste and a cozy feel you’ll want again and again.
- 2 pounds stew beef (cut into chunks): The star of the dish, providing tender, juicy bites after slow cooking.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth.
- ½ cup diced onion: Brings sweetness and a little texture to balance richness.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Offers that irresistible garlicky aroma and savory boost.
- 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme (minced): Infuses an earthy, herbaceous note that brightens the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Roasted Beef Base: Concentrated beef flavor that deepens the taste beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: A tangy and slightly sweet component that amplifies umami.
- 20 ounces cream of mushroom soup: Creates a velvety, creamy texture that coats the beef perfectly.
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth: Keeps the dish moist while balancing the creaminess.
- 12 ounces dry extra wide egg noodles: Wide noodles are perfect for soaking up the luxurious sauce.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for serving): A fresh pop of color and flavor to finish the dish with flair.
How to Make Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Beef
Start by placing your stew beef chunks directly into the crockpot. Sprinkle the kosher salt, ground black pepper, diced onion, minced garlic, minced thyme, and the Better Than Bouillon Roasted Beef Base right over the meat. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix everything together, ensuring every piece of beef is beautifully coated with these flavorful seasonings. This first step is key to infusing the beef with aromatic herbs and that rich, savory foundation.
Step 2: Combine the Sauce Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and whisk together the Worcestershire sauce, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. This combination creates a luscious sauce that gets rich and creamy as it cooks. Pour this mixture evenly over the seasoned beef in your crockpot. You’ll want the meat to be well submerged so it marinates and cooks slowly, soaking up all those comforting flavors.
Step 3: Slow Cook for Tender Perfection
Put the lid securely on your crockpot and set it to cook. You can choose the high setting for about 4 to 5 hours if you’re in a bit of a hurry, or the low setting for 7 to 8 hours if you want the beef to become fall-apart tender. The slow cooking melts the connective tissues, creating melt-in-your-mouth beef nestled in a creamy, savory sauce that’s pure comfort food bliss.
Step 4: Prepare the Noodles
About 20 minutes before serving, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the extra wide egg noodles according to the package instructions. These noodles are ideal because their broad surface grabs and holds the sauce better than thinner noodles. Once cooked, drain well but don’t rinse—you want them warm and ready to soak up those beefy juices.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Dish out generous servings of the cooked noodles into bowls, then ladle the tender beef and sauce right on top. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if you like a touch of color and freshness. This dish shines when served hot and hearty, making any meal instantly feel like a special occasion.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t the only way to brighten up this dish. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of grated Parmesan can add subtle layers of flavor. For a bit of texture, crispy fried onions on top add a lovely crunch contrast against the tender beef and silky noodles.
Side Dishes
Because the Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe is rich and hearty, lighter side dishes complement it beautifully. Consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed with a little lemon zest and olive oil. These fresh sides cut through the richness, balancing your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to up the presentation game? Serve the beef and noodles family-style in a large shallow dish garnished with fresh herbs for a rustic, inviting look. Or create individual plated portions with a spiral of noodles topped with the beef and sauce, finishing with a parsley sprinkle and a drizzle of extra broth to keep it glossy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be a real treat the next day! Transfer any remaining Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making your second serving even more delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save some for even later, this dish freezes well. Cool it completely before transferring portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember that noodles might absorb some liquid during freezing, so you may want to add a splash of broth when reheating to keep everything saucy and moist.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir frequently and add a bit of warm beef broth if the sauce feels too thick or dry. This keeps your Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe tasting fresh and just as comforting as when you first made it.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef in this Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! While stew beef works best for tender, slow-cooked chunks, cuts like chuck roast or brisket can also deliver delicious results. Just make sure to cut them into even chunks for consistent cooking.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free egg noodles or substitute with rice noodles or spiralized vegetables. Also, check your Worcestershire sauce and beef base for gluten ingredients to ensure your dish stays safe for gluten sensitivities.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You sure can! Prep the beef and sauce the night before, refrigerate overnight in the crockpot insert, then cook as directed the next day. This makes mealtime even easier on busy days.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like after slow cooking, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in. Cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes uncovered to thicken it perfectly.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
No worries! You can make a quick homemade creamy mushroom sauce with sautéed mushrooms, butter, garlic, cream, and a bit of flour to thicken. It’s a little extra work but totally worth it for that rich, comforting flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe has quickly become one of those unforgettable go-to meals that truly satisfies the soul. Between the tender beef, the velvety sauce, and those perfectly wide noodles, it’s comfort food at its very best. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easily it fits into your family’s rotation. Trust me, once you do, it’s going to be a dinner you’ll happily make time and again!
Print
Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Crockpot Beef and Noodles recipe features tender chunks of stew beef slow-cooked with savory herbs and a rich mushroom sauce. Served over wide egg noodles, it makes a comforting, easy-to-prepare meal perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasonings
- 2 pounds stew beef, cut into chunks
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme, minced
- 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Roasted Beef Base
Sauce and Broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 20 ounces cream of mushroom soup (2 cans)
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
Noodles and Garnish
- 12 ounces dry extra wide egg noodles (1 package)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Beef: Place the stew beef in the crockpot and season thoroughly with kosher salt, ground black pepper, diced onion, minced garlic, minced fresh thyme, and beef bouillon. Mix well to ensure all the beef chunks are evenly coated with the seasonings and herbs.
- Make Sauce: In a large bowl, combine Worcestershire sauce, cream of mushroom soup, and low-sodium beef broth. Stir until smooth and well blended. Pour this mixture over the seasoned beef in the crockpot, spreading it evenly.
- Cook Beef: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook the beef on the high setting for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours. This slow cooking will tenderize the beef and develop rich flavors.
- Cook Noodles: Approximately 20 minutes before serving, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the wide egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Serve: In serving bowls, place a portion of cooked noodles and top with the tender beef and creamy mushroom sauce from the crockpot. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh thyme with dried thyme if fresh is unavailable, using about 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
- For a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid of the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3-4 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Using low-sodium beef broth helps control the salt level in this dish; adjust salt to taste before serving.
- If cream of mushroom soup is not available, you can make a homemade mushroom sauce to maintain flavor quality and texture.
