There’s nothing quite like a big bowl of beef and noodles crockpot to make you feel at home. It’s warm, rich, and packed with flavors that simmer for hours, creating a dish that tastes like it took all day—but with almost no effort. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping, or just craving something hearty, this slow cooker classic delivers.
If you love easy, flavorful meals, you might also enjoy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles, which combines bold Asian flavors with tender noodles in just minutes.
Now, let’s talk about why beef and noodles crockpot is a must-try, how to make it perfect every time, and a few creative twists to keep things exciting.
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Noodles Crockpot Recipe
- Minimal effort, maximum flavor: The slow cooker does all the work.
- Tender, fall-apart beef: Cooking low and slow makes the beef melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Rich, savory broth: The deep beefy flavor soaks into every bite.
- One-pot meal: Fewer dishes, less cleanup—what’s not to love?
Ingredients You’ll Need
A great beef and noodles crockpot recipe starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Beef:
- 2 lbs chuck roast (or substitute with stew meat)
- 1 tbsp steak seasoning (or salt, pepper, and garlic powder)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for browning)
Broth:
- 4 cups beef broth (or 2 cups water + 2 tbsp Better than Bouillon)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (adds umami depth)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Noodles:
- 12 oz homestyle egg noodles (dried or frozen)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for richness)
Pro Tip: If using no-yolk noodles, cook them separately and add them at the end to prevent mushiness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Searing adds flavor! Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chuck roast and sear on both sides until browned, about 2 minutes per side. This step isn’t essential, but it makes a big difference in flavor.
Step 2: Load Up the Crockpot
Place the beef into the crockpot. Add the onions, garlic, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
Step 3: Shred the Beef
Once the beef is fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Discard any excess fat and return the shredded beef to the slow cooker.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
Stir in the egg noodles, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover and cook for an additional hour on low, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Finish with Cream (Optional)
If you love a creamy finish, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream during the last 15 minutes of cooking. It makes the sauce velvety smooth.
Lazy Beef and Noodles – A Faster Version
Short on time? Try this Lazy Beef and Noodles shortcut:
- Use pre-cooked shredded beef (leftover pot roast or rotisserie beef).
- Reduce slow cooking time to 2 hours on low or 1 hour on high to let flavors meld.
- Swap egg noodles for pre-cooked pasta and mix everything together at the end.
Want another simple, family-friendly meal? Check out this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta—it’s quick, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying!
Beef and Noodles Crockpot with Hamburger
If you don’t have chuck roast, you can make beef and noodles crockpot with hamburger instead! Here’s how:
Ingredients for the Hamburger Version:
- 1 lb ground beef (browned and drained)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 8 oz egg noodles
Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef with diced onions in a skillet, then drain excess fat.
- Add the beef, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings to the crockpot. Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
- Stir in egg noodles and cook for another 30 minutes until tender.
For another easy ground beef dinner, try this Hobo Casserole—it’s a hearty, cheesy delight!
How to Make 30-Min Beef and Noodles
Need dinner fast? This 30-min beef and noodles hack has you covered.
- Use pre-cooked shredded beef or ground beef.
- Cook noodles separately while heating beef with broth + seasonings in a pan.
- Combine everything and let it simmer for 5 minutes for flavor infusion.
Best Side Dishes for Beef and Noodles Crockpot
Pair your beef and noodles with these tasty sides:
- Buttered corn – classic and simple
- Roasted green beans – adds a fresh, crisp contrast
- Garlic bread – perfect for soaking up the rich broth
- Side salad – lightens up the meal
For another meal that pairs well with classic sides, check out these Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls—a sweet, savory twist on beef!
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: This dish freezes well—just leave out the noodles until reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove with a splash of broth to revive texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Stew meat or brisket works well, but chuck roast gives the best texture.
How do I prevent mushy noodles?
Use dried noodles and add them during the last hour of cooking.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute gluten-free egg noodles and check your broth ingredients.
What if my broth is too thin?
Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes.
Beef and Noodles Crockpot
Ingredients
- For the Beef:
- 2 lbs chuck roast or stew meat, cut into chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 packet Gravy Packet brown or onion gravy mix
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup optional, for extra richness
- For the Noodles:
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Season the beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place it in the crockpot.
- Build the Gravy: Add Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and the Gravy Packet to the slow cooker. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup if using.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and shreds easily.
- Cook the Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles separately according to package instructions. Drain and toss with butter and salt.
- Combine & Serve: Stir the cooked noodles into the crockpot with the beef and sauce. Let everything sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, add ½ cup heavy cream at the end.
- Swap egg noodles for any pasta to fit your preference.
- If using ground beef, brown it first before slow cooking for the best texture.
- Pairs well with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
There’s something magical about a slow-cooked beef and noodles crockpot recipe. It’s hearty, rich, and perfect for any season. Whether you try the classic version, go for beef and noodles crockpot with hamburger, or whip up a 30-min beef and noodles shortcut, this dish never disappoints.
If you loved this recipe, be sure to explore more slow cooker favorites. Now, grab a bowl, dig in, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!
