Easy Crockpot Cheesy Beef And Noodles Recipe

Easy Crockpot Cheesy Beef And Noodles Recipe: Cozy Comfort Food

Comfort arrives with this easy crockpot cheesy beef and noodles recipe that promises warmth in every delightful bite.

Slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal packed with rich flavors.

Weeknight dinners demand simple solutions, and this dish delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Tender beef melts alongside creamy noodles, creating a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

Busy households will appreciate how quickly this meal comes together without complicated techniques.

Minimal prep means you can walk away and let the crockpot work its magic.

Savor each spoonful of this nostalgic, crowd-pleasing classic that feels like a culinary hug.

Dig in and let deliciousness unfold!

Comfort Classic: Crockpot Cheesy Beef and Noodles

  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: This one-pot wonder transforms dinner preparation into a stress-free experience, letting you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious meal with loved ones.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with rich, creamy cheese and hearty ground beef, this recipe guarantees smiles around the table, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: By using a crockpot and just a few simple ingredients, you can achieve a restaurant-worthy dish without complex cooking techniques or hours of preparation.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Whether you're feeding hungry kids, hosting a potluck, or craving a satisfying weeknight dinner, this cheesy beef and noodles recipe adapts to any dining scenario with minimal effort.

Ingredients to Create Cheesy Beef and Noodles

For the Base Ingredients:
  • Velveeta Cheese: A creamy processed cheese that melts smoothly and provides rich flavor to the dish.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds extra creaminess and helps create a smooth, velvety texture.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides a creamy base and enhances the overall flavor of the recipe.
  • Rotel Tomatoes: Brings a zesty kick and adds moisture to the crockpot mixture.
For the Protein:
  • Ground Beef: The main protein that gives the dish its hearty and satisfying character.
For the Pasta and Seasonings:
  • Bowtie Noodles: A fun pasta shape that catches the cheesy sauce perfectly.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Slow Cooker Steps for Cheesy Beef Noodles

Step 1: Prepare Cheese Base

Toss Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and Rotel tomatoes into the crockpot. Set the crockpot to high heat and let these ingredients start melting together while you prepare the beef.

This creamy mixture will create a rich and delicious sauce for your dish.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook the ground beef until it’s completely browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain away any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.

Step 3: Merge Beef and Cheese Mixture

Transfer the cooked ground beef into the crockpot with the melting cheese base. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring the beef is well coated with the creamy sauce.

Cover the crockpot and continue cooking on high for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally to help ingredients blend smoothly.

Step 4: Cook Bowtie Noodles

Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the bowtie noodles according to package instructions.

Once they reach the perfect al dente texture, drain the noodles completely, shaking off any excess water.

Step 5: Combine Final Ingredients

Add the cooked bowtie noodles directly into the crockpot with the cheesy beef mixture.

Gently stir to ensure every noodle gets coated with the creamy sauce. Let the noodles sit in the hot mixture for a few minutes to absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the steaming cheesy beef and noodles into serving bowls. The dish is now ready to be enjoyed hot, with its creamy texture and rich flavors that will satisfy everyone at the table.

Tips for Creamy, Perfect Crockpot Noodles

  • Remove all excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy dish and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
  • Use name-brand Velveeta for smoother melting and richer flavor that blends perfectly with the other ingredients.
  • Adjust the amount of cream of chicken soup if the mixture seems too thick or thin, creating your ideal creamy texture.
  • Cook bowtie noodles just until al dente and add them at the last minute to maintain their shape and avoid overcooking.
  • Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning into the beef for an extra flavor boost that elevates the entire dish.

Fun Variations on Cheesy Beef and Noodles

  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and swap Rotel for fire-roasted tomatoes to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
  • Ranch-Style Comfort: Mix in a packet of ranch seasoning and top with crispy bacon bits for a tangy, rich variation that elevates the classic recipe.
  • Mushroom Lovers Edition: Incorporate sautéed fresh mushrooms and use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken soup for an earthy, umami-packed version.
  • Italian-Inspired Option: Replace Velveeta with mozzarella, add Italian seasoning, and sprinkle grated parmesan on top for a Mediterranean-style transformation.

What to Serve With Cheesy Beef Noodles

  • Pair with Zesty Garden Salad: Create a crisp green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheesy beef and noodles.
  • Complement with Garlic Bread Soldiers: Slice a crusty baguette, toast with garlic butter, and serve alongside the dish for dipping and soaking up extra cheese sauce.
  • Match with Refreshing Amber Ale: Select a medium-bodied amber ale with subtle caramel notes that will balance the creamy, hearty flavors of the beef and cheese mixture.
  • Enhance with Quick Pickled Vegetables: Prepare quick pickled red onions or pepperoncini to add a bright, acidic contrast to the heavy, comforting main dish.

Storage Advice for Leftover Crockpot Noodles

  • Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring proper sealing to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled mixture to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Place desired portion in microwave-safe dish. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or water to prevent dryness. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of pasta instead of bowtie noodles?

Yes, you can substitute bowtie noodles with egg noodles, rotini, or any other pasta shape that holds sauce well. Just follow the package cooking instructions.

  • Is it okay to use lean ground beef?

Absolutely! Lean ground beef works great in this recipe. Just be sure to drain any excess fat after cooking to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can partially prepare this dish by browning the beef and mixing ingredients in the crockpot. Store in the refrigerator and finish cooking when ready to serve. Just add fresh noodles when you’re ready to eat.

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Easy Crockpot Cheesy Beef And Noodles Recipe

Easy Crockpot Cheesy Beef And Noodles Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this cheesy beef and noodles crockpot sensation that promises hearty satisfaction. Simple ingredients blend into a creamy, rich meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 2.25 pounds ground beef
  • 1 large block of Velveeta cheese
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) block of cream cheese

Starches:

  • 1 box of bowtie noodles

Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 can of cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can of Rotel tomatoes with chilies

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base by placing Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and Rotel tomatoes into the crockpot set on high heat. Allow ingredients to slowly melt while preparing the beef.
  2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until completely cooked through. Remove excess grease by draining thoroughly.
  3. Transfer cooked ground beef into the crockpot, stirring to integrate with melting cheese mixture. Cover and cook on high temperature for approximately 90 minutes, periodically mixing to ensure even melting.
  4. When crockpot mixture approaches final stages, boil bowtie noodles in a separate pot according to package instructions. Drain noodles immediately after reaching desired tenderness.
  5. Incorporate cooked noodles into crockpot, gently folding to distribute beef and cheese sauce evenly. Allow mixture to rest for 3-5 minutes, enabling noodles to absorb flavors and heat through completely.
  6. Serve hot directly from crockpot, portioning onto individual plates with a large serving spoon. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy beef and noodle combination while warm.

Notes

  • Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter dish.
  • Enhance flavor by adding minced garlic or onion powder to the ground beef while cooking for extra depth.
  • Substitute Velveeta with sharp cheddar cheese for a more authentic cheese taste and lower-processed option.
  • Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and checking cream of chicken soup ingredients for potential gluten content.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 650 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 25 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 1.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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