Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles

### **Instructions:**

#### 1. **Prepare the Beef**:
Start by cutting the beef stew meat (or chuck roast) into small cubes if necessary. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of thyme (if using). This will help enhance the flavor as it cooks. If you’re using chuck roast, you can either leave it whole or cut it into chunks—both options work well for this recipe.

#### 2. **Add the Beef and Vegetables to the Slow Cooker**:
Place the seasoned beef into the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and beef broth. Stir in the packet of onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and additional thyme if desired. Give everything a quick stir to combine the ingredients.

#### 3. **Cook Low and Slow**:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on **low for 7-8 hours** or on **high for 4-5 hours**. The beef should be fork-tender by the end of the cooking time. If you are cooking it on the high setting, be sure to check the beef after about 4 hours for tenderness.

#### 4. **Thicken the Gravy**:
Once the beef is tender, it’s time to thicken the gravy. In a small bowl, mix the flour with a little water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker, and allow it to cook for another 15-20 minutes on high until the gravy thickens.

#### 5. **Cook the Noodles**:
Add the uncooked egg noodles directly into the slow cooker. Stir them into the beef and gravy mixture. Cover and cook for about 30 minutes (on low) or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to make sure the noodles don’t stick to the bottom.

#### 6. **Add Sour Cream (Optional)**:
For an extra creamy texture, stir in **1 cup of sour cream** just before serving. This step is optional but adds a nice richness to the dish.

#### 7. **Garnish and Serve**:
Once the noodles are cooked and everything is well-mixed, serve your Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles in bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

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### **Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles:**

– **Choice of Meat**: Beef stew meat or chuck roast works best for this recipe. Chuck roast will become more tender and flavorful as it cooks for hours, and stew meat is already cut into bite-sized pieces, making it easy to throw into the slow cooker.

– **Adjust the Broth**: If you prefer a thicker sauce, use less beef broth. If you like a more soupy dish, add a little extra broth.

– **Add Vegetables**: Feel free to add vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, or peas to the slow cooker. These will absorb the flavors of the broth and add more variety to the dish.

– **Use a Slower Cooker with a Keep-Warm Setting**: If you’re preparing this dish ahead of time, you can set your slow cooker to the keep-warm setting once it’s finished cooking. This ensures your meal stays hot until you’re ready to eat.

– **Make it Gluten-Free**: To make this dish gluten-free, you can substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free noodles or rice. You may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, depending on the noodles you choose.

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### **Why You’ll Crave Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles**

Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles is a dish that combines simplicity, flavor, and heartiness all in one. The tender beef, rich gravy, and soft noodles come together to create a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the perfect meal for family dinners, comfort food cravings, or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

With just a few ingredients and some time in the slow cooker, you’ll have a dinner that everyone will love, making this recipe a go-to favorite in your household. **Enjoy the warmth and comfort of a classic dish made easy!**