Start by seasoning your 3-pound chuck roast generously with salt and pepper. This enhances the flavor before slow cooking begins. Place the seasoned roast directly into the slow cooker so it rests flat at the bottom. Don’t skip the searing, as the slow cooker will still give it a nice, soft texture by the end.
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and au jus gravy mix evenly over the beef. Add the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter on top. Then, place 5-6 whole pepperoncini peppers around the beef and pour in ¼ cup of the pepper juice. Add 1 cup of beef broth to keep the roast moist during cooking and to form the gravy.
Cover the crockpot and cook the beef on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours. Low heat is best to allow the meat to break down and become tender. Once it’s fully cooked, it should easily fall apart when you press a fork into it.
Once the beef is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot. Stir the meat into the juices and seasoning so it becomes fully coated with flavor. This will create a rich, savory meat mixture that’s perfect for tossing with the noodles.
In a separate pot, boil the egg noodles according to package instructions—usually 7 to 8 minutes in salted water. Once cooked, drain them well in a colander. Add the noodles to the crockpot and mix them into the shredded beef mixture. Make sure they’re fully coated with the gravy.
Spoon the beef and noodles into bowls or plates. If you like, top with chopped fresh parsley for a bit of color and freshness. This dish is great served with crusty bread or a simple green salad for balance.