There’s something about the way the aroma of simmering beef and herbs fills the house that makes you pause and breathe a little deeper. This beef stew and noodles crock pot recipe isn’t just dinner—it’s a small ritual of comfort. I remember last fall, I tossed everything in the slow cooker before heading out, and when I came back, the kitchen felt like a warm hug waiting for me. The rich, savory scent mingled with the softness of egg noodles, and even though I was a bit distracted by a buzzing phone, I couldn’t wait to dig in.
It’s the kind of dish that invites you to slow down, to sit with a bowl in hand and forget the world outside for a moment. The beef melts into the veggies and broth, and the noodles soak up all that goodness. It’s steady and satisfying, the kind of meal that feels like it was made just for evenings like this.
- Hearty and filling without being complicated—this stew lets the slow cooker do the heavy lifting.
- The noodles add a soft, comforting base, soaking up every bit of the rich sauce.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No fancy tricks, just straightforward comfort food.
- Prep is mostly hands-off, but you might want to watch the time noodle-wise, since overcooking can happen if you’re not careful.
If you’re new to slow cooking beef stew, don’t worry. This recipe is forgiving, and the flavors deepen the longer it cooks. Just be sure to remove those bay leaves before serving—they’re easy to miss when you’re eager to eat.
PrintBeef Stew and Noodles Crock Pot
A hearty and comforting beef stew slow-cooked to tender perfection, served over soft egg noodles. This easy crock pot recipe is perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds beef chuck stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
3 medium celery stalks, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
4 cups beef broth
1 cup water
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
8 ounces egg noodles
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add beef stew meat and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Transfer browned beef to the crock pot.
Add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and potatoes to the crock pot.
Pour beef broth and water over the ingredients in the crock pot.
Stir in tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
About 30 minutes before serving, cook egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and cold water until smooth to make a slurry.
Remove bay leaves from the stew.
Stir the flour slurry into the crock pot and cook on high for 15-20 minutes to thicken the stew.
Serve the beef stew hot over the cooked egg noodles.
Using a slow cooker takes the stress out of dinner time, especially on busy days. You don’t need anything fancy—just a reliable crock pot and patience. I usually serve this stew with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to sop up the sauce, but it’s hearty enough on its own too. Sometimes, I swap out egg noodles for wider pasta or even dumplings when I’m feeling adventurous, though I haven’t tested all variations extensively.
For a little twist, adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of smoked paprika can bring subtle depth, but honestly, the original recipe shines on its own. If you want it thicker, you can always stir in a bit more flour slurry near the end, but be careful not to go overboard.
FAQ
Can I freeze the stew? Yes, freezing without the noodles works best. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
What if I don’t have a crock pot? You can make this on the stovetop or in a Dutch oven, but cooking times will be shorter and require more attention.
How do I prevent noodles from getting soggy? Cook them separately just before serving and mix them in or serve the stew over them.
Ready to cozy up with a bowl of tender beef and warm noodles? Give this recipe a try and see how slow cooking can turn dinner into a comforting experience. Don’t forget to save this post so you can come back whenever the craving hits.