Number one is his major must-have (he literally bought 100 of them!)

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It’s amazing on potatoes, too!
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### Beef and Noodles Recipe: A Warm Comfort Dish

This beef and noodles recipe offers a robust, fulfilling meal that is sure to quell your appetite and bring comfort to your heart. Featuring fork-tender pieces of beef cooked in a flavorful gravy and served atop noodles, it’s a dish that evokes cozy, nostalgic tastes, making it ideal for family gatherings or cold nights.

#### Flavor Profile
The meal showcases a deep, savory gravy that permeates each bite of the noodles, offering a soothing and pleasing experience. The blend of beef, stock, and seasonings creates a complexity of flavor that is both substantial and gratifying.

#### Skill Level
This recipe is straightforward and requires only a little hands-on involvement, making it approachable for chefs of all experience levels. The secret lies in a slow bake in the oven, which allows the beef to soften and the flavors to harmonize perfectly.

#### Recommended Tools
A Dutch oven is perfect for this recipe, enabling smooth transitions from stovetop to oven. If one is unavailable, a heavy skillet or a baking dish covered with aluminum foil can serve as substitutes.

#### Freezing and Storage
The meat and gravy freeze nicely, allowing for easy reheating and serving over fresh noodles at a later time. For optimum results, keep the noodles in the refrigerator separately until you are ready to enjoy the dish once more.

### Ingredient Notes
– **Beef**: Stewing beef or cubed chuck roast is suggested for its capacity to become juicy and tender during slow cooking.
– **Gravy**: Utilize low-sodium beef broth to control sodium levels, and be sure to include Worcestershire sauce for extra richness. You can thicken the gravy using a cornstarch slurry or flour.
– **Noodles**: Egg noodles work wonderfully for this dish, though medium-sized macaroni or shells can also be suitable.
– **Variations**: Don’t hesitate to incorporate vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, corn, or peas. For an alternate cooking method, think about trying a slow-cooker variant.

### Serving Ideas
Plate the beef and gravy over the prepared noodles, garnished with fresh parsley for an added pop of color and flavor. This meal pairs excellently with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a rounded dining experience.

### Storing Leftover Beef and Noodles
You can make this dish up to four days beforehand. Keep the noodles in the refrigerator separately until you’re set to reheat. When warming up, add a splash of water to the gravy to loosen it as needed. For extended storage, freeze the cooled beef (without noodles) in a sealed container for up to two months.

### Conclusion
This beef and noodles recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a soothing experience that brings warmth and satisfaction. With its rich tastes and tender beef, it’s bound to become a beloved dish in your home. Relish the creation process and the pleasure of sharing it with those you care about.

**Simple Slow Cooker Coq au Vin: A Guide to French Comfort Food**

Coq au Vin, a timeless dish from France, means “rooster in wine.” Traditionally, it consists of slow-cooking a rooster with wine, mushrooms, onions, bacon, and herbs. This dish, rich in rustic appeal, has been a cornerstone of French culinary tradition for centuries. Although the original recipe can be labor-intensive, the slow cooker provides a contemporary approach, making it easy for home cooks desiring comfort without complication.

**Ingredients:**

– 4-6 chicken thighs or drumsticks (skin-on for added flavor)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 slices of bacon, chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir is recommended)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
– 2 carrots, sliced
– Fresh parsley for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Ingredients:**
– Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
– In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.

2. **Brown the Chicken:**
– In the same skillet, add olive oil if necessary and brown the chicken on all sides. This step enhances flavor, but you can omit it if pressed for time. Move the chicken to the slow cooker.

3. **Sauté Vegetables:**
– In the same skillet, add onions and garlic, sautéing until aromatic. Incorporate mushrooms and carrots, cooking until they start to soften. Move to the slow cooker.

4. **Create the Sauce:**
– Pour the wine into the skillet, scraping any browned bits. Mix in chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf. Allow to simmer for a few minutes, then pour over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.

5. **Slow Cook:**
– Add the crispy bacon to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and flavors meld beautifully.

6. **Finish and Serve:**
– Before serving, take out the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

**Serving Suggestions:**

Coq au Vin pairs excellently with crusty French bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles, which absorb the rich, flavorful sauce. A side of green beans or a simple salad can provide a fresh contrast to the hearty dish.

**Tips for Success:**

– **Wine Selection:** Choose a wine you enjoy drinking, as its flavor will be prominent in the dish.
– **Browning the Chicken:** While optional, browning adds depth to the flavor and enhances the dish’s overall texture.
– **Thickening the Sauce:** If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken once cooked and simmer the sauce on the stove with a cornstarch slurry until it reaches the desired thickness.

**Conclusion:**

Slow Cooker Coq au Vin is a wonderful way to savor a French classic with minimal effort. This adaptation preserves the essence of the traditional dish while providing the convenience of modern cooking methods. Whether for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe brings a taste of France to your table with ease and sophistication.

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