Name: Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 9 h
Total time: 9 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1-2 lb chuck roast; 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 4 cups water; 4 teaspoons Better than Bouillon (beef concentrate); 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 16 oz dried homestyle egg noodles; 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)

Jump to Recipe·5 from 30 reviews

If you crave the kind of cozy, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food that’s as easy to cook as it is to devour, this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe is about to become your new go-to. With melt-in-your-mouth beef, luscious noodles, and a savory broth that soaks up all the flavors, it’s a meal that transforms simple ingredients into a magic pot supper. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family after a busy day or just looking for that classic Midwestern flavor, this recipe guarantees tender, hearty results every single time.

Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—every ingredient is handpicked to bring maximum flavor, soul-warming richness, and irresistible texture. With a few kitchen staples and a little bit of love, you’re on your way to making the ultimate Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe.

Chuck roast (1-2 lbs): The marbling in this cut delivers unbeatable tenderness and beefy flavor after hours in the slow cooker.
Vegetable oil (2-3 tablespoons): Essential for getting that caramelized, golden-brown sear on your beef before it slow cooks.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Don’t be shy here—they’re important for highlighting all the deep, savory notes.
Medium onion, finely diced: Adds subtle sweetness and savory depth to the finished dish.
Minced garlic (2 teaspoons): Brings the whole kitchen to life with its aroma and layers in wonderful richness.
Water (4 cups): Forms the base of your broth and perfectly melds all those flavors together.
Better than Bouillon beef concentrate (4 teaspoons): Amplifies umami and turns simple water into a crave-worthy broth.
Worcestershire sauce (2 teaspoons): Adds an extra savory pop and a hint of complexity.
Dried homestyle egg noodles (16 oz): The noodle of choice for that classic, chewy texture—much heartier than your standard pasta.
Heavy cream, optional (1/2 cup): Stir this in for luxurious creaminess, or leave it out for a lighter version.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Beef

Start by generously seasoning your chuck roast on all sides with salt, pepper, and your favorite steak seasoning if you like. Use your hands to really rub those seasonings in—this is the foundation of the beef’s rich flavor. Then, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Sear the roast for about two minutes per side until you’ve achieved a deep, golden brown crust. This step may seem simple, but it’s absolutely essential for building flavor right from the get-go!

Step 2: Transfer to the Slow Cooker

Once your beef is beautifully browned, carefully move it into the bottom of your slow cooker. Scatter your finely diced onion and minced garlic right over the top. There’s no need for additional liquid yet—the slow cooker will coax out all those natural juices during the long, gentle cook.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Beef

Cover your slow cooker, set it on low, and walk away! Let it work its magic for 6 to 8 hours. Fight the temptation to lift the lid—the steam is what breaks down the meat and you want to keep it all in. By the end, your kitchen will smell incredible and the beef will be fork-tender.

Step 4: Shred the Beef

When the beef has finished cooking, transfer it to a large plate or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into rustic pieces, discarding any extra fat. Stir the shredded beef back into the slow cooker so it soaks up every bit of savory goodness left behind in the pot.

Step 5: Make the Broth

While the slow cooker is still on low, mix together water, Better than Bouillon beef concentrate, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Whisk until smooth, then pour the mixture right over the meat. This creates a dreamy, rich broth that ties everything together.

Step 6: Add the Noodles

Now for the Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles magic—gently stir the dried homestyle egg noodles right into that savory broth. Cover and cook for another 30 to 60 minutes, giving them an occasional stir. Add up to ½ cup water if needed to adjust the consistency, making sure your noodles are perfectly tender and not overly thick.

Step 7: Finish with Cream (Optional)

For an extra touch of indulgence, stir in the heavy cream during the last 15 minutes of cooking. It transforms the broth into a velvety sauce and makes every bite feel a bit more special, but you can absolutely skip it for a lighter meal.

Step 8: Serve Hot and Enjoy!

Give everything a final stir, check for seasoning, and serve your Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe piping hot. Watch how quickly this dish disappears—seconds are a given!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe

Garnishes

Give your slow cooker creation a little flourish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions right before serving. If you’re after a little more zing, a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper or a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese can add just the right touch of flavor and color.

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, try serving it with a big green salad for contrast or some hot, crusty bread to soak up every last drop of broth. Steamed green beans or buttery peas make a vibrant, classic pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, ladle the beef and noodles over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes (hello, ultimate comfort!). Or serve each portion in a big soup mug for cozy, individualized bowls—perfect for casual family dinners or game day gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making your next serving even more delicious. A quick stir before reheating will bring everything back together nicely.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze a batch, let the noodle mixture cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the noodles have absorbed too much liquid. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to keep the noodles from drying out. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe?

Absolutely! While chuck roast is the gold standard for tenderness, you can use brisket, bottom round, or even stew meat. Just keep an eye on the cooking time and consider marbling for optimal flavor.

What if I don’t have Better than Bouillon beef concentrate?

No worries—you can swap in four cups of beef broth instead of water and bouillon. The concentrate just amps up the savory notes, but good-quality broth will still give you a rich and flavorful sauce.

Can I make this dish gluten free?

Definitely! Simply substitute gluten-free egg noodles and double-check your Worcestershire sauce to ensure it’s gluten free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free, which makes this an easy fix.

Does this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe work with frozen egg noodles?

It’s best to stick with dried homestyle egg noodles, as the frozen kind can become a bit gummy and may overcook in the slow cooker. Dried noodles hold their shape better and deliver that signature texture.

Can I prepare part of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can sear and season the beef and even chop the veggies a day in advance. Store everything in the refrigerator until you’re ready to start cooking. This makes your morning prep a breeze—just assemble and switch on the slow cooker when you’re ready.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a foolproof favorite to your comfort food lineup, this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe is a hearty, crowd-pleasing winner. There’s nothing like coming home to the aroma of a meal that’s been cooking itself all day—so gather your ingredients, let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting, and get ready for rave reviews from whoever is lucky enough to dig in!