Slow-Cooked Beef with Noodles

 

Slow-Cooked Beef with Noodles: A Comfort-Food Classic Made Easy

There’s something magical about a dish that cooks low and slow. Aromas fill the house, anticipation builds, and by the time dinner is ready, the flavors have fused into something extraordinary. Slow-Cooked Beef with Noodles is exactly that kind of meal—rich, hearty, and irresistibly comforting.

Whether you're feeding a family, prepping meals ahead of a busy week, or craving a bowl of old-fashioned comfort food, this recipe delivers deep flavor with minimal effort. Toss everything into the slow cooker, let time work its magic, and serve it over warm, tender noodles for a dinner everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off cooking: Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.

• Melt-in-your-mouth beef: Long, gentle cooking breaks down tougher cuts perfectly.

• Great for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.

• Versatile: Use egg noodles, spaghetti, or even rice—whatever you prefer.

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Ingredients

For the Beef

• 2–2.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups beef broth

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 bay leaf

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving

• 12 oz egg noodles (or your preferred pasta)

• Fresh parsley (optional)

• Grated Parmesan (optional)

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How to Make Slow-Cooked Beef with Noodles

1. Prep the Beef

Season the beef generously with salt and pepper. Optional but recommended: sear the chunks in a hot pan for 2–3 minutes per side for extra flavor.

2. Layer the Slow Cooker

Place onions and garlic on the bottom, then add the beef on top.

3. Build the Flavor Broth

Whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, thyme, and paprika. Pour the mixture over the beef. Add the bay leaf.

4. Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on:

• Low: 7–9 hours

• High: 4–5 hours

The beef should be tender enough to shred easily with a fork.

5. Shred and Finish

Remove the bay leaf. Shred the beef directly in the cooker, stirring it into the flavorful broth so every strand absorbs goodness.

6. Prepare the Noodles

Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and toss with a little butter if desired.

7. Serve

Spoon the slow-cooked beef over a bed of warm noodles. Garnish with parsley or Parmesan for added flavor.

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Tips & Variations

For Creamier Beef

Stir in ½ cup of sour cream or heavy cream at the end of cooking.

Vegetable Add-Ins

Throw in mushrooms, carrots, or celery for a heartier meal.

Make It Spicy

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili paste.

Gluten-Free Option

Serve the beef over gluten-free noodles or fluffy mashed potatoes.

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What to Serve with It

• Steamed green beans

• Garlic bread

• Roasted vegetables

• A crisp green salad

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Why Slow Cooking Makes This Dish Amazing

Slow cooking breaks down the collagen in beef, turning it tender and succulent. The long, gentle simmer allows spices, aromatics, and broth to blend into a savory gravy-like sauce that clings perfectly to noodles. It’s a classic example of simple ingredients transformed by patience.

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Final Thoughts

Slow-Cooked Beef with Noodles is the definition of cozy, satisfying home cooking. It’s delicious, dependable, and perfect for evenings when you want a fuss-free meal that still feels special. Make it once, and it’s sure to earn a regular place in your dinner rotation.