Slow Cooker Chili Lime Beef And Noodles

📝Shopping list

To make this amazing beef recipe you will need these simple ingredients: 

• stew meat - cut into bite-sized cubes
• beef broth
• lime juice*
• lime zest
• go-chu-jang sauce*
• onion powder
• garlic powder*
• salt
• rice noodles
• non-stick cooking agent*

This great meal is anything but the stereotypical slow cooking dish.  And the best part is that it makes a delicious tender beef and noodle meal - all in one pot! 

This flavorful dish is delicious, healthy and made with real ingredients.  It uses an inexpensive cut of meat making it an economical option to add to your list of easy recipes! Perfect for busy nights.  

🔪Instructions

• 👩‍🍳Start by coating your slow cooker with a non-stick cooking agent.  A spray or oil will both work well.  
• 👩‍🍳Place beef pieces into the bottom of the pot.  
• 👩‍🍳Add all remaining ingredients, other than noodles, on top of the beef and stir.  
• 👩‍🍳Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.  
• 👩‍🍳About half an hour before you are ready to serve, taste test sauce and beef. Cooked beef should be so tender it is falling apart.  You can add additional salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste if you like.  

Add noodles into slow cooker and spoon sauce over them. Cover again and continue to cook until noodles are soft and fully cooked. After 10-15 minutes,, open pot and stir noodles to ensure they are cooking equally.  Noodles should be ready to go in about 30 minutes.  

🍽Serving suggestions

• Serve this delicious crock pot dish garnished with sliced green onions, lime wedges, and sesame seeds. Soy sauce goes perfectly with this dish as well. A dollop of sour cream is also a delicious addition. 
• Black beans soup and a crisp fresh salad are perfect side dishes.  Alternatively, try it with garlic parmesan mushrooms or maple vanilla carrots for some extra "wow".  
• Another option is to serve beef in lettuce wraps for a delightfully different crunch!!  To dial up the spice level, try topping with some diced green chilies.

🔁Substitutions

1. I use stew meat which is already cut into bite-sized cubes.  It is easy and economical! However, cut up chuck roast, flank steak and skirt steak are also good options.  
2. You can use a fresh lime juice for this recipe if you like. Bottled lime juice is easier and works well too.  
3. If you can't find gochujang sauce in your grocery store, sweet chili sauce or red pepper paste will work.  
4. Avocado oil is my non stick spray of choice.

Storing

Store leftovers of this amazing dish in an airtight container or bag.  They will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.  Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

😉Hints & hacks

1.  Make sure your beef is nice and tender before adding noodles.  Turning tough beef into tender, juicy bites is where crockpots really shine.  If your meat is tough, it probably needs to cook a bit longer. 
2. This is a great recipe with a longer cooking time.   The perfect meal to come home to after a long day out of the house.  
3. This is one of my favorite meals to meal prep the night before.  Add all ingredients other than noodles into a food-safe bag or bowl and refrigerate overnight.  The next day, just toss it in your crockpot and you are set!  This gives your meat an extra chance to marinate in the great flavor of the sauce.
4. Store leftovers in meal-sized portions for easy, next day reheat-and-eat.
5. I always recommend the use of a slow cooker liner. Of course, this is an optional step. I like to purchase my liners in bulk for a less expensive per-piece price.
6. In the market for a new slow cooker? I love mine!