Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles

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🥣 Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles

Rich, hearty, and pure comfort food. Tender shredded beef slow-cooked in savory gravy, then finished with soft egg noodles for a thick, cozy meal perfect for busy days or cold evenings.

📖 Description

Slow Cooker Beef & Noodles is a classic Midwestern-style comfort dish made with chuck roast simmered low and slow in beef broth, seasonings, and creamy gravy. The beef becomes fall-apart tender and is mixed with egg noodles that soak up all the savory flavor. It’s filling, family-friendly, and incredibly easy to prepare.

🍽 Servings

Serves: 6 hearty portions

⏱ Time

Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours (LOW) or 3–4 hours (HIGH)
Total Time: About 7 hours

🛒 Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast

  • Salt & black pepper (to taste)

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 packet (1 oz) brown gravy mix

  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix (optional but flavorful)

  • 3 cups beef broth

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

  • 12 oz frozen egg noodles (or 10–12 oz dry egg noodles)

  • 2 tbsp butter

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Season & Layer

Place chuck roast into slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle gravy mix and ranch seasoning over the top.

2️⃣ Add Liquids

Pour in beef broth. Spread cream of mushroom soup over roast. Add butter on top.

3️⃣ Slow Cook

Cover and cook:

  • LOW for 6–8 hours (recommended for best tenderness)

  • HIGH for 3–4 hours

Beef should shred easily with a fork.

4️⃣ Shred Beef

Remove roast, shred with two forks, and return to slow cooker. Stir well to combine.

5️⃣ Add Noodles

Add frozen egg noodles directly into slow cooker. Stir.
Cook on HIGH for 30–45 minutes until noodles are tender.
(If using dry noodles, add ½–1 cup extra broth if needed.)

6️⃣ Serve

Stir well and adjust seasoning before serving.

📝 Recipe Notes

  • Frozen egg noodles work best because they hold texture better in slow cookers.

  • Chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness after long cooking.

  • For thicker gravy, cook uncovered for last 15–20 minutes.

  • For thinner consistency, add warm broth ¼ cup at a time.

🔥 Pro Tips

✔ Sear the roast in a skillet before slow cooking for deeper flavor.
✔ Add 4 oz cream cheese at the end for extra creaminess.
✔ Stir occasionally after adding noodles to prevent sticking.
✔ Let dish sit 10 minutes before serving to thicken naturally.

🌿 Variations

  • Homemade Version (No Canned Soup): Replace soup with 1 cup heavy cream + 2 tbsp flour slurry.

  • Garlic Parmesan: Add ½ cup grated parmesan at the end.

  • Mushroom Lovers: Add sliced fresh mushrooms during cooking.

  • Vegetable Boost: Stir in peas or carrots during last 30 minutes.

🥗 Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

  • Calories: 520–580 kcal

  • Protein: 38g

  • Carbohydrates: 40g

  • Fat: 25g

  • Saturated Fat: 11g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sodium: 850–1100mg

(Nutrition varies depending on ingredients used.)

💪 Benefits of This Recipe

  • High in protein for muscle support

  • Slow-cooked for easier digestion

  • Budget-friendly using affordable chuck roast

  • Great for meal prep and leftovers

  • Comforting and filling for cold weather

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes, stew meat or bottom round can work, but chuck roast gives best tenderness.

Q: Can I cook noodles separately?
A: Yes. Cooking separately prevents over-thickening and gives better texture control.

Q: Can this be frozen?
A: Yes, but noodles may soften after thawing. For best results, freeze beef mixture and add fresh noodles when reheating.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate in airtight container up to 4 days.

Q: Can I make this without ranch seasoning?
A: Absolutely. It adds flavor but is not required.

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