If you are searching for a comforting and hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender cubes of beef stew meat slowly simmered with rich brown gravy and au jus seasoning fill the house with an irresistible aroma, while wide egg noodles soak up every bit of that delicious sauce. It’s a foolproof recipe perfect for busy days when you want dinner waiting for you, or for weekend family meals that bring everyone to the table with smiles and satisfied appetites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity; just a handful of ingredients come together to create deep, comforting flavors. Each one plays a crucial role in creating a balance of meaty richness, savory depth, and tender texture.
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (or chuck roast, cut into cubes): The star of the dish, beef stew meat turns melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow cooking.
- 1 packet (0.87 oz) brown gravy mix: Adds savory thickness and classic gravy flavor with ease.
- 1 packet (1 oz) au jus mix: Brings a rich, concentrated beefy taste that enhances the overall depth of the dish.
- 3 cups water: The perfect amount to create just the right consistency for the slow cooker sauce.
- 12 oz wide egg noodles: Soft, broad noodles that soak up all the delicious gravy, creating a perfect base for the slow-cooked beef.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker Mixture
Start by placing the beef stew meat into a 4 to 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle both the brown gravy mix and au jus mix over the top, then pour in 3 cups of water. Give everything a good stir to coat the beef evenly with the seasoning and gravy base. This simple step is key because it evenly distributes flavor, ensuring each bite is packed with savory goodness throughout the cooking process.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Beef
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or if you are short on time, high for 4 to 5 hours. This slow and low heat is what turns the tough beef cubes into tender, juicy morsels bursting with flavor. Resist the temptation to peek too often—the magic happens inside!
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Noodles
About 20 minutes before the beef finishes cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the wide egg noodles according to package directions until they are perfectly al dente. Drain the noodles well to avoid sogginess and keep them ready to soak up all the delectable gravy.
Step 4: Thicken the Gravy (Optional)
If your gravy looks a bit thin after cooking, don’t worry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry directly into the slow cooker, then switch the heat to high and let it cook uncovered for another 20 minutes. You’ll get a beautifully thickened sauce that clings to every noodle and piece of beef.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Finally, ladle the melt-in-your-mouth beef and rich gravy over the cooked egg noodles. Give the dish a gentle toss or serve the beef piled on top for a rustic presentation. This is the moment where all your patience pays off—every bite warmed by slow-cooked flavor and all the cozy comfort you crave.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives brightens up the dish while giving it a fresh, vibrant touch. A dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or a few red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick if you enjoy a little heat with your savory meal. These garnishes are simple yet elevate the presentation and flavor nuance beautifully.
Side Dishes
The richness of slow cooker beef and noodles pairs wonderfully with crisp green vegetables like steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a fresh garden salad. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery dinner rolls complement the dish nicely and help soak up every drop of that luscious gravy.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra special touch, try serving the beef and noodles in individual bowls garnished with microgreens or small roasted mushrooms for an earthy contrast. You can also layer it in a casserole dish topped with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar or mozzarella, then broil for a few minutes to create a bubbly golden crust—comfort food with a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors deepen after resting, so the leftovers often taste even better the next day, making them an excellent option for quick lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe freezes beautifully. Just make sure to cool the beef and noodles completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To avoid the noodles becoming mushy, it’s a good idea to freeze the beef and gravy separately and add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts to prevent drying out. If needed, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the gravy and revive the silky texture. Reheating slowly helps maintain the tender texture of the beef and prevents overcooked noodles.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat and chuck roast are recommended for their tenderness after slow cooking, you can also try brisket or short ribs for a richer, more gelatinous texture that adds a lovely mouthfeel to the dish.
Do I have to use the brown gravy and au jus mixes?
While these packets make the recipe super easy and flavorful, you can substitute with homemade gravy and beef broth if you prefer. Just keep in mind it will take a bit more prep and seasoning adjustments to get that perfect savory balance.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes! Adding carrots, onions, and celery to the slow cooker when you start cooking is a great way to incorporate more flavor and nutrition. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly alongside the beef.
What type of noodles work best?
Wide egg noodles are traditional and hold the gravy well, but you can use other types of broad pasta like pappardelle or even fettuccine. Just be sure to cook them al dente so they don’t get mushy when combined with the beef and gravy.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead?
Yes! To save time, you can brown the beef using the sauté function, then pressure cook with the gravy mixes and water for about 45 minutes. Finish by cooking your noodles separately and combining everything after releasing the pressure.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about combining simplicity and deep flavor effortlessly, and this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe does exactly that. It’s the kind of dish that turns hectic days into cozy evenings and makes everyone around your table feel cherished. Give it a try—you’ll soon find it becoming one of your go-to comfort meals that’s easy to make and impossible not to love.
Print
Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 4 to 5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender beef stew meat cooked low and slow in a flavorful gravy, served over wide egg noodles. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, this recipe combines rich brown gravy and savory au jus seasoning to create a deliciously satisfying dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Beef and Gravy
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (or chuck roast, cut into cubes)
- 1 packet (0.87 oz) brown gravy mix
- 1 packet (1 oz) au jus mix
- 3 cups water
Noodles
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
Optional Thickening
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker Mixture: In a 4 to 6-quart slow cooker, combine beef stew meat, brown gravy mix, au jus mix, and water. Stir until the beef is well coated with the seasoning and liquid.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef becomes tender and easy to shred.
- Prepare the Noodles: About 20 minutes before the beef is done cooking, prepare the wide egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the noodles thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
- Thicken the Gravy (Optional): If the gravy in the slow cooker is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker, turn the heat to high, and cook for an additional 20 minutes to thicken the gravy.
- Combine & Serve: Serve the tender slow-cooked beef and rich gravy over the cooked wide egg noodles, ensuring a hearty and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Using chuck roast instead of stew meat is a great alternative for this recipe.
- Cook the noodles just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy when combined with the gravy and beef.
- Adjust the gravy thickness to your preference by adding more or less cornstarch mixture.
- This dish can be customized by adding vegetables such as mushrooms or peas during the last hour of cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
