Crockpot Beef and Noodles

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Instructions

  1. Season and Sear the Roast: Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast for 3-4 minutes per side, until a brown crust forms. This step is optional but highly recommended for building deep flavor.

  2. Combine in Crockpot: Place the seared chuck roast into the bottom of your slow cooker. In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined. Pour this mixture over the roast.

  3. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is extremely tender and shreds easily with a fork.

  4. Shred the Beef: Remove the beef from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces, discarding any large pieces of fat. Return the shredded beef to the crockpot.

  5. Thicken the Gravy (Optional): If you prefer a thicker gravy, create a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the liquid in the crockpot.

  6. Cook the Noodles: Add the frozen (or dry) egg noodles to the crockpot, stirring to submerge them in the broth as much as possible. Cover and cook on HIGH for 30-45 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.

  7. Serve: Once the noodles are cooked, give the entire dish a good stir. The sauce will thicken as it stands. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Helpful Tips & Variations

  • No Sear, No Problem: If you’re short on time, you can skip searing the roast. Just place it directly in the crockpot. The flavor will be slightly less deep but still delicious.

  • Avoid Mushy Noodles: For the best texture, avoid cooking the noodles for longer than the recommended time. They will continue to absorb liquid and soften even after the heat is off.

  • Creamy Version: For a creamier sauce, stir in ½ cup of sour cream or ¼ cup of heavy cream during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

  • Adding Vegetables: Feel free to add 1 cup of sliced carrots, celery, or frozen peas along with the noodles for the last 30 minutes of cooking.

  • Leftovers: The noodles will continue to absorb the broth as it sits. When reheating leftovers, you may need to add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

Enjoy your comforting and hearty meal

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