Hearty & Easy Crock Pot Beef Noodle Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic
Welcome to the epitome of cozy comfort food: this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make Beef Noodle Soup. Crafted effortlessly in your crock pot, it promises a dinner that’s both deeply satisfying and wonderfully convenient. Imagine fork-tender beef mingling with delightfully chewy egg noodles, all swimming in a rich, creamy, and deeply savory broth. It’s truly the perfect meal to warm you from the inside out, especially as the temperatures drop. For an added layer of indulgence, serve it alongside a generous hunk of crusty bread, ideal for soaking up every last drop of that delectable broth.
There’s something uniquely comforting about a warm bowl of beef and pasta, and this Beef Noodle Soup perfectly hits that sweet spot. My family absolutely adores it, and as the cook, I love it even more for its sheer simplicity. It’s a genuine treat to prepare because it requires minimal hands-on time – just a few minutes to get everything into the slow cooker, and then you can simply set it and forget it! On those bustling weekdays when time is a precious commodity, a “dump and go” dinner like this is an absolute lifesaver. You come home to the tantalizing aroma of a home-cooked meal, ready to be enjoyed.
Crockpot soups are indeed a lifesaver, transforming busy evenings into opportunities for comforting, nourishing meals. If you’re a fan of fuss-free, slow-cooked dishes, you might also enjoy preparing a batch of Crock Pot Potato Soup before you head out for the day, ensuring a warm and hearty dinner awaits your return. Alternatively, for those moments when you crave something equally robust but faster to prepare, our Garlic Beef and Noodle Bowls offer a delicious main course ready in just 15 minutes! These versatile recipes ensure that comfort food is always within reach, no matter how packed your schedule.
Why This Crock Pot Beef Noodle Soup Will Be Your New Favorite
- Effortlessly Easy Preparation: This recipe is designed for maximum convenience. Simply combine all your ingredients in the slow cooker, set it, and let it work its magic. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” meal, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a delicious dinner without being tethered to the kitchen.
- Unbelievably Tender Beef: We use lean stew meat in this recipe, which becomes incredibly juicy and fall-apart tender after hours of slow cooking. The low and slow method ensures every piece of beef is infused with flavor and melts in your mouth, contributing to the rich texture of the soup.
- Fantastic for Meal Prep: This soup is not only delicious fresh, but its flavors deepen and meld even further as leftovers. It reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prepping throughout the week. You can easily make a large batch and enjoy quick, comforting lunches or dinners for days to come.
- Luxuriously Rich and Creamy Broth: The secret to our irresistible broth lies in the cream of mushroom soup. It adds a wonderful depth of umami and a smooth, velvety texture that elevates the entire dish. This creaminess creates a truly satisfying and hearty soup that’s hard to resist.
- The Quintessential Cold-Weather Comfort: When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of this beef noodle soup. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, providing that much-needed warmth and coziness. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug on a cold day, perfect for gathering the family around the table.
Essential Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker Beef Noodle Soup
- Lean Stew Meat: Opting for lean stew meat ensures a healthier yet equally flavorful soup. The long cooking time in the crock pot breaks down the connective tissues, resulting in wonderfully tender beef without excessive fat.
- Low-Sodium Cream of Mushroom Soup: This ingredient is key for thickening the broth and imparting a rich, savory creaminess without overwhelming the dish with sodium. It creates a velvety base that truly elevates the soup.
- Onion Soup Mix: A packet of onion soup mix is a fantastic shortcut to inject a tremendous amount of savory, aromatic flavor into your soup with minimal effort. For those who prefer to control ingredients, feel free to use my homemade mix recipe provided in the tips section below.
- Garlic: A timeless staple, minced garlic adds an essential pungent and aromatic depth that complements the rich beef and creamy broth, making the soup even more savory and appealing.
- Low-Sodium Beef Broth: Using low-sodium beef broth is crucial for managing the overall saltiness of the soup, allowing you to season it to your preference. For a slightly lighter or more complex flavor profile, a 50/50 blend of beef and chicken broth can also be used.
- Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles are the perfect choice here. Their tender, chewy texture provides substance and absorbs the rich broth beautifully, making this a truly hearty and satisfying meal alongside the stewed beef.
Simple Steps to Make Your Crock Pot Beef Noodle Soup
- Prepare the Soup Base: In your slow cooker, combine the onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, minced garlic, and low-sodium beef broth. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well blended and smooth, ensuring no lumps remain. Once the base is ready, add your lean stew meat, stirring gently to coat it evenly with the broth mixture.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Cook the soup on the low setting for 6-8 hours, or if you’re in a bit more of a hurry, cook it on the high setting for 4-6 hours. The key is to allow ample time for the beef to become incredibly tender and for the flavors to fully meld together.
- Add the Noodles: During the final 30 minutes of cooking, carefully remove the lid and stir in the egg noodles. Continue to cook until the noodles are perfectly tender, absorbing some of the delicious broth. Be sure not to overcook them, as they can become mushy. Once the noodles are done, your hearty beef noodle soup is ready to serve!
Expert Tips & Delicious Variations for Your Beef Noodle Soup
- Enhance Flavor by Browning the Beef: For a significantly deeper, richer flavor profile in your soup, consider browning the stew meat in a frying pan with a little oil before adding it to the crock pot. This extra step, known as the Maillard reaction, creates a caramelized crust that locks in juices and adds an incredible depth of savory taste to the finished dish. It might also slightly reduce the overall cooking time.
