Slow cooker 5-ingredient Amish bacon onion noodles are the kind of humble comfort food that prove a few pantry basics can turn into something deeply satisfying. This dish leans on old-fashioned flavors many Midwestern cooks know well—egg noodles, bacon, and onions cooked down until sweet and savory—then lets the slow cooker make the process easy. It is especially worth making when you want a cozy side dish or simple main that feels hearty, nostalgic, and unfussy.
Serve these noodles alongside roast chicken, pork chops, meatloaf, or simple sausage for a full comfort-food meal. They also work well with green beans, buttered peas, a crisp cucumber salad, or stewed apples to balance the richness. If you are serving them as a main dish, a side of braised cabbage or a leafy salad with a sharp vinaigrette gives the plate some welcome contrast.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Amish Bacon Onion Noodles
Servings: 6
Ingredients
12 ounces thick-cut bacon, chopped
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
12 ounces wide egg noodles
3 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
Directions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until most of the fat has rendered and the bacon is just beginning to crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate, leaving the fat in the skillet.
2. Add the sliced onions to the skillet with the bacon fat and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often, until they are soft, golden, and lightly caramelized.
3. Add the onions and all of the skillet drippings to the slow cooker. Stir in the chicken broth and butter, then add the egg noodles. Cover and cook on low for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring once or twice if possible, until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Stir the cooked bacon back into the noodles, cover for 5 more minutes to warm through, then toss well and serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Add a little extra richness: If you want a silkier finish, stir in an extra tablespoon or two of butter just before serving. A spoonful of sour cream can also mellow the salty bacon flavor and make the noodles a bit creamier.
Watch the liquid level: Different brands of egg noodles absorb broth at different rates, so check the slow cooker near the 1 1/2-hour mark. If the noodles seem dry before they are tender, add a splash more broth. If they look too loose at the end, uncover for a few minutes so excess moisture can cook off.
Make it a fuller meal: For a heartier main dish, add cooked shredded chicken, sliced smoked sausage, or even extra bacon. These additions keep the spirit of the dish intact while making it substantial enough for supper.
Try a sweeter onion profile: Vidalia onions work nicely here when they are in season, giving the noodles a gentler sweetness. This is a good option if you want the onion flavor to be softer and more pronounced than the bacon.