Hearty Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles: A Comforting One-Pot Meal
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe. Tender chunks of chuck roast are simmered to perfection in a savory broth infused with aromatic herbs and spices, then served over a bed of buttery egg noodles. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering with loved ones, this dish is sure to warm hearts and satisfy hungry appetites alike.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 pound chuck roast
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pound egg noodles
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup heavy cream (or 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water, optional)
- 1 tablespoon oil
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chuck Roast: Trim any excess fat from the chuck roast and cut it into large chunks. Season the meat generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Meat: Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chuck roast pieces and sear them on all sides until browned. This step helps to seal in the flavor and juices of the meat.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the seared chuck roast pieces in the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, sliced mushrooms (if using), and beef broth or water to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and easily shreds apart.
- Prepare the Egg Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Shred the Beef: Once the beef is cooked, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces directly in the slow cooker. This will allow the meat to soak up all the delicious flavors of the broth.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If desired, stir in the heavy cream or cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine Beef and Noodles: Add the cooked egg noodles to the slow cooker and gently toss them with the shredded beef and sauce until well combined.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the beef and noodles into serving bowls, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy the hearty goodness of this comforting slow cooker meal!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the slow cooker along with the beef for added flavor and nutrition. Carrots, celery, and peas are all great options.
- Switch Up the Meat: If you prefer, you can use stewing beef or beef stew meat instead of chuck roast. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as smaller pieces of meat may cook faster.
- Spice It Up: For a little extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker along with the other seasonings.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of egg noodles? A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute your favorite pasta shape, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne, in place of egg noodles.
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free? A: Yes, you can omit the heavy cream or use a dairy-free alternative such as coconut cream to achieve a creamy texture without dairy.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers? A: Yes, this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe freezes well. Simply allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Keto Version:
To make a keto-friendly version of this recipe, omit the egg noodles and serve the shredded beef over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead. Be sure to check the labels of your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to ensure they are keto-friendly and do not contain added sugars.
Low-Carb Version:
For a lower-carb version, use a low-carb pasta alternative such as shirataki noodles or spaghetti squash in place of egg noodles. You can also reduce the amount of onions and omit the optional mushrooms to further decrease the carb content.
In conclusion, this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe is the epitome of comfort food at its finest. With its tender beef, flavorful broth, and satisfying noodles, it’s a hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving a cozy dinner at home, this dish is sure to warm your soul and leave you feeling fully satisfied. So dust off your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a deliciously comforting meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