- Craft Your Own Onion Soup Mix: If you prefer to have more control over the ingredients or simply enjoy homemade alternatives, try making your own Onion Soup Mix. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare and wonderful to have on hand for a quick, flavorful soup base, allowing you to adjust sodium levels and seasonings to your liking.
- Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup Option: You can also make your own Cream of Mushroom Soup from scratch. While a homemade version offers fresh flavors, please note that it might not be low-sodium, unlike the canned option suggested in the main recipe, so adjust your seasoning accordingly.
- Explore Diverse Noodle Options: While classic egg noodles are traditional and beloved in this beef noodle soup, don’t hesitate to experiment with different varieties. For those following a gluten-free diet, rice noodles, chickpea noodles, or quinoa noodles are excellent alternatives that maintain a satisfying texture and absorb the broth beautifully. Each type will impart a slightly different characteristic to the soup.
- Try it with Wild Rice for a Heartier Twist: If you’re looking for a distinct texture and earthy flavor, wild rice makes a fantastic substitute for noodles. Keep in mind that wild rice requires a longer cooking time than egg noodles, so it would need to be added earlier in the slow-cooking process, typically at the beginning with the beef, to ensure it cooks through to a tender consistency.
- Add Vegetables for Extra Nutrition: Boost the nutritional value and color of your soup by adding diced carrots, celery, or peas. These can be added along with the noodles during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking to ensure they are tender but not mushy.
- Adjust Consistency to Your Liking: If you find the soup too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little extra beef broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can remove a cup of broth, whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch, and return it to the pot to thicken.
Absolutely, this versatile beef noodle soup recipe can certainly be adapted for stovetop cooking. To do so, combine all ingredients (except the noodles) in a large pot or Dutch oven. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook until the beef stew meat is perfectly tender, typically 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Once the meat is tender, add the egg noodles and continue to cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. This method allows for closer monitoring and quicker cooking time, if desired.
While I haven’t personally tested this specific recipe in an Instant Pot, it’s a very adaptable dish that should work well with pressure cooking. I would suggest following a similar approach to the slow cooker instructions: combine the stew meat, onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, garlic, and beef broth in the Instant Pot. Cook under high pressure for approximately 35-40 minutes for tender beef. Once cooked, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release. Open the lid, switch the Instant Pot to the sauté function (or simply bring to a boil), add the egg noodles, and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender to your liking, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. This method significantly speeds up the cooking process for a weeknight meal.
Yes, you can absolutely substitute the cream of mushroom soup with other creamy condensed soups if you prefer. The primary role of the creamy soup in this recipe is to add thickness and a rich, savory depth to the broth. Excellent alternatives would include cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup, both of which would provide a similar thickening effect and blend well with the beef flavor. If you’re looking to avoid store-bought varieties, there are numerous recipes available online for making your own homemade cream-based soups, allowing you to tailor the flavors and ingredients precisely.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Beef Noodle Soup
While this hearty soup is wonderfully satisfying and can easily stand alone as a complete meal, it also pairs beautifully with a variety of quick and complementary side dishes. Here are a few of our favorites to round out your dinner:
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: Who can resist the allure of warm, crispy garlic bread? This elevated version, topped with melted cheese, offers a delightful crunch and extra flavor that’s simply irresistible when served alongside this rich beef noodle soup. It’s perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
- BLT Salad: Enjoy a fresh and vibrant counterpoint to the richness of the soup with this salad version of a classic BLT. Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and smoky bacon bits tossed with a light dressing make for an excellent, refreshing prelude or accompaniment to a hearty beef noodle soup.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Transform your meal into a gourmet experience with crispy roasted Brussels sprouts. Tossed in a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, these tender-crisp vegetables add an elegant touch and a burst of flavor that beautifully complements the savory notes of the soup.
- Roasted Green Beans with Sesame and Garlic: This quick-to-prepare and incredibly flavorful side dish strikes a perfect balance between nutritious and indulgent. The savory garlic and nutty sesame seeds add an Asian-inspired twist that pairs surprisingly well with the comfort of beef noodle soup.
- Air Fryer Asparagus: For another effortless, crispy, and tasty vegetable side, air-fried asparagus is an excellent choice. It can be ready in less than 10 minutes, providing a fresh, slightly charred flavor that adds a lovely green element to your meal.
Tips for Storing and Reheating Leftover Beef Noodle Soup
This Crock Pot Beef Noodle Soup is fantastic for making ahead or enjoying as leftovers, but it’s important to store it correctly to maintain its quality. Any leftover soup should be transferred to an airtight container and can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You’ll notice that the egg noodles will continue to absorb some of the rich broth as it sits, making the soup a bit thicker and potentially less soupy the next day. While the texture might change slightly, the flavors will have deepened beautifully, making it an equally delicious lunch or dinner option in my opinion. To reheat, you can simply warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or gently simmer it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash more beef broth or water if you prefer a thinner consistency. Avoid boiling rapidly, as this can break down the noodles further.
Discover More Effortless Crockpot Recipes
If you love the convenience and incredible flavors that come from slow cooking, explore more of our favorite crockpot creations. These recipes make mealtime simple and delicious:
- Mississippi Chicken
- Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions
- Crockpot Fiesta Chicken
- Crockpot Tortellini Soup
- Slow Cooker Jambalaya
- Cafe Rio Pork
Crock Pot Beef and Noodles Soup
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean stew meat
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 10 oz can low sodium cream of mushroom soup
- 1 Tablespoons garlic, minced
- 4 14.5 oz cans low sodium beef broth
- 12 oz egg noodles
Instructions
- In a slow cooker whisk together onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, garlic, and beef broth until well blended. Add in stew meat.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the egg noodles and cook until tender.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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