Crockpot Beef and Noodles
There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of Crockpot Beef and Noodles to bring comfort on a busy weeknight or chilly evening. This slow-cooked dish features tender, fall-apart beef, a rich and savory gravy, and perfectly cooked egg noodles that soak up all the delicious flavors. Best of all, it requires minimal effort—just set it and forget it!
Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a no-fuss, satisfying dinner, this recipe is for you. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make this slow cooker classic, provide tips for the best results, and even suggest some variations to customize the dish to your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Minimal Prep: Just a few minutes of prep time before the slow cooker does all the work.
✅ Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable chuck roast and pantry staples.
✅ Hearty & Filling: Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers.
✅ Customizable: Easily adapt this dish with different seasonings, add-ins, or cooking methods.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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2 to 3-pound chuck roast – This is the best cut for slow cooking, as it becomes ultra-tender.
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4 cups of beef broth – The base for the rich, flavorful gravy.
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1 packet of brown gravy mix – Adds depth and thickness to the broth.
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1 packet of ranch seasoning – Enhances the dish with a tangy, herby touch.
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1/4 cup of butter – For added richness.
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24 oz frozen Reames egg noodles – The perfect thick, chewy noodles for this dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
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Place the chuck roast in the slow cooker.
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Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle the gravy mix and ranch seasoning evenly over the roast.
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Place the butter on top of the roast to melt as it cooks.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Beef
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Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or until the beef is fork-tender.
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If short on time, cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours, though low and slow is recommended for best results.
Step 3: Shred the Beef
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Once cooked, shred the beef directly in the crockpot using two forks.
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Mix the shredded beef into the broth so it absorbs all the flavors.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
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Turn the slow cooker to HIGH.
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Stir in the frozen egg noodles and mix well.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
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Let cook for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
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The broth will thicken slightly as the noodles absorb the flavors.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
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Once the noodles are tender, stir everything well and serve hot.
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Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Beef and Noodles
✔ Use Chuck Roast for Maximum Tenderness – It becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft when slow-cooked.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Noodles – Keep an eye on them, as they can become too soft if left too long. If you prefer firmer noodles, cook them separately and mix in just before serving
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✔ Want a Thicker Sauce? – Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) in the last 30 minutes
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✔ Make It Creamy – For a richer version, stir in sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream before serving
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✔ Sear the Beef First (Optional) – While not required, searing the roast before slow cooking adds extra depth of flavor.
Variations & Additions
🌶 Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for heat.
🍄 Mushroom Lovers’ Twist – Stir in sliced mushrooms for added earthiness
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🥩 Beef Stroganoff Style – Mix in Dijon mustard and sour cream for a tangy, creamy variation
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🥕 Add Veggies – Diced carrots, celery, or potatoes make this dish even heartier.
What to Serve with Crockpot Beef and Noodles
🥖 Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up the savory broth.
🥗 Side Salad – A fresh green salad balances the richness of the dish.
🥦 Steamed Veggies – Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus pair well.
🍷 Drink Pairings – Enjoy with a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a comforting glass of sweet tea.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
📌 Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time!
📌 Freeze – To freeze, store only the beef and broth (not the noodles) for up to 3 months. Cook fresh noodles when reheating
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📌 Reheat – Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of extra broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use dry egg noodles instead of frozen?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time as dry noodles cook faster than frozen ones.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Use a cornstarch slurry or let the dish sit uncovered for 10-15 minutes after cooking
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Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Pressure cook the beef on HIGH for 60 minutes, then shred and use the sauté function to cook the noodles.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use low-sodium broth, swap the butter for olive oil, and add more vegetables.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Beef and Noodles is the perfect slow-cooked comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, meal prep option, or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
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