Introduction
Welcome to a delicious recipe for Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles! This comforting dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. The tender beef and savory noodles cooked together in a flavorful sauce will surely satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for an easy meal or a cooking enthusiast eager to try something new, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Slow cookers are a fantastic tool for busy individuals who want to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the rich depth of flavors that develop as the ingredients simmer together over low heat. With just a few simple steps, you can create a hearty and satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for more.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this delectable dish that is sure to become a staple on your weekly menu.
Before we get started, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Once you’ve gathered everything you need, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a delicious homemade meal that will warm your heart and soul.
Ingredients
To make Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Beef:
– 2 pounds of beef stew meat
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
– 2 cups of beef broth
– 1 cup of red wine (optional)
– 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
– 1 bay leaf
For the Noodles:
– 12 ounces of egg noodles
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking!
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Begin by seasoning the beef stew meat with salt and pepper. Then, coat the meat in flour. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Mix well and pour the sauce over the beef in the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker as well.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender and cooked through. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, prepare the egg noodles according to the package instructions.
Step 4: Serve
Once the beef is cooked and the noodles are ready, remove the bay leaf from the slow cooker. Serve the beef and sauce over the cooked egg noodles. Garnish with chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Variations
There are several ways to customize this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe to suit your preferences:
1. Vegetable Add-Ins
You can add vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the beef for added flavor and nutrition.
2. Creamy Sauce
If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in a cup of sour cream or heavy cream at the end of cooking for a richer dish.
3. Spicy Kick
For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture before cooking.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles:
1. Browning the Beef
Take the time to properly brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. This step helps to seal in the juices and enhance the flavor of the dish.
2. Adjusting Seasonings
Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste preferences.
3. Leftover Storage
This dish reheats well, so don’t hesitate to make a larger batch and save the leftovers for a quick and satisfying meal on another day.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles is a classic comfort food dish that is easy to make and incredibly satisfying to eat. With tender beef, savory sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a hearty meal, this dish ticks all the boxes.
So, the next time you’re looking for a delicious and comforting meal that requires minimal effort, give this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles:
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
While beef stew meat works best for this recipe, you can also use cuts like chuck roast or beef brisket for a similar result.
2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free flour blend for coating the beef and ensure that your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze any leftover Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles
A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender beef stew meat cooked in a savory sauce, served over perfectly cooked egg noodles. This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and satisfying to eat.
Ingredients
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2 pounds beef stew meat
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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2 cups beef broth
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1 cup red wine (optional)
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2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried rosemary
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1 bay leaf
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12 ounces egg noodles
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1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper, coat in flour, and sear in a skillet with vegetable oil. Transfer to a slow cooker.
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Mix beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Pour over the beef in the slow cooker. Add onion and garlic.
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Cook on low heat in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours. Cook egg noodles separately in the last 30 minutes.
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Remove bay leaf from the slow cooker. Serve beef and sauce over cooked egg noodles. Garnish with parsley, and season with salt and pepper.
