Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chuck roast cut into cubes works wonderfully, as does bottom round. Just make sure whatever cut you choose has enough fat marbling for flavor and tenderness during the long cooking time. Leaner cuts may become dry.

My gravy is too thin. How can I thicken it?

This is easily fixed! Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then stir this slurry into the slow cooker. Turn the heat to high and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes with the lid slightly ajar until it reaches your desired thickness.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, you can cook it on high for about 3-4 hours instead of 6-8 on low. However, I recommend the low and slow method whenever possible as it yields more tender beef and develops deeper flavors.

My family doesn't like egg noodles. What alternatives work well?

This beef and gravy is incredibly versatile! Try serving it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even polenta for a different but equally delicious meal. Pasta shapes like rotini or penne also work well if you prefer those to egg noodles.

Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe

This incredibly tender Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles is the ultimate comfort food that practically makes itself! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a hearty, restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it simmers in a rich, savory gravy, creating a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: Just 15 minutes of prep, then let your slow cooker do all the hard work while you go about your day.
Rich, Deep Flavor: The combination of beef stew meat, gravy mix, and au jus creates an incredibly savory sauce that tastes like it took hours of hands-on cooking.
Budget-Friendly: Transform affordable beef stew meat into a tender, luxurious meal that tastes like it cost a fortune.
Family Favorite: This is the kind of meal that creates memories around the dinner table – hearty, satisfying, and universally loved.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Beef Stew Meat: The star of the show that becomes incredibly tender after slow cooking. Look for meat with some marbling for the best flavor.
Brown Gravy Mix: Provides a rich base for our sauce without any fuss. It’s loaded with seasonings that would take forever to measure out individually.
Au Jus Mix: The secret ingredient that adds depth and that restaurant-quality richness to the gravy. Don’t skip this!
Water: Helps create the perfect consistency for our gravy and gives the beef something to simmer in all day.
Wide Egg Noodles: The perfect partner for our tender beef and gravy. Their broad surface area catches all that delicious sauce.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Make It Richer

Add 8 ounces of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a creamy, stroganoff-style dish that’s absolutely divine.

Veggie Boost

Toss in some mushrooms, carrots, or frozen peas during the last hour of cooking to add color, nutrition, and texture.

Herb Infusion

Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to the slow cooker for an aromatic twist that elevates the flavor profile.

Wine Enhancement

Replace 1/4 cup of the water with red wine for an even deeper, more complex flavor profile.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Place your beef stew meat in the crock of a 4 to 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle the brown gravy mix and au jus mix over the meat, then pour in the cup of water. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 2: Set It and Forget It

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let it cook for 6 to 8 hours, during which time the beef will become incredibly tender and the gravy will thicken and develop its flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Noodles

When you’re almost ready to serve, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, this takes about 8-10 minutes in boiling water until they’re tender but still have a slight bite.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Drain the noodles well and divide them among serving plates or bowls. Top generously with the beef and ladle plenty of that delicious gravy over everything.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Sear: For even more flavor, take five extra minutes to brown the beef pieces in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
Check the Consistency: If the gravy is too thin after cooking, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
Layer the Flavors: Taste before serving and adjust with a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of garlic powder if desired.
Perfect Timing: Start this recipe in the morning before work, and it’ll be ready when you come home tired and hungry.

How to Serve

This hearty beef and noodles dish is perfect on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to complete your meal:

Sides

Pair with a crisp side salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some buttered green beans for a classic comfort food combination.

Bread

Offer some crusty bread or soft dinner rolls on the side – they’re perfect for sopping up any extra gravy left on the plate.

Beverage Pairing

A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Syrah complements the rich beef flavors beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, try unsweetened iced tea or sparkling water with lemon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover beef and gravy separate from the noodles in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight!

Freezing

The beef and gravy freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Do not freeze the noodles as they’ll become mushy.

Reheating

Thaw frozen beef in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the beef and gravy in a saucepan over medium-low heat until bubbling, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to thin the sauce. Make fresh noodles for serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chuck roast cut into cubes works wonderfully, as does bottom round. Just make sure whatever cut you choose has enough fat marbling for flavor and tenderness during the long cooking time. Leaner cuts may become dry.
My gravy is too thin. How can I thicken it?

This is easily fixed! Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then stir this slurry into the slow cooker. Turn the heat to high and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes with the lid slightly ajar until it reaches your desired thickness.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, you can cook it on high for about 3-4 hours instead of 6-8 on low. However, I recommend the low and slow method whenever possible as it yields more tender beef and develops deeper flavors.
My family doesn’t like egg noodles. What alternatives work well?

This beef and gravy is incredibly versatile! Try serving it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even polenta for a different but equally delicious meal. Pasta shapes like rotini or penne also work well if you prefer those to egg noodles.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe perfectly captures what home cooking is all about—simple ingredients transformed into something truly special with minimal effort. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and brings everyone to the table with eager anticipation. Give it a try on your next busy day, and enjoy the magic of coming home to a dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!

Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 4 people 1x
Category: Main-course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe is an easy and comforting dish featuring tender beef cooked in a flavorful gravy, served over soft egg noodles. With minimal ingredients and effortless preparation, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Beef & Gravy
2 pounds beef stew meat
1 (0.87-ounce) packet brown gravy mix
1 (1-ounce) packet au jus mix
1 cup water
Pasta
1 (12-ounce) package wide egg noodles

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Instructions

Prepare the Beef Mixture: In the crock of a 4 to 6-quart slow cooker, combine the beef stew meat, brown gravy mix, au jus mix, and water. Stir well to ensure the seasoning mixes are evenly distributed over the beef.
Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook the beef mixture on low for 6 to 8 hours, until the meat is very tender and the flavors are blended.
Cook the Noodles: About 10 minutes before serving, cook the wide egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles when cooked.
Serve: Spoon the tender beef and savory gravy over the cooked egg noodles and serve hot. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Notes

You can use other types of noodles or pasta if wide egg noodles are unavailable.
For extra flavor, add sautéed onions or mushrooms to the slow cooker before cooking.
This recipe can be doubled in a larger slow cooker for bigger gatherings.