So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. That’s exactly why I love this recipe. Picture this: tender beef, swimming in rich gravy, plopped right on top of buttery egg noodles. And the best part? Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you binge-watch Netflix or scroll TikTok for the 27th time today.
This isn’t just comfort food—it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together… even if you just ate a bag of chips for lunch.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
First of all, it’s basically idiot-proof. Seriously, if you can dump stuff into a crockpot and press a button, you’re good to go. No fancy skills, no Gordon Ramsay yelling at you, and no crazy ingredients you’ll use once and then let rot in your pantry for two years.
Also:
-
It’s budget-friendly. (Your wallet will thank you.)
-
It feeds a crowd, or just yourself with glorious leftovers.
-
It tastes like something your grandma spent hours making, but spoiler: you didn’t.
-
It’s comfort food magic. Beef + gravy + noodles = serotonin on a plate.
So yeah, it’s awesome. And once you make it, you’ll probably add it to your “lazy but delicious dinner” rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the lowdown. Nothing too fancy, just straight-up goodness:
-
2 pounds beef stew meat (aka bite-sized chunks of happiness)
-
1 can cream of mushroom soup (don’t fight it—it works)
-
1 packet onion soup mix (thank you, instant flavor gods)
-
2 cups beef broth (or stock if you’re feeling bougie)
-
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (the sauce everyone pretends to pronounce correctly)
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder (because chopping garlic is too much work today)
-
1 teaspoon black pepper (go wild, add extra)
-
12 oz egg noodles (the fluffy carb pillows of your dreams)
-
2 tablespoons butter (to make those noodles shine)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional, but makes you look like a pro)
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Throw the beef in the crockpot. No searing required—though if you’re feeling fancy, go ahead. But honestly, ain’t nobody got time for that.
-
Dump in the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Give it a stir so it looks less like a science experiment.
-
Cover and cook. Low for 7–8 hours, or high for 4–5. Translation: go live your life, and let the magic happen.
-
Check the beef. It should be fork-tender and falling apart like your willpower in front of dessert.
-
About 20 minutes before it’s done, cook the egg noodles. Boil ‘em, drain ‘em, toss with butter, and resist the urge to eat them straight from the pot.
-
Serve it up. Scoop beef and gravy over noodles, sprinkle with parsley (if you’re trying to impress someone), and enjoy.
Boom. Dinner = conquered.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Forgetting the lid. Seriously, it’s a crockpot, not a campfire. Keep the lid on.
-
Cooking on “warm” instead of “low” or “high.” Warm is for after it’s done, not for cooking. Unless you like raw beef stew vibes.
-
Overcooking the noodles in the crockpot. Don’t. Just cook them separately like the instructions say. Mushy noodles are sadness on a plate.
-
Not enough seasoning. Taste the gravy before serving—if it’s bland, add a pinch of salt or extra pepper. Don’t serve flavorless beef unless you want side-eye at dinner.
Alternatives & Substitutions
-
Beef cuts: Don’t have stew meat? Use chuck roast and cut it up yourself. Or honestly, any beef that can survive long cooking.
-
Cream of mushroom soup: Hate mushrooms? (I see you.) Swap for cream of chicken or cream of celery. Still works.
-
Egg noodles: Not a fan? Use rice, mashed potatoes, or even pasta. Carb is carb.
-
Low sodium: Watching your salt? Use low-sodium broth and soup mix, then season to taste.
-
Add veggies: Toss in carrots or mushrooms halfway through cooking if you’re trying to feel healthy.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
You can, but then it’s chicken with gravy, not beef. Still tasty though.
Do I really need the cream of mushroom soup?
Technically no, but then you’re missing out on creamy goodness. Don’t be that person.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day. Like leftovers that glow-up overnight.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Just keep the noodles separate or you’ll end up with noodle mush. Freeze the beef and gravy, then thaw and reheat.
Do I have to use Worcestershire sauce?
Nope, but it adds that savory “umami” magic. Leave it out if you must, but don’t blame me if it tastes slightly less awesome.
What if I don’t have a crockpot?
You can use an oven-safe pot. Cook at 300°F for 3–4 hours. But honestly… just buy a crockpot.
Can I double the recipe?
Heck yes. Just make sure your crockpot can handle the beef mountain.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it: Easy Crockpot Beef with Gravy and Egg Noodles—comfort food at its finest, with basically zero effort. Whether you’re feeding the fam, impressing a date, or just making sure you have leftovers for lazy lunches, this recipe delivers.
Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! And hey, if anyone asks how long you slaved in the kitchen, feel free to just smile mysteriously and say, “Oh, you know… all day.” 😉
Related Recipes To Read:-
- Master King Arthur Sourdough Recipe
- How to Make Mini Apple Crisp Bites
- Ultimate Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe
- Pub Style Pickled Eggs Recipe
- Best Pea Soup Recipe in the World
Crockpot Beef with Gravy and Egg Noodles
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef sirloin cut into 1-inch cubes (or chuck roast)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup (or gluten-free cream soup)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder for gluten-free
- ¼ cup water
- 12 oz egg noodles or gluten-free pasta
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare beef: Pat beef cubes dry and season with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown beef tips for 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Cook aromatics: In the skillet, sauté onion for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Scrape into the slow cooker.
- Add liquids: Pour beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and paprika into the slow cooker. Stir in cream of mushroom soup. Mix well.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until beef is tender.
- Thicken gravy: Whisk cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir into slow cooker and cook on high for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
- Cook noodles: Boil egg noodles in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain.
- Serve: Spoon beef tips and gravy over noodles. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze (without noodles) for 3 months.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cream soup, tamari, and gluten-free pasta.
- Low-Carb: Swap egg noodles for zucchini noodles or mashed cauliflower.
- Tip: Brown beef for richer flavor, but skip if short on time.
- Serving: Pair with steamed veggies or a green salad for a balanced meal.
DID YOU MAKE THIS EASY RECIPE?
If you have, then share it with us by sending a photo. We’re excited to see what you’ve made:-)
Printable Recipe Card
Want just the essential recipe details without scrolling through the article? Get our printable recipe card with just the ingredients and instructions.