There’s something about a big bowl of beef and noodles that always makes me feel at home. I remember one rainy Friday evening a few months ago.
I had just gotten back from a long, exhausting day and barely had the energy to cook. I tossed a few simple ingredients into my slow cooker and let it work its magic.
By the time the house was filled with the rich aroma of tender beef and savory sauce, I felt like I was getting a hug from the inside out.
That night, as I sat down with a steaming bowl of beef and noodles, I realized how much comfort this simple dish brings. It is hearty, satisfying, and so effortless to make.

The slow cooker does all the work while I catch up on a book or just relax. The noodles come out perfectly soft, soaking up every bit of that flavorful sauce.
If you have never tried beef and noodles in a crockpot, you are in for a treat. It is cozy, hands-off, and full of flavor. It is perfect for feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or enjoying a little comfort food after a long day.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe

I love this recipe because it is truly set-and-forget. You can toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning and go about your day. When you come back, the house smells incredible and dinner is ready without any extra effort.
The flavor is rich and comforting. The beef becomes tender and juicy, the sauce is savory and creamy, and the noodles soak up every bit of that goodness. Every bite feels satisfying and warm.
This recipe is always a family favorite at my house. Even picky eaters ask for seconds, and the leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.
I also appreciate how budget-friendly it is. It uses simple, everyday ingredients that are easy to find and won’t break the bank, making it perfect for weeknight meals or meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a big, comforting pot of crockpot beef and noodles:

- 2 pounds of beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into cubes. I like using chuck roast because it becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
- 1 medium onion, diced. This adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 3 cups of beef broth. This is the base for the sauce and keeps the beef tender.
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup. It gives the sauce a creamy, comforting texture.
- 1 packet of onion soup mix. This is my secret ingredient for that rich, savory flavor that fills the house.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Adds a warm, aromatic touch.
- Salt and pepper to taste. I usually season lightly at first and adjust at the end.
- 12 ounces of egg noodles, cooked separately. They soak up the sauce perfectly without getting mushy.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water, optional, if you want a thicker sauce.
✨ You can also add mushrooms, carrots, or peas if you want to sneak in some veggies!
How to Make Crockpot Beef and Noodles
Step 1: Sear the Beef (Optional but Worth It!)
I like to take a few extra minutes to sear the beef in a hot skillet before adding it to the crockpot. It gives the meat a deeper, richer flavor and makes the sauce taste even more savory.
If you are short on time, you can skip this step, and it will still turn out delicious. I find the little bit of browning really elevates the dish.
Step 2: Add Everything to the Crockpot

In your slow cooker, combine the seared or raw beef, diced onion, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
I usually give it a gentle stir to make sure the meat is coated evenly with all the flavors. This helps every bite taste rich and well-seasoned.
Step 3: Let It Cook Low and Slow

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours. You’ll know it is done when the beef is so tender it practically falls apart.
I love opening the lid at the end and taking a deep breath of that savory, comforting aroma—it’s one of my favorite parts of cooking this dish.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (If Needed)

If you want a thicker, more gravy-like sauce, mix the cornstarch with water and stir it into the crockpot. Let it cook for another 15 to 20 minutes. The sauce becomes rich and glossy, coating the beef perfectly.
I like to take a spoon and swirl it around, making sure every piece of beef is covered in that creamy sauce.
Step 5: Add the Noodles

Cook the egg noodles separately according to the package instructions. Right before serving, stir them into the crockpot so they soak up the sauce without becoming mushy.
I love that every bite is tender beef wrapped in creamy, flavorful sauce with soft noodles. It is the kind of meal that feels indulgent but still easy to enjoy on a busy day.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Beef and Noodles
I’ve made this dish countless times, and I’ve learned a few little tricks that really elevate it.

