April Showers Supper: Only 4 simple ingredients. Perfect for those busy days when I need a warm meal ready with zero fuss

This 4-ingredient slow cooker ribbon noodle supper is my answer to those gray, drizzly evenings when I want something deeply savory and comforting, but have no bandwidth for fuss. Wide ribbon pasta gets tucked under a rich, caramelized onion–style beef gravy that simmers all day in the slow cooker, so by dinnertime you lift the lid to a steamy, glossy blanket of sauce clinging to every noodle.

It’s inspired by the flavors of classic Midwestern pot roast and noodles, but streamlined to the bare essentials so you can toss everything in, walk away, and come back to a warm, ready meal.

Serve these slow cooker ribbon noodles straight from the crock with a simple green side: steamed or roasted broccoli, a quick salad with a bright vinaigrette, or even sliced cucumbers with a splash of vinegar to cut through the richness. Warm crusty bread or dinner rolls are lovely for swiping up the extra sauce. If you enjoy wine, a light red like Pinot Noir or a medium-bodied white such as Chardonnay pairs nicely with the caramelized, beefy flavors.

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Ribbon Noodles

Servings: 4

Ingredients
2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1- to 1½-inch chunks
2 (10.5-ounce) cans condensed French onion soup
1 (1-ounce) packet dry onion soup mix
12 ounces wide ribbon pasta (such as pappardelle or extra-wide egg noodles)
Directions