Description
This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Beef and Noodles recipe is a comforting, hearty one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is sautéed with onions and garlic, then slow-cooked with creamy mushroom soup, broth, and egg noodles, resulting in tender, cheesy noodles infused with rich beef flavor. Optional additions like ranch seasoning and sour cream add extra depth and creaminess to this crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef (or stew beef, diced)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Slow Cooker Ingredients
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) beef broth
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 3 cups egg noodles (uncooked)
Finishing Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Break up the beef as it cooks for even texture.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Transfer to crockpot: Move the cooked beef, onion, and garlic mixture into the crockpot.
- Add the liquids and seasonings: Pour in the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and add the ranch seasoning mix if using. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add the noodles: Gently fold in the uncooked egg noodles, ensuring they’re well distributed within the mixture.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for about 2-3 hours or until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Check occasionally to avoid overcooking the noodles.
- Add cheese and sour cream: Once the noodles are cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Allow it to melt, then stir in the sour cream if using, to create a creamy finish.
- Serve: Ladle the cheesy beef and noodles into bowls and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute stew beef diced into small cubes for ground beef if preferred.
- Ranch seasoning mix is optional but adds a flavorful boost to the dish.
- If sour cream is unavailable, you can use plain Greek yogurt as a creamy alternative.
- Cooking time may vary depending on your crockpot; check noodle tenderness to avoid overcooking.
- For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cheddar cheese and sour cream or omit sour cream altogether.