Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this slow cooker beef and noodles recipe! This dish is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Tender beef, perfectly cooked noodles, and a rich, savory sauce will have everyone asking for seconds. It's one of those easy recipes that tastes like it took hours to prepare, but requires minimal effort. Get ready for a delicious and satisfying homemade meal!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound egg noodles
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In your slow cooker, combine the beef, onion, carrots, and celery.
Season and Simmer:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
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Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender.
Finish and Serve:
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About 20 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles according to package directions.
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Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and add them to the slow cooker with the beef mixture. Stir gently to combine.
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Serve hot and enjoy your delicious slow cooker beef and noodles!
Tips and Tricks for the Best Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles:
- For even more tender beef: Sear the beef cubes in a little oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This step helps to brown the meat and add extra depth of flavor.
- Customize your vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, mushrooms, or green beans.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Thicker sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons 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.
- Make it ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! You can make it ahead of time and reheat it when you're ready to eat.
Variations:
- Beef and Broccoli Noodles: Substitute broccoli florets for the carrots and celery. Add a tablespoon of sesame oil to the sauce for an Asian-inspired twist.
- Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff: Use sour cream instead of cream of mushroom soup and add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce. Serve over egg noodles or wide egg noodles.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60g
This slow cooker beef and noodles recipe is a simple, delicious, and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. It's a great example of healthy meals that are also easy to make. Give it a try, and let us know what you think! We're sure this will become one of your go-to quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!