Imagine coming home to the irresistible aroma of tender beef, savory mushrooms, and rich gravy simmering away in your slow cooker. This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms recipe is the ultimate comfort food—a warm, hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings, busy weekdays, or whenever you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.

With simple ingredients and a hands-off cooking process, this dish delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Let’s dive into why this recipe will become a staple in your meal rotation, how to make it, and tips to customize it to your taste.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms

• Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything into the slow cooker, let it work its magic, and enjoy a flavorful meal with hardly any hands-on time.
• Tender and Juicy Beef: The slow-cooking process ensures that the stew beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Rich, Savory Sauce: A combination of mushroom soup, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce creates a luscious gravy that coats every bite.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is comforting, filling, and loved by adults and kids alike.
• Customizable: Add extra vegetables, adjust the seasonings, or swap ingredients to suit your preferences.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds stew beef, cut into chunks
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon thyme (or one fresh sprig)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon beef bouillon (Better Than Bouillon Beef flavor recommended)
• 2 cans (10 ounces each) mushroom soup
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (more if needed)
• 12 ounces dried extra-wide egg noodles
• 2 teaspoons parsley, minced (for garnish)

Ingredient Notes

• Beef: Use stew beef for its rich flavor and ability to become incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
• Mushroom Soup: This creates the base of the gravy. If you prefer, swap it with cream of celery or cream of chicken soup for a different flavor.
• Egg Noodles: Extra-wide noodles work best, but you can substitute with any pasta or even mashed potatoes.
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley and thyme add a burst of freshness, balancing the rich gravy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients

Place the stew beef and diced onion into your slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and thyme. Add the beef bouillon for an extra depth of flavor.

2. Make the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the Worcestershire sauce, mushroom soup, and beef broth. Whisk until smooth and pour the mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.

3. Slow Cook the Beef

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on:

• High: 4 to 5 hours, or
• Low: 7 to 8 hours.
  The beef will become tender and infused with the savory flavors of the sauce.

4. Prepare the Noodles

About 20 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Alternatively, you can cook the noodles directly in the slow cooker by adding them during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking.

5. Assemble and Serve

Place the cooked noodles on a serving dish or plate. Top with the beef and gravy mixture from the slow cooker. Garnish with freshly minced parsley and serve hot.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

• Set-It-and-Forget-It Convenience: Your slow cooker does all the hard work while you focus on other tasks.
• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of mushroom soup, beef bouillon, and Worcestershire sauce creates a robust and savory gravy.
• Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	380
Protein	30g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fat	12g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	800mg

Serving Suggestions

• With Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple garden salad.
• Over Rice or Potatoes: Swap egg noodles for fluffy mashed potatoes or white rice for a versatile meal.
• With Bread: Pair with crusty bread or dinner rolls to mop up every drop of the rich gravy.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: If adding noodles directly to the slow cooker, check often to prevent them from becoming mushy.
2. Adjust the Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, add a splash of beef broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
3. Add Veggies: For a one-pot meal, toss in mushrooms, carrots, or peas during the last hour of cooking.
4. Season to Taste: Always taste the dish before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce as needed.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms

1. Can I use frozen beef?

Yes, but thaw the beef first for even cooking and better flavor absorption.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your mushroom soup and beef broth are gluten-free as well.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

4. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, but freeze the beef and gravy separately from the noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy when reheated.

5. Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of mushroom soup?

Yes! Sauté 1–2 cups of sliced mushrooms with the onions, then add an additional cup of heavy cream or milk for the gravy.

6. Can I cook this dish on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Yes. Simmer the beef and sauce on low heat in a Dutch oven for about 2–3 hours, or until the beef is tender.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms is everything you could want in a meal: hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers comforting, restaurant-quality results every time.

So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and let this delicious dish simmer to perfection. You’ll thank yourself for making it—and your family will, too!

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