Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Beef Stew Noodles
Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Beef Stew Noodles is a comforting dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. With just three main ingredients, you can create a warm and hearty meal in no time. The combination of tender beef, flavorful stew, and soft noodles makes this recipe a family favorite.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. It requires minimal ingredients, making it budget-friendly and accessible. Additionally, using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and savory stew. You can set it and forget it, making it perfect for anyone with a busy schedule.
How to Make Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Beef Stew Noodles
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1- to 1 1/2-inch chunks
- 2 (20- to 24-ounce) cans condensed beef stew (with potatoes and carrots)
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles (dried, wavy-style if available)
Directions
- Layer the beef stew meat at the bottom of a slow cooker.
- Pour the canned beef stew over the meat and ensure it is mostly submerged.
- Gently stir to combine the meat and stew.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours until the beef is tender.
- Adjust the consistency if necessary by adding hot water or leaving the lid off to thicken.
- Cook the egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Drain the noodles and add them to the slow cooker, folding them into the stew mixture.
- Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes to absorb flavors before serving.
How to Serve Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Beef Stew Noodles
Serve the beef stew noodles hot, directly from the slow cooker. You can garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper for added flavor. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side salad to complete your meal.
How to Store Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Beef Stew Noodles
Store any leftover beef stew noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. You may need to add a little water to loosen the stew when reheating.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Beef Stew Noodles
- Use high-quality beef stew meat for the best flavor and tenderness.
- If you like more vegetables, consider adding additional carrots or green beans to the stew.
- For a thicker stew, cook without the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe. Consider adding in different types of noodles, such as shells or rotini, for a fun twist. You could also replace the beef stew with chicken stew for a lighter option.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned stew?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables. Just chop them into similar sizes and add them to the slow cooker with the beef.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the beef stew meat with hearty vegetables and a vegetable broth in place of the canned stew for a vegetarian version.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! You can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Beef Stew Noodles
Ingredients
Method
- Layer the beef stew meat at the bottom of a slow cooker.
- Pour the canned beef stew over the meat, ensuring it is mostly submerged.
- Gently stir to combine the meat and stew.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours until the beef is tender.
- Adjust the consistency if necessary by adding hot water or leaving the lid off to thicken.
- Cook the egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Drain the noodles and add them to the slow cooker, folding them into the stew mixture.
- Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes to absorb flavors before serving.
