Crock Pot Beef and Noodles
There’s something so comforting about a steaming bowl of Crock Pot Beef and Noodles. It takes me back to chilly winter evenings spent cozied up at home, where the aroma of tender beef fills the air, wrapping you in warmth. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a busy weekday, and I needed something easy yet satisfying for dinner. With just a few simple ingredients tossed into my slow cooker, I set it and forgot it. By the time dinner rolled around, my home was filled with mouthwatering scents, and the family gathered at the table, eager to dig in. The combination of rich beef, savory broth, and soft noodles creates a meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s perfect for those long days when you want to come home to something special without the fuss. Crock Pot Beef and Noodles is not just a meal; it’s a tradition for many families, and I love how it brings everyone together around the table.
Recipe Snapshot
7 hr 10 mins
10 mins
420 mins
Hard
480 kcal
50 g
Gluten-Free
20 g
Slow Cooker, Wooden Spoon, Whisk, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet
Crock Pot Beef and Noodles is a dish that stands out in many ways. It’s incredibly easy to prepare—just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. The best part is that the flavors meld beautifully over time, which makes it taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. The tenderness of the beef is simply divine, allowing you to shred it effortlessly with a fork when it’s ready. Moreover, the creamy sauce coats the noodles perfectly, making each bite satisfying and rich. It’s a versatile dish that works well for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. You can even make it ahead of time, as the flavors get even better as it sits! One of my favorite reasons for loving this dish is that it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup afterward. You can focus on enjoying your meal rather than worrying about the dishes piling up in the sink. If you haven’t tried making Crock Pot Beef and Noodles yet, I highly recommend it—it might just become your new go-to comfort food!
Why This Crock Pot Beef and Noodles Is a Winner
It’s Perfect for Cold Weather
When the temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of Crock Pot Beef and Noodles to warm you up from the inside out. The slow cooking process makes the beef incredibly tender while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a dish that is both hearty and satisfying.
Family-Friendly Meal
This recipe is a hit with both kids and adults alike. The creamy texture and comforting flavors appeal to even the pickiest eaters, making it a fantastic choice for family dinners. Plus, it’s easy to make large batches, perfect for feeding a crowd!
Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor
One of the most appealing aspects of this dish is how little effort it requires. Simply add the ingredients to your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. The result is a rich, flavorful meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Perfect for Meal Prep
If you’re someone who likes to meal prep, Crock Pot Beef and Noodles is a fantastic option. You can make a big batch on the weekend and have delicious leftovers throughout the week. It reheats beautifully, ensuring you have a comforting meal ready at a moment’s notice.
Adaptable to Your Taste
This recipe is quite versatile! While it is fantastic as is, you can easily add your favorite vegetables or seasonings to customize it to your liking. Want to make it a bit spicier? Add some red pepper flakes! Prefer it more herby? Toss in some fresh thyme or rosemary.
Ingredients Required for Crock Pot Beef and Noodles
The ingredients for Crock Pot Beef and Noodles are simple yet effective, coming together to create a hearty and comforting dish. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor. The star of the show is the beef, which, when slow-cooked, becomes tender and succulent. The broth adds depth, while the cream of mushroom soup contributes creaminess and richness, making the dish indulgent without being overwhelming.
- 2 pounds chuck roast: This cut of meat is perfect for slow cooking, providing rich flavor and tenderness as it cooks.
- 2 tablespoons beef rub: A blend of spices that enhances the beef’s flavor, adding a lovely crust when seared before cooking.
- 3 cups beef broth: This is the base of the sauce, adding moisture and depth to the dish.
- 10.5 ounces can cream of mushroom soup: Adds creaminess and a unique flavor, making the sauce luscious.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Used as a thickening agent to help the sauce become velvety.
- 16 ounces Reames noodles: Fresh noodles that cook beautifully in the broth, soaking up all the flavors.
- ½ cup heavy cream: This adds an extra layer of richness and creaminess to the final dish.