- Sear the beef if you can. I know it’s tempting to skip this, but taking 5 minutes to brown the meat adds a depth of flavor that makes the sauce taste richer.
- Layer the flavors. Make sure the onions are evenly spread over the meat in the crockpot. I like to give a gentle stir after adding the soups and seasonings so every bite has a balance of flavor.
- Check the seasoning at the end. I usually wait until the dish is nearly done to taste. Sometimes I add a little more salt, pepper, or garlic powder at the end to give it a final flavor boost.
- Cook low and slow whenever possible. I find the beef becomes fall-apart tender and the sauce richer when it cooks on low for 7 to 8 hours. High works in a pinch, but low is magic.
- Keep noodles separate until the end. Adding them too early can make them mushy. I cook mine just before serving and fold them in so they soak up the sauce perfectly.
Variations You Can Try
I love playing around with this recipe depending on what I have on hand or the flavors I’m craving that day.
- Add vegetables. I often toss in sliced mushrooms, diced carrots, or peas about 30 minutes before the end. They cook gently in the sauce and add a pop of color and extra nutrition.
- Change the noodles. Egg noodles are my go-to, but sometimes I use wide pappardelle, whole wheat pasta, or even gluten-free noodles. Each one gives a slightly different texture, and I enjoy experimenting.
- Try different soups. Cream of mushroom is my favorite, but I’ve also used cream of celery or cream of chicken. Each adds a subtle twist and keeps the dish interesting.
- Extra flavor punch. Occasionally I stir in a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard. It adds a little depth and complexity that makes the sauce taste even richer.
These little tweaks keep the recipe fresh and make it fun to customize every time I cook it.
How to Serve This Crockpot Beef and Noodles
I usually serve this dish straight from the crockpot, scooping generous portions of beef, sauce, and noodles into bowls.

- Family style. I place the crockpot on the table so everyone can serve themselves. It’s cozy and perfect for busy weeknights.
- With sides. A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread makes it a complete meal. I love a little crunch to contrast the creamy sauce.
- Meal prep. This recipe reheats beautifully, so I often pack leftovers into containers for lunches the next day. The noodles soak up even more flavor overnight.
How to Store and Reheat
I always make a little extra because this recipe keeps so well:

- Refrigerator. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When I reheat it, I add a splash of beef broth to loosen the sauce so it doesn’t dry out.
- Freezer. You can freeze portions without noodles for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and add freshly cooked noodles when ready to eat.
- Reheating tip. I reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. This keeps the beef tender and the sauce creamy.
Health Benefits of Crockpot Beef and Noodles

I love that this dish is comforting but also nourishing. The beef gives you plenty of protein, which keeps me full for hours and gives me energy to get through busy days.
I also appreciate that it’s rich in iron and zinc, which help me stay energized and support my immune system.
Whenever I add extra vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or peas, I feel good knowing I’m sneaking in extra fiber, vitamins, and minerals without sacrificing flavor. It’s a meal that satisfies my cravings while still feeling wholesome and balanced.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Beef and Noodles is one of my all-time favorite comfort meals. I love how effortless it is to make.
On hectic days, I can throw everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime, the house smells like the coziest, most inviting dinner.
The beef turns perfectly tender, the sauce is rich and savory, and the noodles soak up all that flavor. I always find myself going back for seconds, and sometimes even thirds. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table happy and leaves the kitchen filled with warmth.
Every time I make this recipe, I feel like I’m giving myself a little moment of comfort and care. I know once you try it, it will become one of your go-to meals too.
Crockpot Beef and Noodles
Course: Family Perfect, RecipesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes7
minutes450
kcalA comforting, savory slow-cooker meal with tender beef, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
2 lbs beef stew meat (or chuck roast, cubed)
1 medium onion, diced
3 cups beef broth
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 packet onion soup mix
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
12 oz egg noodles (cooked separately)
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
Optional: sliced mushrooms, diced carrots, peas, or other vegetables
Directions
- like to take a few minutes to sear the beef in a hot skillet before adding it to the crockpot. It gives the meat a deeper, richer flavor and makes the sauce taste even more savory. If you are short on time, you can skip this step, and it will still be delicious.
- In your slow cooker, combine the beef, diced onion, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I usually give it a gentle stir to make sure the meat is coated evenly with all the flavors.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the beef is so tender it practically falls apart. I love opening the lid at the end and taking a deep breath of that savory aroma.
- If you want a thicker, more gravy-like sauce, mix the cornstarch with water and stir it into the crockpot. Let it cook for another 15 to 20 minutes. The sauce becomes rich and glossy, coating the beef perfectly.
- Cook the egg noodles separately according to package instructions. Right before serving, stir them into the crockpot so they soak up the sauce without becoming mushy. Every bite is tender beef wrapped in creamy, flavorful sauce with soft noodles.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Beef and Noodles
- Sear the beef if you can to deepen the flavor.
Spread the onions evenly and stir the soups and seasonings for a balanced taste.
Taste near the end and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or garlic powder.
Cook low and slow whenever possible for tender beef and rich sauce.
Keep noodles separate until the end to prevent mushiness.
Variations You Can Try
Add vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or peas 30 minutes before the end for color and nutrition.
Switch noodles: try pappardelle, whole wheat, or gluten-free noodles.
Use different soups: cream of celery or cream of chicken for a twist.
Extra flavor: stir in Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard for depth.










