Tillie Doyle
Slow-cooked beef and noodles is a hearty, flavorful dish that's perfect for chilly evenings. This Midwestern classic is easy to prepare and can be made with just a few simple ingredients. The beef is typically slow-cooked in a thick broth, with egg noodles added towards the end of cooking. The low and slow cooking time in a crock pot makes the beef tender and flavorful, and the noodles absorb the rich, savory broth. This one-pot meal is a family favorite that's sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Midwestern classic |
| Main ingredients | Chuck roast, egg noodles |
| Other ingredients | Vegetable oil, onion, garlic, Better than Bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, salt, mushrooms, beef broth, cream cheese |
| Optional ingredients | Heavy cream, cream of mushroom soup, sugar, bay leaf, chopped carrots, Burgundy wine, tapioca, beef gravy packet, onion gravy packet, mushroom gravy packet |
| Crock pot size | 4-6 quart |
| Cooking time | 6-9 hours on low, 4 hours on high |
| Preparation time | 20 minutes |
| Notes | Different noodles may cook at different times, so keep an eye on them and stir occasionally to ensure even cooking |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the beef
To prepare the beef, start by cutting a 3-4 pound chuck roast into small chunks. Season the meat generously with garlic powder, onion powder, steak seasoning, salt, and pepper on all sides. Rub the seasoning in well.
Next, heat a large skillet over high heat and add vegetable oil. Once the oil is heated, add the chuck roast. You should hear a loud sizzle when you put the meat in. Sear each side of the roast for about 2 minutes until browned. Then, turn off the heat and transfer the roast to your crock pot.
At this point, you can add additional ingredients to the crock pot such as diced onion, minced garlic, or mushrooms. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-9 hours, or until the meat is fall-apart tender.
Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. Make sure to remove any excess fat bits. Return the shredded beef to the crock pot and continue with the rest of the recipe.
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Making the sauce
To make the sauce for crock pot beef and noodles, you'll need to combine a few ingredients. Firstly, you'll need to decide on your liquid base. You can use water, beef broth, or a combination of the two. If you want a heartier sauce, you can also add some heavy cream to the mixture.
Next, you'll need to add flavour to your sauce. You can use a combination of garlic, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, sugar, a bay leaf, and chopped carrots. If you're looking for a more savoury sauce, you can add some beef bouillon or Better than Bouillon. For a thicker sauce, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and cold water or broth, or even some Minute tapioca. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add some Burgundy wine to the mix.
Once you've combined your liquid base and flavourings, you'll need to whisk them together until well combined. If you're using a crock pot, you can add the sauce directly to the pot with the beef and noodles. If you're cooking the noodles separately, you can spoon the sauce over the noodles once they're cooked.
Keep in mind that the sauce for crock pot beef and noodles is quite flexible, so you can adjust the ingredients to your taste preferences. If you're looking for a creamier sauce, add more cream. If you want a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch or Minute tapioca. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the perfect sauce for your crock pot beef and noodles!
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Cooking the noodles
There are a few different ways to cook the noodles for this recipe. One option is to cook the noodles separately, according to the package instructions, and then add them to the crock pot with the beef and sauce. This method ensures that the noodles are cooked correctly and don't become overcooked or mushy in the crock pot. It also allows you to prepare the noodles ahead of time and add them to the crock pot when you're ready to serve.
Another option is to cook the noodles directly in the crock pot with the beef and sauce. This method infuses the noodles with the rich, meaty flavours of the broth. If you choose to cook the noodles in the crock pot, it is recommended to use heartier egg noodles, as they hold up better during the long simmering time. Add the noodles to the crock pot during the last 1-2 hours of cooking, and cook on high for 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
It's important to note that different types of noodles may have varying cooking times, so keep a close eye on the noodles to ensure they don't overcook. If the mixture becomes too thick and the noodles are not yet done, you can add an additional 1/2 cup of water or beef broth and continue cooking.
For those who prefer a more soup-like consistency, you can add extra beef broth to the crock pot. This will create a heartier dish with more liquid. Alternatively, if you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a thickening agent such as cornstarch or tapioca during the last hour of cooking to achieve the desired consistency.
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Combining the ingredients
To make beef and noodles in a crock pot, you'll need a few key ingredients: chuck roast, egg noodles, and beef broth. You can also add in some diced onion, minced garlic, and seasonings like steak seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
Start by seasoning both sides of your chuck roast with steak seasoning, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasonings into the meat well. Heat some vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add your seasoned chuck roast and brown it for about 2 minutes on each side.
Next, transfer the browned chuck roast to your crock pot. Add in your diced onion and minced garlic. You can also include other aromatics like carrots or mushrooms, if desired. No additional liquid is needed at this point. Cover the crock pot and cook the meat on low for 6-8 hours, or until it is tender.
Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and place it on a plate, leaving the juices in the pot. Begin shredding the beef, taking care to remove any excess fat. Place the shredded beef back into the crock pot.
In a separate bowl, whisk together water, Better than Bouillon, and Worcestershire sauce. You can also use beef broth instead of water for a richer flavour. Pour this mixture into the crock pot over the shredded beef.
Now it's time to add the noodles. Stir in your dried egg noodles, covering them with the liquid. You can also cook the noodles separately according to the package directions and then add them to the crock pot, but cooking them directly in the crock pot infuses them with more flavour. Cover the crock pot again and cook for an additional 30-60 minutes on low until the noodles are fully cooked.
During the final hour of cooking, stir the dish once or twice to ensure even cooking and absorption of liquid. If the mixture becomes too thick and the noodles need more time, add an additional 1/2 cup of water or beef broth and gently stir.
Finally, in the last 15 minutes of cooking, you can optionally stir in some heavy cream for added creaminess. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Then, serve your crock pot beef and noodles! It's a hearty and savoury meal that's perfect for a busy weeknight or a cosy family dinner.
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Serving suggestions
Crock Pot Beef and Noodles is a hearty, savory, and satisfying dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
Noodle Options
While egg noodles are traditionally used in this dish, you can experiment with different types of noodles. Spaghetti or penne are great alternatives to switch up the texture and presentation of the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different noodles may cook at different rates.
Vegetable Sides
To round out the meal and add some extra nutrition, consider serving your beef and noodles with a vegetable side. Sauteed carrots, garlic green beans, roasted broccoli, or roasted cauliflower are all excellent choices that pair well with the flavors of the dish. A simple garden salad on the side can also add a refreshing touch.
Starch Options
For a heartier meal, serving your beef and noodles over mashed potatoes is a beloved tradition, especially in the Midwestern region where this dish originates. The creamy mashed potatoes soak up the rich gravy and create a comforting combination. Alternatively, a simple baked potato can also be a great option.
Toppings and Sides
Grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley make wonderful garnishes for this dish, adding a burst of flavor and color. A crusty loaf of bread is also a perfect side to complete the meal and soak up all the delicious gravy. If you want to get extra indulgent, serve your beef and noodles with a side of Loaded Mashed Potatoes.
Customizations
Feel free to customize your beef and noodles to your taste preferences. Some people like to add heavy cream to the dish for a creamy texture and a richer flavor profile. You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce can enhance the umami flavor of the dish.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need beef, egg noodles, and beef broth. You can also add in onion, garlic, parsley, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, salt, and mushroom soup.
It takes 8-9 hours to cook the beef on low heat. After shredding the beef, you will need to add the noodles and cook for another 30-60 minutes on low heat.
A cheaper cut of beef such as chuck roast is recommended. Tougher and fattier cuts of beef become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked in a crock pot.
