Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7–8 hours on LOW or 4–5 hours on HIGH
Total Time: Approximately 8 hours
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Beef and Onion Gravy:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Noodles:
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Pat the beef dry with paper towels. Season with black pepper and a little salt. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef on all sides. Work in batches if necessary.
Step 2: Prepare the Onions
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add sliced onions and cook for 8–10 minutes until softened and golden. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 3: Assemble the Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned beef and onions into the slow cooker. Sprinkle in the French onion soup mix, flour, and dried thyme.
Step 4: Add the Liquid
Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Stir gently to combine everything.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
Step 6: Cook the Noodles
About 20 minutes before serving, cook egg noodles separately according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
Step 7: Make It Creamy
Stir the heavy cream into the beef mixture if using. Taste and adjust seasonings. Add the cooked noodles and gently toss until coated in the rich onion gravy.
Step 8: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle Gruyère and mozzarella cheese over the noodles. Cover for 5–10 minutes until the cheese melts.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy every comforting, cheesy bite!
Nutritional Information
Estimated per serving; values vary with ingredients and brands.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 590 kcal |
| Protein | 42 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Total Fat | 25 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 1,050 mg |
| Cholesterol | 125 mg |
Nut & Allergen Information
- Tree nuts: No tree nuts in the standard recipe.
- Peanuts: No peanuts.
- Dairy: Contains butter, heavy cream, Gruyère, and mozzarella.
- Gluten: Contains wheat flour and egg noodles. Check soup mix and Worcestershire sauce labels.
- Eggs: Contains egg noodles.
- Soy: Contains soy sauce; check ingredient labels.
Nut-Free Note: This recipe is naturally nut-free when prepared with nut-free ingredients and products that have no nut cross-contact warnings.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?
Yes! Brown ground beef first, drain excess grease, and follow the remaining instructions. Reduce the cooking time if needed.
Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Rotini, penne, or fusilli work well. Cook separately before adding.
Q3: Can I add mushrooms?
Yes! Add 1–2 cups of sliced mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Q4: Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
Yes! Simply leave it out. The French onion gravy is already rich and flavorful.
Q5: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the beef and onion gravy ahead of time and refrigerate. Prepare fresh noodles when ready to serve.
Q6: Can I freeze leftovers?
The beef and gravy freeze well for up to 3 months. Noodles may become softer after freezing, so freezing the beef mixture separately is best.
Q7: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of beef broth.
Q8: Is this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?
No. Traditional egg noodles are high in carbohydrates. You can substitute zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a lower-carb version.
Q9: Can I make this recipe lower in sodium?
Yes! Use low-sodium beef broth, reduced-sodium soy sauce, and homemade French onion seasoning. Reduce or omit added salt.
Q10: What cheese works best?
Gruyère is traditional for French onion flavor, but Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella are delicious alternatives.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread or toasted baguette
- Fresh green salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted asparagus