Introduction
Slow Cooker Creamy Beef and Noodles is the ultimate comfort food! Tender, juicy beef chunks are slowly cooked in a rich, savory broth until perfectly tender, then combined with soft egg noodles and a delicious creamy sauce. This hearty homemade meal is easy to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Cut the beef chuck roast into medium-sized cubes. Pat dry with paper towels and season with salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and sear until golden brown on all sides. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef into the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
- Add the Noodles: Once the beef is tender, add the wide egg noodles directly to the slow cooker. Stir gently, making sure the noodles are mostly covered with liquid. Cover and cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the noodles are tender.
- Make the Sauce Creamy: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir it into the slow cooker if you prefer a thicker sauce. Add the heavy cream and sour cream, stirring gently until everything is creamy and well combined.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a beautiful finish.
- Serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve warm while the beef is tender and the noodles are coated in the rich, creamy gravy.
Tips for the Best Beef and Noodles
- Choose beef chuck roast for the most tender and flavorful results.
- Brown the beef before slow cooking to develop deeper flavor.
- Add the noodles near the end to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little warm beef broth.
- Stir in the sour cream at the end to prevent it from separating.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of dried thyme or Italian seasoning.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Slow Cooking Time: 7–8 hours on LOW
- Noodle Cooking Time: 20–30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 8 hours
- Servings: 6
Benefits
This hearty meal provides protein from the beef, energy from the egg noodles, and satisfying richness from the creamy sauce. It is a filling, comforting dish that makes an excellent family dinner.
Nutrition Information
Approximate values per serving:
- Calories: 590
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
Nutrition values may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Creamy Beef and Noodles is a delicious, satisfying meal that brings homemade comfort to the dinner table. With tender beef, perfectly cooked egg noodles, and rich creamy gravy, every bite is full of flavor. Prepare it ahead, let the slow cooker do the work, and enjoy a warm, comforting dinner with family and friends!
Clarify the cornstarch timingFix the total cooking time
