There’s something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of beef and noodles on a chilly day. The tender beef, slow-cooked to perfection, melts in your mouth, while the hearty noodles soak up a rich, flavorful broth. This dish is the epitome of cozy, family-friendly meals that require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor.

I discovered this recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed something that could cook itself while I tackled the rest of my to-do list. With just a few pantry staples and a trusty crockpot, I was able to create a dish that quickly became a household favorite.

Let’s dive in and explore why this crockpot beef and noodles recipe deserves a spot in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Beef and Noodles

Get ready to add a new go-to dinner to your collection! This crockpot beef and noodles recipe is a lifesaver for busy cooks, and here's why:

First, it’s practically effortless. With only about 15 minutes of prep, the slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you free to focus on other things. Perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends when you want dinner ready without breaking a sweat.

Second, the flavors are unbeatable. The beef becomes incredibly tender after hours of slow cooking, while the savory broth is perfectly seasoned, giving the noodles a chance to soak up all that goodness. It’s comfort food at its best.

Not to mention, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. Using affordable cuts of beef like chuck roast and pantry staples means you can feed a hungry family without breaking the bank.

Finally, this recipe is wonderfully versatile. Whether you serve it with a side of vegetables, a crusty loaf of bread, or even as a stand-alone meal, it adapts beautifully to your preferences.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, hearty ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what makes this dish shine:

Beef chuck roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking. It’s marbled with fat, which breaks down during cooking, resulting in fork-tender meat that’s juicy and flavorful. If you can’t find chuck roast, brisket or even stew meat works well too.
Beef broth: A rich base for the dish, beef broth adds depth to the flavor. Opt for low-sodium broth if you want more control over the seasoning.
Egg noodles: These soft, slightly chewy noodles are the heart of the dish. Their texture pairs perfectly with the tender beef and broth. Wide egg noodles work best, but feel free to experiment with your favorite type.
Onion and garlic: These aromatics provide the savory backbone of the dish, infusing the broth and meat with a fragrant depth.
Seasonings: A simple combination of salt, black pepper, thyme, and a bay leaf creates a flavorful, balanced seasoning profile. Feel free to add a pinch of paprika or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Cornstarch slurry: This is optional but recommended if you prefer a slightly thicker broth. Mixing equal parts cornstarch and water and adding it at the end creates a luscious, gravy-like texture.

No special equipment is needed for this recipe beyond your trusty slow cooker and a sharp knife for prepping the ingredients.

How to Make This Crockpot Beef and Noodles

This crockpot beef and noodles recipe is so easy, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Let’s break it down step by step:

Prepare the beef. Start by seasoning the chuck roast generously with salt and pepper on both sides. If you have time, sear it in a hot skillet with a drizzle of oil until browned. This step is optional but adds a deep, caramelized flavor.
Layer the ingredients. In your slow cooker, place the seasoned beef, followed by diced onions, minced garlic, and a bay leaf. Pour in the beef broth until the meat is mostly submerged. Sprinkle the thyme over the top.
Cook low and slow. Set the crockpot to low and let it cook for 8-9 hours, or high for 4-5 hours. The beef will become fall-apart tender and infused with all the flavors from the broth and seasonings.
Shred the beef. Once the cooking time is up, remove the beef from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Discard any excess fat or gristle, then return the shredded beef to the pot.
Cook the noodles. Add the egg noodles to the crockpot and stir to ensure they’re fully submerged in the broth. Cover and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Finish with a slurry. If you prefer a thicker broth, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and let it cook for 5 more minutes.

Your total cook time will be between 8-10 hours, depending on your crockpot setting. What you’ll end up with is a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Storage Options

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it stores. Here’s how to keep your leftovers fresh:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the dish even tastier the next day.
Freezer: If you plan to freeze, skip adding the noodles until reheating. Store the beef and broth in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat, and add fresh noodles.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if the dish thickened too much in storage. Microwave reheating works too but stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so don’t hesitate to get creative:

Vegetable-packed: Add diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms during the last few hours of cooking for a boost of veggies.
Gluten-free: Swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or even spiralized zucchini for a low-carb option.
Herb swap: Try rosemary or parsley instead of thyme for a fresh flavor twist.
Rich and creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving for a luxurious texture.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth for a little heat.

The possibilities are endless, so feel free to customize this dish to suit your family’s tastes.

Make this Crockpot Beef and Noodles recipe a staple in your household. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a comforting meal for the weekend, you’ll love how easy and satisfying it is. Let me know how it turns out – I’d love to hear about your variations!