Crockpot Beef and Noodles
Introduction
There’s something magical about a dish that practically cooks itself and fills your home with mouthwatering aromas. When I made this Crockpot Beef and Noodles recipe for my family, it instantly became a favorite. The tender, flavorful beef paired with hearty egg noodles is pure comfort in a bowl. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make, leaving you free to tackle your day while the crockpot does all the work.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Beef and Noodles
- Effortless Cooking: The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, making it perfect for busy days.
- Rich, Comforting Flavor: The combination of tender beef, savory gravy, and ranch seasoning creates a delightful depth of flavor.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that even picky eaters will adore.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers taste just as good, if not better, the next day.
- Perfect for Any Season: Ideal for cold winter nights or rainy days when you need a warm hug in food form.
Ingredients
For the Beef and Noodles:
- 2 to 3-pound chuck roast
- 4 cups of beef broth
- 1 packet of brown gravy mix
- 1 packet of ranch seasoning
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 24 oz frozen Reames egg noodles
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Place the chuck roast in your crockpot.
- Pour in the beef broth to create a flavorful cooking base.
- Sprinkle the brown gravy mix and ranch seasoning evenly over the roast.
- Top the roast with butter, letting it melt and enhance the dish’s richness.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until the roast is fork-tender.
Step 3: Shred the Beef
- Once the beef is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot. Mix the shredded beef well into the broth and seasonings.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
- Turn the crockpot to high. Add the frozen Reames egg noodles, stirring them into the beef mixture.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
- Let the noodles cook for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. The broth will thicken slightly as the noodles absorb the flavors.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the noodles are tender, give the dish a final stir and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approximately 420 calories
Macronutrients per serving (approximate):
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9-11 hours (including noodle cooking time)
- Total Time: 9 hours 10 minutes to 11 hours 10 minutes
How to Serve
Crockpot Beef and Noodles is versatile and can be served in various ways to suit your preference:
- Over Mashed Potatoes: For an extra layer of comfort, serve it atop creamy mashed potatoes.
- With a Side Salad: Balance the richness with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
- On Its Own: Serve it as a hearty one-pot meal, perfect for a quick dinner.
- With Crusty Bread: Pair with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.
- In Individual Bowls: Serve in small bowls for a cozy, family-style dinner.
Additional Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Chuck roast is ideal for this recipe as it becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
- Adjust the Thickness: If the broth is too thick, add a little more beef broth or water during cooking.
- Boost the Flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of garlic powder for an extra flavor punch.
- Use Fresh Noodles: If you can’t find frozen egg noodles, substitute with fresh pasta, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer texture.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, a beef brisket or round roast can work, but chuck roast is preferred for its tenderness.
2. Can I use dried egg noodles instead of frozen?
Yes, but dried noodles will cook faster. Monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
3. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, cook the beef on high pressure for 60 minutes, then add noodles and cook on sauté mode until tender.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Let the dish cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
5. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free gravy mix, ranch seasoning, and noodles for a gluten-free version.
6. What can I use instead of butter?
You can substitute with margarine or olive oil, but butter adds richness to the dish.
7. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
8. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, carrots, celery, or mushrooms can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the increased ingredients.
10. Can I use homemade seasoning mixes?
Absolutely! You can use homemade gravy and ranch mixes for a preservative-free option.
Conclusion
Crockpot Beef and Noodles is the epitome of comfort food, blending tender beef, savory broth, and hearty noodles into a dish that satisfies the soul. With minimal prep and easy instructions, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy days when you want a home-cooked meal without the hassle.
Don’t forget to save this recipe and share it with friends and family who love a warm, comforting meal. Thank you for stopping by, and happy cooking!
Print
Crockpot Beef and Noodles
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 9 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Crockpot Beef and Noodles recipe! Tender, shredded chuck roast, rich broth, and perfectly cooked egg noodles combine for a hearty dish that’s easy to make. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
- 2 to 3-pound chuck roast
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1/4 cup butter
- 24 oz frozen Reames egg noodles
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Place the chuck roast in the crockpot. Pour in the beef broth, and add the brown gravy mix and ranch seasoning packet. Place the butter on top of the roast.
- Cook the Beef: Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours until the roast is tender and easily shreds.
- Shred the Beef: Use two forks to shred the cooked beef directly in the crockpot.
- Add the Noodles: Turn the crockpot to high. Add the frozen Reames egg noodles and stir to combine.
- Cook the Noodles: Let the noodles cook for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and the broth has thickened slightly.
- Serve: Once the noodles are done, give everything a final stir and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or garlic powder to the broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg