My grandfather swears by this sharp buttery depression era trick for an incredibly cheap and satisfying meal. Just 3 ingredients are all you need to make this golden savory comfort food magic.

This slow cooker 3-ingredient mustard butter noodle recipe is my nod to the kind of sharp, thrifty comfort food my grandfather grew up on during the Depression era. It’s incredibly cheap, filling, and relies on pantry basics: egg noodles, mustard, and butter. The slow cooker does the gentle work of softening the noodles and melding the tangy mustard with rich butter into a glossy, golden glaze. It’s the kind of simple, no-fuss dish you throw together on a busy weeknight or at the end of a long month when the grocery budget is stretched, but you still want something warm and satisfying in everyone’s bowl.

Serve these mustard butter noodles straight from the slow cooker while they’re hot and glossy. They’re lovely on their own in big bowls with a sprinkle of black pepper, or alongside simple sides like steamed frozen peas, sliced cucumbers, or a basic green salad. For a more filling plate, pair them with leftover roast chicken, pan-fried sausage, or a couple of fried eggs on top. A slice of buttered toast or crusty bread is great for mopping up any extra buttery mustard glaze at the bottom of the bowl.

Servings: 4

12 oz wide egg noodles (dry, uncooked)

Lightly grease the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with a small dab of butter to help keep the noodles from sticking too much.

Add the dry wide egg noodles to the slow cooker in an even layer, gently shaking the crock so they settle but don’t pack too tightly.

In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the yellow mustard and 1 1/2 cups hot tap water until the mustard is fully thinned out and no big streaks remain. This creates a sharp, tangy cooking liquid that will soak into the noodles.

Pour the mustard-water mixture evenly over the dry noodles, pressing the top noodles down very lightly with a spoon so most of them are moistened. It’s okay if a few edges stick up; they’ll soften as they steam.

Dot the butter pieces all over the top of the moistened noodles so they can melt down evenly as the slow cooker heats up, creating a rich, golden sauce with the mustard.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or on HIGH for about 1 hour. About halfway through the cook time, quickly lift the lid, give the noodles a gentle stir from the bottom up, and spread them back out. Replace the lid promptly so you don’t lose too much heat.

When the noodles are tender but not mushy and most of the liquid has been absorbed into a thick, glossy, yellow butter-mustard coating, turn off the slow cooker. The noodles should look slippery and lightly sticky, with a bright golden sheen.

Give everything a final gentle stir to coat every noodle in the sharp, buttery glaze. Taste and, if you like a stronger mustard kick, drizzle in up to 1 extra tablespoon of yellow mustard and stir again.

Serve the noodles hot straight from the slow cooker, spooning them into bowls while the sauce is still shiny and loose. The glaze will thicken slightly as it stands, which is part of the cozy, stick-to-your-ribs charm.

For younger or pickier eaters, you can reduce the yellow mustard to 1/4 cup for a milder, less sharp flavor, then add a small extra pat of butter at the end for extra richness. If your family loves tang, stir in a teaspoon of Dijon or spicy brown mustard right before serving for more bite, still keeping the core three-ingredient idea. To stretch the meal even further, you can toss in leftover cooked vegetables or bits of cooked meat right at the end, though that technically adds more ingredients beyond the classic Depression-style base. For a slightly creamier texture without changing the ingredient list, add an extra tablespoon or two of hot water near the end and stir until the butter and mustard loosen into a silkier sauce. Food safety tips: Make sure your slow cooker is set to LOW or HIGH as directed so the noodles heat quickly and safely; don’t leave the cooker on the “warm” setting for the full cook time. Keep the lid on as much as possible so the noodles cook evenly and the temperature stays high enough. Once cooked, hold the noodles on the warm setting for no more than 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking, and reheat thoroughly on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce before serving.