Can I use frozen beef stew meat?

Absolutely! Just add an extra 30-60 minutes to the cooking time. I like to break up the chunks a bit before adding them to the slow cooker so they cook evenly. No need to thaw - that's the beauty of slow cooking!

How do I prevent mushy noodles?

The key is timing! Add them just 30 minutes before serving and resist the urge to stir too much. Wide egg noodles hold up better than thin ones. If you're nervous, check them at 20 minutes - they should be tender but still have a little bite ( al dente , as the Italians say!).

Can I make this without sour cream?

You bet! Plain Greek yogurt works in a pinch, or you can skip the creamy element altogether for a more brothy version. If you do omit it, you might want to reduce the broth by 1/2 cup since the flour-thickened sour cream adds body to the sauce.

What's the best cut of beef to use?

Chuck roast is my go-to - it becomes fork-tender after slow cooking. Stew meat works great too (that's what the recipe calls for!), but if you're cutting your own, look for well-marbled pieces. Lean cuts like sirloin can get dry, so I avoid those.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough - you'll need at least a 7-quart for a double batch. The cooking time stays the same, but you might need to stir the noodles more carefully to ensure even cooking.

Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles: 3-Step Comfort Food Magic

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A hearty and comforting slow cooker beef and noodles dish, perfect for family dinners.

Author: PureCookingJoy
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 7 hours
Total Time: 7 hours 15 mins
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs beef stew meat
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
12 oz egg noodles
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tbsp flour

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Instructions

Place beef, onion, garlic, beef broth, salt, pepper, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce in the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
30 minutes before serving, stir in egg noodles.
Mix sour cream and flour, then stir into the slow cooker.
Cook until noodles are tender and sauce thickens.

Notes

Use wide egg noodles for best texture.
Add vegetables like carrots or mushrooms if desired.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 420
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Find it online: https://purecookingjoy.com/slow-cooker-beef-and-noodles-recipe/