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

Description

This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles recipe is a comforting and hearty meal, featuring tender beef stew meat simmered in a rich gravy and served over wide egg noodles. It’s an effortless, family-friendly dinner perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main 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

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Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker: In the crock of a 4 to 6-quart slow cooker, stir together the beef stew meat, brown gravy mix, au jus mix, and water. Cover with the lid and let it cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and infused with the flavors of the gravy.
Cook the Noodles: Just before the beef is ready, cook the wide egg noodles according to the package instructions. This ensures they are perfectly cooked and ready to serve alongside the beef and gravy.
Assemble and Serve: Plate the cooked noodles and generously ladle the beef and its gravy on top. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

For consistent flavor, McCormick Brown Gravy Mix and McCormick Au Jus Mix are recommended.
For a lower sodium dish, opt for reduced sodium gravy and au jus mix.
If the gravy ends up too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold broth or water. Stir it into the slow cooker, cover, and increase the heat to high for about 20 minutes or until the sauce thickens.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 110mg