There’s something truly magical about coming home to the warm, inviting aroma of a hearty meal simmering away in the crockpot. It’s like a hug in a bowl! My crockpot beef and noodles recipe is the epitome of comfort food—simple to prepare and so incredibly satisfying. Just picture this: tender, juicy chunks of beef, perfectly cooked noodles, and a rich, savory broth that ties it all together. It’s a one-pot wonder that not only fills your belly but also warms your soul. Plus, it’s perfect for busy days when you need to set it and forget it. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen rotation. So, grab your crockpot, and let’s dive into this delightful dish!
Ingredients for the Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciously comforting dish. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that rich flavor you’ll love!
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast: This cut is perfect because it becomes super tender when slow-cooked. Make sure to trim any excess fat for the best texture.
- 1 onion, chopped: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth. Chop it finely so it melds beautifully into the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic punch! Mince it finely to distribute the flavor evenly.
- 4 cups beef broth: Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness. This liquid is the heart of your sauce, so choose a good-quality one!
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: This adds a wonderful umami flavor. It’s a secret ingredient that makes everything taste better!
- 1 teaspoon salt: Season to taste; you can always add more later if needed.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked is best for that extra kick.
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme: Dried thyme complements the beef beautifully with its earthy notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon rosemary: A little goes a long way! This herb adds a fragrant touch to the dish.
- 8 ounces egg noodles: Cook them according to the package instructions just before adding them to the crockpot for that perfect bite.
- 1 cup frozen peas: These add a pop of color and sweetness. There’s no need to thaw them; they’ll cook perfectly in the crockpot.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: This will help thicken your sauce to that luscious consistency.
- 2 tablespoons water: To mix with the cornstarch and create a slurry for thickening.
How to Prepare the Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this mouthwatering dish! It’s super easy, and I promise you’ll love how it all comes together.
- Start with the beef: Place the 2 pounds of beef chuck roast right into your crockpot. You don’t need to sear it first; the slow cooking will do all the magic!
- Add the aromatics: Toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and the 4 cups of beef broth. Then, stir in the 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce along with the salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Give everything a gentle mix to combine those flavors.
- Set it to cook: Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. I usually go for low; it really lets the beef get tender and soak up all those delicious flavors!
- Shred the beef: Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the beef from the crockpot. Using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. It should just fall apart—so satisfying!
- Return the beef: Pop the shredded beef back into the crockpot and stir it into the broth. This is where the magic starts to happen!
- Cook the noodles: Now, while the beef is chilling in the crockpot, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. You want them al dente since they’ll continue to cook in the crockpot.
- Add the noodles and peas: Once the noodles are ready, drain them and add them to the crockpot along with the 1 cup of frozen peas. Stir everything together to combine. Oh, it’s starting to look amazing!
- Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the crockpot to thicken the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 30 minutes on low to achieve that perfect consistency.
And there you have it! Your crockpot beef and noodles are now ready to be devoured. Just imagine the comforting aroma filling your kitchen while this hearty meal simmers away. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it while it cooks all day!
- Easy clean-up: One pot means less mess! Just toss everything in the crockpot, and you’re good to go.
- Flavorful comfort: The combination of tender beef and savory broth creates a dish that’s rich and satisfying.
- Family-friendly: It’s a hit with both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners!
- Leftover magic: This dish tastes even better the next day, making for delicious leftovers that you’ll actually look forward to!
Tips for Success
To ensure your crockpot beef and noodles turn out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make a big difference.
- Seasoning adjustments: Don’t hesitate to taste as you go! If you like it a bit spicier, add more black pepper or a dash of red pepper flakes. If you prefer it milder, hold back on the salt and Worcestershire sauce initially and adjust later.
- Ingredient variations: Feel free to add other veggies like carrots or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Just chop them up and toss them in at the same time as your onions and garlic!
- Beef options: While chuck roast is my go-to, you can also use brisket or round roast. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the cut.
- Thickening the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, don’t shy away from using a bit more cornstarch! Just be sure to mix it with enough water to prevent lumps before adding it to the crockpot.
- Timing is key: If you’re short on time, cooking on high for 4 hours works well, but I find that the low setting really allows the flavors to deepen and the beef to become melt-in-your-mouth tender. So, if you can, go for low!
- Freezing leftovers: If you find yourself with extra beef and noodles, this dish freezes beautifully! Just let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make a crockpot beef and noodles recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Nutritional Information
When you’re enjoying a hearty serving of my crockpot beef and noodles, it’s good to know what you’re putting into your body. Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving, which is about 1 cup. Keep in mind that these are estimates based on standard ingredients, so your numbers may vary slightly depending on the specific brands and variations you use.
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
This dish is not just comforting but also packs a solid punch of protein and flavor, making it a great option for a filling meal. Enjoy every delicious bite, knowing it’s satisfying your hunger while keeping you fueled for the day!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my crockpot beef and noodles recipe? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my answers to help you out.
Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
While it’s best to use thawed beef for even cooking, you can cook frozen beef in the crockpot. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time on low, and make sure to check it’s fully cooked before shredding!
What if I don’t have beef broth?
No worries! You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I make this dish without noodles?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a low-carb option, you can serve the beef and broth over mashed cauliflower or sautéed zucchini noodles instead. It’s still super satisfying!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover beef and noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. It’s just as tasty the next day!
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies like carrots, green beans, or mushrooms. Just chop them up and add them to the crockpot along with the onions. They’ll cook beautifully in the broth!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your delicious crockpot beef and noodles, you might find yourself with some tasty leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat them to keep that flavor and texture just right!
Storing Leftovers: Allow the beef and noodles to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. This will help prevent condensation and keep your meal fresh. You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll last for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When you’re ready to dig in again, simply take your leftovers out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat, you can use a stovetop, microwave, or even the crockpot! For stovetop, warm them over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. In the microwave, place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. If you’re using the crockpot, reheat on low for about 1 hour, adding a splash of beef broth if it seems a little dry. Just be sure to heat it until it’s piping hot throughout!
With these tips, your beef and noodles will taste just as good the next day, making it a meal that keeps on giving!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delicious crockpot beef and noodles ready, let’s talk about how to elevate your meal experience! Here are some of my favorite sides and accompaniments that pair beautifully with this hearty dish.
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf or some buttery dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up that rich broth. There’s nothing like dipping bread into the savory goodness!
- Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can add a nice crunch and balance out the richness of the beef. Toss in some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a sprinkle of feta for extra flavor!
- Steamed Vegetables: Bright, colorful steamed veggies like broccoli, green beans, or carrots are a great way to add some nutrition and vibrancy to your plate.
- Mashed Potatoes: For a truly comforting meal, serve the beef and noodles over creamy mashed potatoes. It’s like a flavor explosion in every bite!
- Pickles or Relish: Adding some tangy pickles or a dollop of relish on the side can elevate the dish and give it a nice contrast to the savory flavors.
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to create your perfect meal. No matter what you choose, this crockpot beef and noodles will always shine as the star of the dinner table!
Print
Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe: 8 Comforting Secrets
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and hearty crockpot beef and noodles recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon rosemary
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Place the beef chuck roast in the crockpot.
- Add onion, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Remove the beef and shred it with two forks.
- Return shredded beef to the crockpot.
- Cook egg noodles according to package instructions and add to the crockpot.
- Add peas and stir to combine.
- Dissolve cornstarch in water and stir into the mixture to thicken.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes on low.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve with bread for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: crockpot beef and noodles recipe
