There’s something about Crockpot Beef and Noodles that feels like a hug in a bowl. Tender beef, creamy broth, and hearty egg noodles come together in the slow cooker while you go about your busy day. By the time evening rolls around, you’ve got a dinner that tastes like you’ve been cooking for hours—without hovering over the stove.
Growing up in Texas, I remember my grandmother simmering beef all afternoon until it was melt-in-your-mouth soft. These days, my slow cooker takes that role, freeing me up for school pick-ups, work, or simply enjoying a quiet walk before dinner. This is one of those “set it and forget it” dishes that makes you look like a kitchen hero with very little effort.
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Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe
- Hands-off cooking: Just toss in your ingredients and let the slow cooker work its magic.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will dig into these creamy, flavorful noodles.
- Budget-friendly: Beef stew meat stretches beautifully in this recipe.
- Comforting: Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a soul-warming dinner.
What Does Crockpot Beef and Noodles Taste Like?
Imagine fork-tender beef coated in a velvety, savory sauce with a hint of onion and garlic. The egg noodles soak up all that goodness, becoming silky and full of flavor. It’s rich but not heavy, cozy without being complicated—basically, the kind of dinner that makes everyone quietly happy at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Crockpot Beef and Noodles
One of the things I love most about Crockpot Beef and Noodles is that it doesn’t take a long shopping list to bring this cozy dinner to life. Most of these are pantry staples or fridge basics, but together they create a dish that tastes like you’ve been working in the kitchen all day. Let’s go through each ingredient in a little more detail so you know why it matters:
- 1 pound beef stew meat – This is the star of the show. Stew meat is already cut into chunks, which makes prep easy. As it slow cooks, it becomes fork-tender and soaks up all the savory flavors in the broth. If you’d like a twist, you could also use chuck roast cut into cubes.
- 1 packet onion soup mix – This little packet is a secret shortcut. It adds instant depth, saltiness, and that classic “Sunday dinner” flavor without needing multiple seasonings.
- 2 cups beef broth – The backbone of the sauce. I like using low-sodium broth so I can control the salt level. If you’ve got homemade broth from a slow cooker pot roast, that would be even better.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Just a splash, but it gives a tangy richness that balances the creamy sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon onion powder – These bring a steady background flavor, layering on warmth and depth.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Just enough to cut through the richness without overpowering.
- 8 ounces egg noodles – These are the perfect choice because they hold up well and absorb the creamy sauce. If you don’t have egg noodles, wide pappardelle or even spiral pasta can step in. For another creamy noodle dinner, you might enjoy my Creamy Crock Pot Mac and Cheese.
- ½ cup sour cream – The secret to that luscious, velvety sauce. It brings creaminess and a subtle tang.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + ¼ cup water – This little mix thickens the sauce just enough to coat every bite of noodles and beef.
These simple, down-to-earth ingredients are what make Crockpot Beef and Noodles so approachable. Nothing fancy, nothing fussy—just everyday groceries turning into something that feels special when it’s on the table.
How to Make Crockpot Beef and Noodles (Step by Step)
Making Crockpot Beef and Noodles is like giving your future self a gift—you do a little prep in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’re rewarded with a bowl of pure comfort. Here’s exactly how to get from ingredients on your counter to a steaming plate on the table:
Step 1: Prep the beef
Start by adding 1 pound of beef stew meat into your slow cooker. If you’ve got a few extra minutes, searing the beef in a hot skillet with a drizzle of oil before adding it to the crockpot will build even deeper flavor. But don’t worry if you skip this step—the long, slow cook will still make the beef melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Step 2: Add the seasoning mix
Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the beef. This little packet is your flavor base—it adds savory depth without requiring you to measure out a dozen spices.
Step 3: Pour in the liquids
Now, pour in 2 cups of beef broth and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. The broth creates a rich base, while Worcestershire adds that tangy, slightly sweet balance that makes the dish taste like it’s been simmering all day.
