Slow cooker beef noodles

Here’s a delicious Slow Cooker Beef Noodles recipe that yields tender, flavorful beef and rich broth with minimal effort. Perfect for a comforting meal!

Slow Cooker Beef Noodles

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 6-8 hrs (slow cooker) | Total Time: 6-8 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

For the Beef & Broth:

• 1.5 lbs (700g) beef chuck or brisket, cut into chunks
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch ginger, sliced
• 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (for color)
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (or rock sugar)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for depth)
• 4 cups beef or chicken broth (or water)
• 1 daikon radish, chopped (optional)
• 2 carrots, chopped (optional)
• Salt & pepper to taste

For Serving:

• 12 oz (350g) fresh or dried wheat noodles (udon, egg noodles, or ramen)
• Bok choy, spinach, or greens (blanched)
• Green onions, chopped
• Chili oil or sriracha (optional)
• Fried shallots (optional, for crunch)

Instructions:

1. Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended):
   • Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear beef chunks until browned on all sides. Transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
   • In the same pan, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant (~2 mins). Add star anise, cinnamon, and bay leaves; stir for 30 seconds. Transfer to the slow cooker.
3. Slow Cook:
   • Add soy sauces, oyster sauce, sugar, tomato paste, broth, and vegetables (if using). Stir well.
   • Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
4. Skim Fat & Adjust Seasoning:
   • Discard star anise, cinnamon, and bay leaves. Skim excess fat if needed.
   • Adjust salt/pepper or add more soy sauce to taste.
5. Cook Noodles & Serve:
   • Boil noodles according to package instructions. Drain and divide into bowls.
   • Ladle beef and broth over noodles. Top with greens, green onions, and chili oil.

Tips:

• For a richer broth, reduce the cooking liquid on the stovetop after slow cooking.
• Make it spicy: Add Sichuan peppercorns or chili paste while cooking.
• Freezer-friendly: The beef broth keeps well for up to 3 months.

Enjoy your melt-in-your-mouth Slow Cooker Beef Noodles! 🍜🔥