If you’re craving a dish that brings comfort and hearty satisfaction all in one pot, this Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Tender beef stew meat slow-cooked to perfection in a flavorful blend of onion soup mix, brown gravy, creamy mushroom soup, and savory beef broth, all served over soft, buttery egg noodles. It’s effortless to prepare but packed with rich, comforting flavors that make it an ideal meal for cozy evenings or when you want to impress your loved ones with minimal fuss. Get ready to fall in love with this classic slow-cooker favorite that warmly hugs your taste buds and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with just a handful of pantry staples, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, tender texture, and a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to every bite of noodle and beef.
- Beef stew meat: Choose well-marbled pieces to ensure juicy, tender results after slow cooking.
- Lipton onion soup mix: Offers a savory, aromatic base that infuses the beef with deep flavor.
- Brown gravy mix: Thickens the sauce and adds a rich, comforting taste that complements the beef.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Brings a creamy texture and earthy mushroom goodness to the dish.
- Small can of mushrooms, drained: Adds hearty mushroom bites that boost umami and texture.
- Beef broth: Measured with the mushroom soup can, it balances flavors and ensures the sauce has just the right consistency.
- Egg noodles: The perfect tender, chewy base to soak up every drop of sauce and beef flavor.
How to Make Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by placing your beef stew meat directly into the crockpot. No need to brown the meat first; the slow cooker will tenderize it beautifully while it cooks.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Soups
Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix and brown gravy mix evenly over the beef. Then spoon in the cream of mushroom soup and add the drained mushrooms. This combination creates a rich, savory sauce that will cook alongside the meat.
Step 3: Add Beef Broth
Pour in one can of beef broth, using the cream of mushroom soup can as your measuring tool. Stir everything gently to combine the ingredients well, making sure the seasoning and soups coat the beef evenly.
Step 4: Cook the Beef
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours. This slow, gentle cooking process is key to melting the beef into tender, flavorful morsels and letting all the flavors meld together perfectly.
Step 5: Prepare the Noodles
When the beef is almost ready, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, then drain them well. These noodles will serve as a cozy bed for the luscious beef and mushroom sauce.
Step 6: Serve
Plate the tender beef and sauce over the fluffy egg noodles. This comforting dish shines best when everything is warm and freshly served, perfect for a satisfying family dinner or a friendly gathering.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a vibrant pop of green and a refreshing contrast to the hearty sauce. A dusting of freshly ground black pepper or a few red pepper flakes can introduce a gentle kick if you like a touch of heat.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp sides like steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad dressed in light vinaigrette. A crusty bread roll also works beautifully to soak up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the beef and noodles in warm, shallow bowls topped with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Alternatively, you can layer the beef mixture and noodles in pretty mason jars for an inviting picnic or meal prep twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen over time, making the dish even tastier by the second day.
Freezing
This Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. Add a splash of beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef?
Absolutely! Chuck roast or brisket cut into cubes works wonderfully as well; they become melt-in-your-mouth tender when slow-cooked.
Is it possible to make this recipe without the cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, you can substitute with homemade mushroom sauce or cream soup alternatives, but keep in mind the creaminess comes primarily from the canned soup for this classic flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?
Yes, you can adapt it to the Instant Pot by using the Slow Cook mode or pressure cooking on high for about 35-40 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.
What kind of egg noodles work best? Fresh or dried?
Both work well! Fresh egg noodles cook faster and have a delicate texture, but dried noodles are convenient and also soak up the sauce beautifully.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Diced carrots, celery, or peas can be added to boost nutrition and flavor. Add hearty vegetables at the beginning, and softer ones like peas towards the end of cooking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, flavorful meal that practically makes itself while you go about your day, you’ve got to try this Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe. It’s a timeless dish that delivers hearty satisfaction with every forkful, great for family dinners or entertaining with minimal stress. Once you taste that tender beef swimming in rich, savory sauce over pillowy noodles, it’s guaranteed to become one of your favorite slow cooker go-tos.
Print
Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (Low) or 3 hours (High)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (Low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (High)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Beef and Noodles recipe features tender beef stew meat slow-cooked with savory Lipton onion soup, brown gravy, cream of mushroom soup, mushrooms, and beef broth, served over perfectly cooked egg noodles. It’s an easy, comforting meal perfect for busy days when you want a hearty home-cooked dinner without much fuss.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 1 packet Lipton onion soup mix
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 small can mushrooms, drained
- 1 can beef broth (use the cream of mushroom soup can to measure)
For Serving
- Egg noodles (quantity as needed for 4 servings)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Place the beef stew meat directly into the crockpot, making sure the pieces are evenly distributed.
- Add Seasonings and Soups: Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix and the brown gravy mix evenly over the beef. Then add the cream of mushroom soup and the drained mushrooms on top.
- Add Beef Broth: Pour in one can of beef broth, measured with the cream of mushroom soup can, and gently stir all ingredients together until well combined, coating the beef fully.
- Cook the Beef: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook either on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef becomes tender and the flavors meld together.
- Prepare the Noodles: Approximately 15 minutes before the beef is done cooking, prepare the egg noodles according to the package directions, then drain them thoroughly.
- Serve: Dish the tender beef tips and their savory sauce over the cooked egg noodles. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal!
Notes
- You can substitute fresh mushrooms if preferred; add them along with the canned ones for extra flavor.
- For a thicker sauce, mix an additional packet of brown gravy mix into the crockpot about an hour before serving.
- Make sure to measure the beef broth using the cream of mushroom soup can for accurate proportions.
- This recipe freezes well; store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving if needed.