Putting Together Crock Pot Beef and Noodles
Making Crock Pot Beef and Noodles is incredibly straightforward, which is one of the reasons I love this recipe. You’ll find that once you get the hang of it, you can whip it up any night of the week. Here’s how to prepare this comforting dish step-by-step:
- Start by whisking together the beef broth and cream of mushroom soup in your slow cooker. Make sure to combine them well to create a flavorful base for your dish.
- Next, season your chuck roast with the beef rub. This step infuses the meat with delicious spices and flavors that will enhance the overall dish.
- Place the seasoned roast into the slow cooker, ensuring it’s submerged in the broth and soup mixture. This allows the meat to become tender and juicy.
- Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. You want the roast to be fork-tender, meaning it should shred easily without much effort.
- After cooking time, carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. This is where the magic happens as you see how tender the meat has become.
- Stir in the all-purpose flour into the shredded beef, which will help to thicken the sauce as it cooks.
- Next, add the Reames noodles and heavy cream to the slow cooker. Stir everything together well to ensure the noodles are coated in the delicious sauce.
- Turn the heat to high and cover the slow cooker. Allow it to cook for an additional 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
- Once ready, serve the Crock Pot Beef and Noodles immediately, and watch everyone at the table enjoy every bite!
Things Worth Knowing
- Choosing the Right Cut: A chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking as it becomes tender and juicy when cooked low and slow.
- Layering Flavors: Don’t skip seasoning the meat! It’s crucial for flavor development, making the dish more delicious.
- Cooking Time: If possible, aim for about 8 hours on low for the best results, as this allows the roast to fully tenderize.
- Thickening the Sauce: The flour not only helps thicken the sauce but also adds richness. Be sure to incorporate it well with the meat.
- Resting Time: Allow the beef to rest for a few minutes before shredding, as this helps retain its juices.
Pro Tips and Tweaks
Cooking is all about finding what works best for you. Here are some tips to make your Crock Pot Beef and Noodles experience even better:
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers for a quick meal. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Pairing: Serve with crusty bread or a side salad to balance the richness of the dish.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add fresh or frozen vegetables like carrots or peas during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herbs or spices in the beef rub to give it a unique twist every time you make it.
What to Serve With Crock Pot Beef and Noodles
When it comes to serving Crock Pot Beef and Noodles, the options are endless! Here are some fantastic pairings to complement this hearty dish:
- Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Green Salad: A light salad with tangy vinaigrette contrasts nicely with the richness of the noodles.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with a medley of steamed vegetables for a touch of color and nutrition.
- Mashed Potatoes: For the ultimate comfort meal, pair it with creamy mashed potatoes.
- Seasonal Roasted Vegetables: Roasting seasonal veggies and serving them alongside adds a pop of flavor and health benefits.
- Occasions: This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, and even special occasions like holidays, as it feeds a crowd easily.
FAQ
Conclusion
Overall, Crock Pot Beef and Noodles is the epitome of comfort food. The tender beef combined with creamy noodles creates a heartwarming dish that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. I encourage you to try making this recipe for your family; it’s sure to become a cherished favorite. Gather around the table, enjoy the delicious flavors, and create wonderful memories together!
Crock Pot Beef and Noodles
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a slow cooker whisk together the beef broth and cream of mushroom soup.
- Season chuck roast with the beef rub on all sides and place it in the slow cooker with the soup mixture.
- The place the cover on the slow cooker and cook on low for at 6 to 8 hours or until roast is fall apart fork tender.
- Shred beef with 2 forks. Stir in the all-purpose flour.
- Add the noodles and heavy cream to slow cooker and stir.
- Turn to high heat and cover and allow to cook for another 30 to 40 minutes, stirring a few times, until noodles are cooked and sauce is thick.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers for a quick meal. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Pairing: Serve with crusty bread or a side salad to balance the richness of the dish.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add fresh or frozen vegetables like carrots or peas during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herbs or spices in the beef rub to give it a unique twist every time you make it.
