There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy bowl of beef and noodles. This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Beef and Noodles recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights! With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing all the work, you’ll have a rich, creamy, and satisfying meal ready to enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless Cooking
Set it and forget it! Let the crockpot do all the work while you go about your day.
Family-Friendly
A dish that both kids and adults will devour cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavor!
Budget-Friendly
Uses simple, affordable ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
Customizable
Easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste—swap the cheese, add veggies, or use a different protein.
Ingredients
- Ground beef – Adds a rich, hearty flavor.
- Egg noodles – The perfect pasta choice for soaking up all the creamy goodness.
- Beef broth – Enhances the depth of flavor.
- Cream cheese – Creates a luscious, creamy texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Because more cheese = more deliciousness!
- Onion – Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
- Garlic – For an extra kick of flavor.
- Salt & pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance the taste.
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
Step 2: Slow Cook
Transfer the cooked beef to the crockpot. Add diced onion, garlic, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Step 3: Add the Noodles
Stir in the egg noodles and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until tender.
Step 4: Make It Cheesy
Add cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Stir until fully melted and creamy.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy the cheesy, beefy goodness!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) / 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: ~8 hours
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: ~450
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Cheesy Beef and Noodles
With a Side Salad
Pair with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Garlic Bread
Serve with buttery garlic bread to soak up all the cheesy goodness.
Steamed Vegetables
Broccoli, carrots, or green beans make a great side to add freshness.
As a Standalone Meal
This dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own!
Additional Tips
Make It Ahead
Prep everything the night before and store it in the fridge, then start the crockpot in the morning.
Spice It Up
Add a dash of red pepper flakes or hot sauce for some heat.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Freezing Instructions
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Rotini, penne, or any short pasta works well.
2. Can I make this recipe without a crockpot?
Absolutely! Simmer the ingredients on the stovetop for about 30-40 minutes, then add noodles and cheese.
3. What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a cheese blend will also work.
4. Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Peas, mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach would be delicious additions.
5. Can I substitute ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage can be used instead.
6. How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
Add them during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking to keep them firm.
7. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check that your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.
8. How do I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, mix in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).
9. Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes! Cook on high for 3-4 hours instead of low for 6-8 hours.
10. Can I use pre-cooked pasta?
You can, but reduce the broth slightly since the pasta won’t absorb as much liquid.
Conclusion
Easy Crockpot Cheesy Beef and Noodles is the ultimate comfort food rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for busy days, this dish is sure to be a hit. Try it today and let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking!
Print
Easy Crockpot Cheesy Beef and Noodles
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Beef and Noodles is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with flavorful beef and gooey cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this slow cooker meal requires minimal prep and is a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 large block of Velveeta cheese
- 8 oz block of cream cheese
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 can of Rotel tomatoes with chilies
- 2.25 lbs ground beef
- 1 box of bowtie noodles
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot Base
- Set your crockpot to high heat.
- Add Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and Rotel tomatoes.
- Cover and let the mixture begin to melt while preparing the beef.
- Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Drain any excess grease.
- Combine in the Crockpot
- Add the cooked ground beef to the crockpot.
- Stir well, then cover and cook on high for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure everything melts evenly.
- Cook the Noodles
- About 15 minutes before the crockpot mixture is ready, boil the bowtie noodles according to the package instructions.
- Drain the noodles once cooked.
- Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked noodles to the crockpot and stir to combine.
- Let it sit for a few minutes to ensure the noodles are heated through.
- Serve warm in bowls or plates.
Notes
- Extra cheesy? Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top before serving.
- Add a kick! Mix in some hot sauce or chili powder for extra spice.
- More texture? Toss in cooked mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: ~600 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg