Crockpot Beef and Noodles with Stew Meat

Cozy dinners don’t get much better than a hearty bowl of beef and noodles. Tender chunks of beef stew meat slowly cooked to perfection in a rich, flavorful sauce, paired with soft, comforting noodles—this dish is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings or whenever you need a satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Using a slow cooker makes this dish incredibly easy. You can let the flavors meld together all day while you focus on other tasks, knowing that by dinner time, you’ll have a meal that tastes like it simmered for hours. The stew meat becomes so tender that it practically melts in your mouth, creating a sauce that clings beautifully to every noodle.

This easy beef and noodles recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. It requires just a handful of simple ingredients, and the slow cooker does all the hard work for you. Plus, it’s versatile—you can add your favorite herbs and vegetables, or keep it classic with a simple, savory sauce that’s both comforting and satisfying.

If you’ve ever wondered what to make with beef stew meat, this crockpot beef and noodles recipe is a go-to. It transforms an often-overlooked cut of meat into a tender, flavorful centerpiece for your meal. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad, and you’ve got a dinner that feels like it came from a restaurant but is entirely homemade.

Why You’ll Love It

• Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef: The slow cooking process transforms simple stew meat into juicy, flavorful bites that feel luxurious without extra effort.
• Effortless weeknight meal: This easy crockpot beef and noodles recipe practically cooks itself—just set it and forget it while you go about your day.
• Family-friendly comfort food: Creamy noodles and rich, savory beef make it a dish that everyone at the table will happily devour, even picky eaters.
• Customizable flavors: You can easily tweak the herbs, add veggies, or even a splash of wine to suit your taste and make it your own signature dish.
• Perfect for leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, making it just as delicious—or even better—the next day.

Ingredient List

For the Beef:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the Noodles:

• 8 ounces egg noodles
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for extra richness)

Ingredient Notes

• I always use stew meat from the chuck—it gets so tender in the slow cooker and has the best flavor.
• Don’t skip the tomato paste! It adds depth and richness to the sauce that makes this dish stand out.
• Worcestershire sauce is a secret flavor booster—just a little makes the sauce savory and full-bodied.
• Use fresh garlic and onion whenever possible—they bring the sauce to life in a way dried alternatives just can’t.
• I like using egg noodles for that classic creamy texture, but you could swap in wide pasta or even mashed potatoes if you prefer.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker or crockpot – The star of the show; I love using my 6-quart slow cooker for easy weeknight meals.
• Large skillet – For browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker; it really locks in flavor.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accuracy and stress-free cooking.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – Perfect for stirring the sauce without scratching your cookware.
• Chef’s knife and cutting board – For chopping onions, garlic, and any other veggies you want to add.
• Colander – To drain the noodles once they’re cooked.

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

• Pat the beef stew meat dry with paper towels—this helps it sear properly.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the beef in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown on all sides (about 3–4 minutes per batch).
• Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
  Pro Tip: Browning the beef adds a lot of flavor to your sauce, so don’t skip this step!

2. Prepare the Sauce

• In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the tomato paste, paprika, and thyme; cook for 1–2 minutes to enhance the flavors.
• Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and whisk continuously to prevent lumps.
• Gradually pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until smooth.
  Pro Tip: Whisking continuously when adding the broth keeps the sauce silky and lump-free.

3. Combine in the Slow Cooker

• Pour the prepared sauce over the browned beef in the slow cooker.
• Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
• Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.

4. Cook the Noodles

• About 20 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions.
• Drain and toss with butter, if desired, for extra richness.

5. Serve the Beef and Noodles

• Gently stir the cooked noodles into the slow cooker or serve the beef and sauce over the noodles on individual plates.
• Garnish with fresh parsley if you like for a pop of color.

Pro Tip: If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid and cook on high for 10–15 minutes to thicken it before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t skip browning the beef: It adds rich, deep flavor to the sauce.
• Layer flavors: Sauté onions and garlic before adding to the slow cooker for more depth.
• Check seasoning at the end: Slow cooking can mellow flavors, so taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
• Avoid overcooking noodles: Cook them separately and add just before serving to keep them tender, not mushy.
• Thicken if needed: If the sauce is too thin, stir in a little cornstarch slurry or cook uncovered on high for 10–15 minutes.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Beef stew meat: Chuck works best, but you can also use short ribs or brisket.
• Noodles: Egg noodles are classic, but wide pasta, pappardelle, or even mashed potatoes work beautifully.
• Vegetables: Add carrots, peas, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Herbs: Swap thyme for rosemary or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
• Sauce: For a creamier version, stir in a little sour cream or cream cheese just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• I love serving this beef and noodles with garlic bread and a crisp green salad—it balances the richness perfectly!
• Spoon it over mashed potatoes for a cozy, extra comforting dinner.
• Serve with steamed green beans or roasted broccoli to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
• Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for a little extra flavor and color.
• Pair it with a warm dinner roll to soak up every bit of the savory sauce—it’s irresistible!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat on stovetop: Warm gently over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Reheat in microwave: Cover and heat in 1–2 minute intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
• Add liquid if needed: If the sauce has thickened too much after storage, stir in a splash of beef broth or water while reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! Chuck roast or short ribs also work well—they become tender and flavorful in the slow cooker.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes! Cooking on high will take about 3–4 hours instead of 6–8, but the beef will still be deliciously tender.

Can I add vegetables to the recipe?

Definitely. Carrots, peas, mushrooms, or even green beans are great additions. Just add heartier veggies at the beginning and delicate ones toward the end.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free noodles and substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce.

How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?

Cook the noodles separately and stir them in just before serving. This keeps them tender without falling apart.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep everything the night before and refrigerate. Cook the next day for a quick, easy dinner.

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!