If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to fall in love with this Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe. Tender beef stew meat simmers to perfection with rich mushroom and onion flavors, all wrapped in a luscious gravy sauce that soaks into soft, buttery egg noodles. It’s an effortless dish to prepare, yet it delivers a gourmet-level taste that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your dinner table with smiling faces.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make the magic happen in this Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe. Each one adds a layer of flavor, texture, or depth that transforms basic beef and noodles into something truly special.
- Beef stew meat: The star of the dish, beef stew meat becomes tender and juicy after slow cooking.
- Lipton onion soup mix: Adds a savory, rich onion flavor that enhances the beef.
- Brown gravy mix: Thickens the sauce while giving it a lightly sweet, hearty taste.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Brings creamy richness and earthy mushroom notes to the dish.
- Small can of mushrooms (drained): Adds texture and boosts the umami punch of the sauce.
- Beef broth: Provides depth and moisture, blending all the flavors perfectly.
- Egg noodles: The perfect vehicle for soaking up the luscious beef gravy.
How to Make Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Base
Start by placing the beef stew meat directly into your crockpot. This simple beginning ensures that each piece will slowly absorb the delicious flavors as they mingle throughout the cooking process.
Step 2: Add the Flavor Boosters
Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix and brown gravy mix evenly over the beef. This combination is your secret weapon, infusing the meat with savory notes and a rich, velvety texture. Then, add the cream of mushroom soup along with the drained mushrooms for that extra layer of creaminess and woodsiness.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Combine
Using the cream of mushroom soup can as your measuring cup, pour a full can of beef broth into the crockpot. Stir gently yet thoroughly so all the ingredients come together into a harmonious blend of flavors. This step ensures every bite is evenly coated in that delectable sauce.
Step 4: Let it Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours, or on High for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking tenderizes the beef beautifully while allowing the onions, mushrooms, and gravy to meld into a cozy, rich sauce.
Step 5: Prepare the Egg Noodles
As the beef finishes cooking, boil your egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain them well. These tender noodles will be the ideal base to cradle all that luscious beef and sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
To serve, layer a generous helping of tender beef and its homemade sauce over the warm egg noodles. The moment these flavors come together, you’ll know why this Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe has become a beloved favorite for busy weeknights and cozy gatherings alike.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can take this comfort dish to the next level. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives brings a pop of color and a touch of brightness that beautifully complements the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs amazingly with crisp green vegetables like steamed broccoli or a simple garden salad. Roasted carrots or sautéed green beans also provide a lovely crunch and contrast to the tender beef and noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests? Serve the beef and noodles in shallow bowls topped with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar for an indulgent twist. You can also layer the beef mixture in a casserole dish, top with extra noodles and cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The beef and noodles tend to thicken as they rest, so stirring in a splash of broth when reheating helps refresh the sauce.
Freezing
This Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the cooled mixture into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, cook your egg noodles fresh after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a little broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave covered in a microwave-safe dish, stirring halfway through to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use another cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is ideal for slow cooking, you can use chuck roast cut into chunks or even brisket. Just adjust cooking times as tougher cuts may need a bit longer to become tender.
Is it possible to make this dish without cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, you can substitute it with homemade mushroom sauce or use heavy cream and sautéed mushrooms to mimic the richness. This will give you control over ingredients and customization.
What kind of egg noodles work best?
Wide egg noodles or pappardelle-style noodles hold the sauce well and are traditional choices. However, feel free to use any noodle shape you enjoy—it’s all about what makes you happiest at the table.
Can I prepare this Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble everything in the crockpot the night before, refrigerate, and cook the next day. Just be sure to give it a good stir before cooking to redistribute the seasonings.
How do I make the sauce thicker if it’s too runny?
If your sauce is thinner than you like, you can mix a little cornstarch with water to make a slurry and stir it in during the last 15 minutes of cooking. This will thicken the sauce nicely without changing the flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about coming home to the aroma of tender beef and rich gravy slowly cooking all day. I can’t encourage you enough to try this Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe for your next meal—it’s such a cozy, satisfying dish that feels like pure comfort in every bite. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your rotation forever.
Print
Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on Low or 3 to 4 hours on High
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Beef and Noodles recipe is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender beef stew meat simmered with onion soup mix, mushroom soup, and beef broth, served over tender egg noodles. Perfect for a cozy meal with minimal prep and slow-cooked to perfection for rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 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)
Noodles
- Egg noodles (for serving, about 8 oz)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Place the beef stew meat into the crockpot, ensuring even distribution for consistent cooking.
- Add seasoning mix and soups: Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix and brown gravy mix evenly over the beef. Then add the cream of mushroom soup along with the drained mushrooms on top.
- Combine with broth: Pour in one can of beef broth, measured using the cream of mushroom soup can, and stir gently until all ingredients are well combined and mixed uniformly with the beef.
- Slow cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours. The beef should become tender and the flavors well blended by the end of this period.
- Cook egg noodles: About 10 to 15 minutes before the beef is done, cook the egg noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly.
- Serve: Spoon the beef tips and rich mushroom gravy over the cooked egg noodles. Serve immediately and enjoy your warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, cook the beef on Low for 6–8 hours rather than High for a shorter time.
- Ensure the mushrooms are well drained to avoid excess liquid in the crockpot.
- Egg noodles can be substituted with wide egg pasta or pappardelle for variation.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a thicker gravy, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry near the end of the cooking time.
