If you’re craving a cozy, hearty comfort meal that practically cooks itself, then this Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need in your weeknight dinner rotation. Imagine tender chunks of beef slowly simmered in a rich, savory sauce with mushrooms and onion soup mix, all served over perfectly cooked egg noodles that soak up every bit of that delicious gravy. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, filling the kitchen with irresistible aromas and hearts with warmth. You’ll want to make this your go-to recipe when you want something effortless yet satisfyingly scrumptious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering those deep, comforting flavors. Each item is easy to find and works together to create a dish that’s rich in taste and lush in texture.
- Beef stew meat: Provides tender, juicy chunks that become melt-in-your-mouth after slow cooking.
- Lipton onion soup mix: Adds a robust, savory depth and a hint of sweetness to the sauce.
- Brown gravy mix: Thickens the sauce beautifully, giving it that classic gravy consistency.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Infuses creaminess and mushroom flavor that makes the sauce luxuriously smooth.
- Small can of mushrooms, drained: Offers texture and a burst of earthy flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
- Beef broth: Dilutes the soup base just right while enhancing the meaty richness.
- Egg noodles: The perfect vehicle for soaking up the savory sauce, making every bite unforgettable.
How to Make Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by placing the beef stew meat directly into your crockpot. This is the core of your dish, and using stew meat ensures it’ll become tender and succulent after hours of slow cooking.
Step 2: Add the Flavors
Next, sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix and brown gravy mix evenly over the beef. Then, dollop in the cream of mushroom soup and top with the drained mushrooms. These layers build the base for an irresistible, savory sauce.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Mix
Using the empty cream of mushroom soup can as a measuring cup, pour in one full can of beef broth. Stir all the ingredients together gently so that the flavors meld without breaking up the beef chunks.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours, or on High if you’re short on time, about 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the beef will become tender, and all the seasonings will come together into a rich, flavorful sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
While the beef finishes cooking, prepare the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them thoroughly so they’re ready to serve alongside the luscious beef and gravy mixture.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the beef is tender and your noodles are cooked, pile the beef and sauce generously over the noodles. This comforting dish is ready to enjoy and guaranteed to satisfy your craving for that classic home-cooked meal.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
For a little fresh color and flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving. It adds a lovely brightness to the dish and a pop of green that makes it visually inviting.
Side Dishes
This meal pairs wonderfully with simple steamed vegetables such as green beans or broccoli, which add a contrasting crunch and balance the richness of the beef and noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe in individual bowls, layering the noodles first and spooning the beef mixture on top. For a rustic touch, serve in a bread bowl that can soak up any extra sauce. It’s a fun twist that impresses guests and feels extra cozy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Beef and Noodles keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making for a fantastic next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the beef mixture (without the noodles) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, to preserve the tenderness of the beef and prevent the sauce from burning. Cook fresh egg noodles to serve alongside the reheated beef for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is ideal for crockpot cooking due to its tenderness after slow cooking, chuck roast cut into chunks can also work wonderfully if you prefer.
Is there a substitute for the Lipton onion soup mix?
If you don’t have onion soup mix, you can make your own blend with dried onion flakes, beef broth powder, and some herbs like thyme and parsley to get a similar flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to the Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe?
Yes! Adding carrots or celery can boost the nutrition and give some additional texture. Just add them at the start so they cook down nicely with the beef.
What type of egg noodles works best?
Wide egg noodles tend to soak up the sauce better and balance nicely with the beef chunks, but you can use whatever pasta shape your family enjoys most.
Can I prepare this dish in an Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?
Definitely! Use the sauté function first to brown the meat, then add your ingredients and cook under high pressure for about 35 minutes, followed by a natural release. This speeds up the process but delivers similar delicious results.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about how effortless and hearty this Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe is, making it a perfect choice for busy days or when you want comfort food without the fuss. Give it a try and you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again, enjoying every tender, saucy bite with a big smile on your face.
Print
Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (Low) or 3–4 hours (High)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (Low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (High)
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting Crockpot Beef and Noodles recipe featuring tender beef stew meat slow-cooked in a savory blend of onion soup mix, brown gravy mix, cream of mushroom soup, and mushrooms, served over perfectly cooked egg noodles for a hearty, easy-to-make meal.
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, amount as desired)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Place the beef stew meat into the crockpot, ensuring the pieces are spread out evenly for even cooking.
- Add seasonings and soup: Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix and brown gravy mix over the beef. Add the cream of mushroom soup and drained mushrooms on top.
- Combine liquids and mix: Pour in one can of beef broth, measured using the cream of mushroom soup can, then stir all ingredients gently until well combined.
- Cook the beef: Cover the crockpot and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Cook the noodles: About 15 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain thoroughly.
- Serve: Spoon the cooked beef tips and savory sauce over the drained egg noodles. Enjoy this warm, comforting dish!
Notes
- Use fresh mushrooms if preferred, adjusting the quantity to taste.
- For a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid of the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to reduce the liquid.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Egg noodles can be substituted with any pasta of your choice or even mashed potatoes for a different twist.
- To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free gravy mix and substitute egg noodles with gluten-free pasta.
