Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While stew meat is convenient, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes, bottom round, or even sirloin if you prefer. Just make sure to trim excess fat and cut the meat into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

My gravy turned out too salty. How can I fix this?

If you find the gravy too salty, add a peeled, quartered potato to the slow cooker for the last hour of cooking - it will absorb some of the salt. Remove before serving. You can also stir in a little unsalted beef broth or even a dollop of sour cream to balance the flavors.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours instead of low for 6-8 hours. However, I find the low and slow method produces more tender meat and better flavor development. If you're short on time, the high setting will still give you a delicious meal.

My family doesn't eat beef. Can I substitute another protein?

Certainly! This recipe works wonderfully with chicken thighs (cook for 4-5 hours on low) or pork shoulder (cook for 6-7 hours on low). You may want to switch to chicken gravy mix if using poultry.

Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 6 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef stew meat; 1 (0.87-ounce) packet brown gravy mix; 1 (1-ounce) packet au jus mix; 1 cup water; 1 (12-ounce) package wide egg noodles

This hearty Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles is the ultimate comfort food that practically makes itself! Tender chunks of beef simmer in a rich, savory gravy all day while you’re busy with other things, then get served over perfectly cooked egg noodles for a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it until dinner time. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting!
Rich, Deep Flavor: The combination of brown gravy and au jus mixes creates an incredibly savory sauce that infuses the beef with flavor as it cooks.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable stew meat that becomes tender and delicious through slow cooking.
Family Pleaser: This is the kind of comfort food that everyone at the table will enjoy – hearty, filling, and reminiscent of grandma’s cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Beef Stew Meat: The star of the show – tough cuts become fall-apart tender in the slow cooker. The chunky pieces soak up all that delicious gravy.
Brown Gravy Mix: Provides a rich base for the sauce without any fuss. It adds depth of flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Au Jus Mix: Brings that savory, beefy flavor that makes this dish so satisfying. The combination with gravy mix creates the perfect sauce consistency.
Water: The liquid that helps everything come together. It might not seem like enough, but the meat will release its own juices as it cooks.
Wide Egg Noodles: The perfect partner for this hearty beef. Their broad surface catches all that delicious gravy, and their texture stands up well to the rich sauce.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Veggie Boost

Add mushrooms, carrots, or pearl onions to the slow cooker for extra flavor and nutrition. Toss them in right at the beginning with the beef.

Flavor Enhancers

Try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce, a tablespoon of tomato paste, or a teaspoon of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to deepen the flavor profile.

Creamy Version

Stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream just before serving for a stroganoff-inspired twist that’s absolutely delicious.

Noodle Alternatives

Not a fan of egg noodles? This beef is equally delicious served over mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker

In your 4 to 6-quart slow cooker, combine the beef stew meat, brown gravy mix, au jus mix, and water. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is well mixed and the seasoning packets are dissolved.

Step 2: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let it cook undisturbed for 6 to 8 hours. This long, gentle cooking process is what transforms the tough stew meat into tender, flavorful bites.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

When the beef is nearly done, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, this takes about 8-10 minutes in boiling water. Drain well when they reach your desired tenderness.

Step 4: Serve

Portion the cooked noodles onto plates or into bowls, then top generously with the beef and gravy. Serve immediately while everything is hot.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Peek: Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking. Each peek releases heat and can add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
Brown the Meat: For an extra layer of flavor, consider browning the stew meat in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This step is optional but adds wonderful depth.
Gravy Consistency: If you prefer a thicker gravy, follow the note about adding a cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking time. For an even easier method, leave the slow cooker lid ajar for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
Season at the End: Taste the gravy before serving and adjust the seasonings. Sometimes a pinch of black pepper or a dash of garlic powder at the end can really make the flavors pop.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve this hearty beef and noodles with a crisp side salad dressed with vinaigrette or some steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans to balance the richness of the main dish.

Bread Sides

A slice of buttery garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up any extra gravy left on the plate.

Garnish Options

A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice color contrast and fresh flavor. For those who enjoy a bit of tang, a dollop of sour cream works wonderfully too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the beef and gravy separately from the noodles in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them separate prevents the noodles from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy.

Freezing

The beef and gravy freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. I don’t recommend freezing the noodles as they tend to become soggy when thawed.

Reheating

Warm the beef and gravy in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Cook fresh noodles to serve with leftover beef, or if you stored leftovers separately, reheat the noodles with a splash of water in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While stew meat is convenient, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes, bottom round, or even sirloin if you prefer. Just make sure to trim excess fat and cut the meat into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
My gravy turned out too salty. How can I fix this?

If you find the gravy too salty, add a peeled, quartered potato to the slow cooker for the last hour of cooking – it will absorb some of the salt. Remove before serving. You can also stir in a little unsalted beef broth or even a dollop of sour cream to balance the flavors.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours instead of low for 6-8 hours. However, I find the low and slow method produces more tender meat and better flavor development. If you’re short on time, the high setting will still give you a delicious meal.
My family doesn’t eat beef. Can I substitute another protein?

Certainly! This recipe works wonderfully with chicken thighs (cook for 4-5 hours on low) or pork shoulder (cook for 6-7 hours on low). You may want to switch to chicken gravy mix if using poultry.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe is truly a lifesaver on busy days when you want a homemade meal without the fuss. There’s something magical about walking through the door after a long day to the aroma of tender beef that’s been slowly simmering in savory gravy. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles, and often leads to requests for seconds. Give it a try on your next hectic weekday – your future self (and your family) will thank you!