Step 4: Layer in the spices
Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. These simple seasonings build gentle background flavor that will soak into the beef as it cooks.
Step 5: Stir and set the slow cooker
Give everything a gentle stir so the meat is coated and the seasonings are mixed into the broth. Place the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender. While it cooks, you can go about your day—this is why I call recipes like this my “busy mom magic.”
(If you love these “set it and forget it” dinners, try my Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites. They’re another family favorite with bold flavor.)
Step 6: Cook the noodles
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain them well and set aside. Cooking the noodles separately keeps them from turning mushy in the crockpot.
Step 7: Make the sauce creamy
In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, cornstarch, and water until smooth. This mixture is what transforms your broth into a silky, creamy sauce that clings to every piece of beef and noodle. Stir it into the crockpot, cover again, and let it cook for about 15 minutes to thicken.
Step 8: Combine noodles and beef
Finally, stir in the cooked noodles. They’ll soak up the creamy sauce and become the perfect partner to the tender beef. At this point, your kitchen probably smells so good you’ll have the whole family gathered around asking, “Is it ready yet?”
Step 9: Serve and enjoy
Spoon generous helpings of Crockpot Beef and Noodles into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’d like, and serve it with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or even some crusty bread to mop up the sauce.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crockpot Beef and Noodles
- Brown the beef first if you have time—it deepens the flavor.
- Go creamy or light: Add extra sour cream for richness, or swap in Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter twist.
- Noodle swaps: Try pappardelle or even spiral pasta if you don’t have egg noodles.
- Make it ahead: Beef mixture can be cooked and refrigerated a day ahead. Just reheat, add noodles, and serve.
- Thicker sauce: Add a touch more cornstarch if you want it extra thick.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze beef and sauce without noodles for up to 2 months. Reheat and stir in fresh noodles before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen beef?
Yes, but thawing first gives better texture.
Can I cook the noodles in the crockpot?
Technically yes, but they often turn mushy. Cooking them separately gives the best texture.
What can I serve with Crockpot Beef and Noodles?
Think simple—steamed veggies, a side salad, or even garlic bread.
Conclusion
If you’re craving comfort food that doesn’t ask for much of your time, Crockpot Beef and Noodles is your new go-to. It’s hearty, creamy, and just the thing for busy weeknights or lazy Sunday dinners. Try it once, and I bet it’ll become part of your family’s regular rotation.
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Crockpot Beef and Noodles: The Ultimate Cozy Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Tender beef slow-cooked to perfection, swimming in a rich, savory broth with hearty egg noodles. This comforting, melt-in-your-mouth dish is perfect for cozy nights, offering layers of flavor that will have you coming back for more!
Ingredients
1 pound beef stew meat
1 packet onion soup mix
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces egg noodles
1⁄2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1⁄4 cup water
Instructions
1. Place the beef stew meat into the crockpot.
2. Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the beef.
3. Pour the beef broth over the beef and soup mix in the crockpot.
4. Add the Worcestershire sauce to the crockpot.
5. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper over the mixture in the crockpot.
6. Stir everything together in the crockpot to combine the seasonings and liquid with the beef.
7. Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shreds.
8. About 15 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions in a separate pot.
9. Drain the cooked noodles and set them aside.
10. In a small bowl, mix the sour cream, cornstarch, and water together until smooth.
11. Stir the sour cream mixture into the crockpot with the beef and broth.
12. Continue to cook for an additional 15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
13. Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the cooked egg noodles.
14. Serve the beef and noodles immediately, ensuring the noodles are well coated in the creamy sauce.
Notes
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef stew meat in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch by 1 teaspoon.
For added flavor, you can substitute beef broth with a combination of beef broth and a splash of red wine.
Feel free to use other types of noodles, such as wide egg noodles or pappardelle, for a different texture.
If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when seasoning the beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: crockpot beef and noodles, comfort food, slow cooker dinner
