Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further than this delicious Crock Pot Beef and Noodles recipe! This comforting classic is perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal prep time and delivering maximum flavor. Forget takeout – this homemade version is healthier, tastier, and surprisingly quick to put together. Get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying and delicious meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces egg noodles
Instructions:
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Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the beef cubes in batches. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it adds a deeper flavor to the finished dish. Set aside.
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Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine ingredients in the slow cooker: Transfer the browned beef and sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
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Cook on low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
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Add noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the egg noodles. If your noodles require a longer cooking time, add them earlier. Continue cooking until the noodles are cooked through and tender.
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Serve and enjoy: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. This dish is wonderful on its own, but a side of crusty bread is a perfect complement.
Tips and Variations:
- For a thicker sauce: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, potatoes, or mushrooms along with the onions. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly depending on the vegetable type.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Use different noodles: This recipe works well with other types of noodles, such as wide egg noodles, or even gluten-free pasta.
- Make it a one-pot wonder: If you don't want to brown the beef separately, you can skip that step. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
This slow cooker beef and noodles recipe is a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. The tender beef, flavorful sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles create a truly comforting and delicious dish. It's a great option for healthy meals, easy recipes, quick dinner ideas, and homemade cooking. This recipe is among the best recipes for its ease and flavor. Enjoy!