Craving a warm, comforting meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further than this delicious beef noodle crock pot recipe! This hearty dish is perfect for busy weeknights, effortless entertaining, or simply satisfying your craving for a truly delicious and healthy meal. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this recipe lets your slow cooker do all the work, resulting in tender, flavorful beef and perfectly cooked noodles. It's one of those easy recipes that's sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 lb egg noodles
Instructions:
Step 1: Browning the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
For extra depth of flavor, start by browning the beef cubes in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it adds a lovely richness to the final dish. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Set the browned beef aside.
Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Assembling the Crock Pot
Transfer the sautéed vegetables and browned beef to your slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and bay leaf. Stir everything together to combine.
Step 4: Slow Cooking to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
Step 5: Adding the Noodles
About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the egg noodles. Make sure they're fully submerged in the liquid. Cook until the noodles are tender but not mushy.
Step 6: Serving and Enjoying
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the beef noodle stew into bowls and enjoy! This hearty and delicious meal is perfect for a comforting dinner.
Cooking Tips for the Best Beef Noodle Crock Pot Recipe:
- For a richer broth: Use beef bones along with the stew meat.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like potatoes, mushrooms, or green beans. Just add them with the carrots and celery.
- Make it ahead: This recipe is great for meal prepping! You can make it a day or two in advance and reheat it before serving.
Variations:
- Italian Beef Noodles: Substitute Italian seasoning for the thyme and rosemary, and add a splash of red wine.
- Spicy Beef Noodles: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for some extra kick.
- Beef and Broccoli Noodles: Replace the carrots and celery with broccoli florets.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-500 (depending on ingredients and portion size) Protein: High Fiber: Moderate
This beef noodle crock pot recipe offers a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal. The slow cooking process ensures tender beef and perfectly cooked noodles, making this a perfect quick dinner idea for busy weeknights or a satisfying homemade cooking experience for any occasion. Enjoy!