Beef and Noodles Crockpot Weeknight Meal
When it comes to weeknight dinners, nothing beats the convenience of a crockpot meal. This beef and noodles recipe is not only simple to prepare, but it also delivers a hearty and flavorful dish that your family will love. With minimal effort, you can have a satisfying dinner ready by the time you’re home from work or finishing up your daily activities.
Why Choose a Crockpot Meal?
Crockpot meals are perfect for busy weeknights because they allow you to prep ingredients in advance and let the slow cooker do all the work. This means more time for family and less time in the kitchen. Plus, the flavors in crockpot meals deepen as they cook, making for a deliciously comforting dish that feels like home.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the beef cubes, diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, diced celery, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the beef evenly with the seasonings.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring slightly to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the egg noodles to the crockpot, stirring to combine. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, and stir it into the crockpot.
- Cover and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Once done, serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your comforting beef and noodles!
Tips for Success
For best results, choose a well-marbled chuck roast, as the fat will keep the beef tender and flavorful during the long cooking process. Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your family’s preferences—mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers can be excellent additions. This dish also freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep!
Conclusion
This beef and noodles crockpot weeknight meal is a fantastic way to bring warmth and comfort to your dinner table with minimal effort. It’s hearty, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the simplicity of a delicious homemade dinner that allows you to spend more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen!
