Go Back
The first step in preparing your Savory Slow Cooker French Onion Beef & Noodles is to sear the beef. This critical process involves browning the meat in a hot skillet with a little oil before it goes into the slow cooker. Searing not only enhances the flavor of the beef but also adds depth to the dish. The Maillard reaction occurs during searing, which creates a rich, brown crust on the meat, resulting in complex flavors that will elevate the overall taste of your dish.

Slow Cooker French Onion Beef & Noodles

Discover the warmth of Savory Slow Cooker French Onion Beef & Noodles, a comforting dish that combines tender beef, sweet caramelized onions, and a medley of rich cheeses. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights, this recipe is all about ease and flavor, allowing the slow cooker to do most of the work. With a delightful blend of ingredients like beef broth, garlic, and egg noodles, it's not just a meal; it's a heartwarming experience that will bring everyone together. Enjoy the aroma and satisfaction of a home-cooked classic!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

4 large onions, thinly sliced (approximately 4 cups)

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups beef broth

1 cup dry red wine (or substitute with an additional cup of beef broth for a non-alcoholic option)

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper, to taste

8 oz egg noodles

1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded

1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Sear the Beef: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef pieces generously with salt and pepper. Add the beef to the skillet in batches, searing until browned on all sides (about 2-3 minutes per side). Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

    Sauté the Onions: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then add the sliced onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown, approximately 15-20 minutes. Once caramelized, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant.

      Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker with the seared beef, add the caramelized onions along with the beef broth, red wine (or extra broth), Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and any remaining salt and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

        Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.

          Cook the Noodles: About 30 minutes before the beef is done cooking, prepare the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they reach an al dente texture. Drain and set aside.

            Combine & Serve: After the cooking time is complete, remove the bay leaf from the mixture in the slow cooker. Gently stir in the cooked egg noodles until thoroughly combined. Then, sprinkle the shredded Swiss and Gruyère cheese on top, cover the slow cooker, and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

              Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and an added layer of flavor.

                Enjoy: Serve warm, allowing guests to help themselves to a generous portion of this comforting, hearty dish!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 7-8 hours | 6 servings