Easy Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
If you’re searching for a hearty, flavorful Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles recipe that’s simple to make and perfect for a cozy, comforting meal any day of the week, you’ve come to the right place. This dish combines tender, slow-cooked beef tips with silky noodles and a rich, savory gravy, making it an irresistible hug in a bowl. Whether you’re craving a no-fuss family dinner or a satisfying meal to warm you up after a long day, this recipe delivers incredible taste with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Comfort Food: Let your crockpot do the work while you relax and know a delicious meal is on its way.
- Rich, Deep Flavors: Slow cooking allows the beef to soak up every essence of herbs and seasonings for maximum taste.
- Perfectly Tender Beef: The long, slow cook transforms tougher cuts into melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe pleases both kids and adults, making dinnertime easier for everyone.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Easily tweak the ingredients to fit what you have or your dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients used. Each component balances texture and flavor, delivering a comforting dish without any fuss.
- Beef Tips: Choose lean stew meat or sirloin tips for a tender and juicy main protein.
- Beef Broth: Provides a savory base that enriches the gravy and softens the meat.
- Onion Soup Mix: Adds a burst of hearty flavor and is a secret ingredient that brings everything together.
- Mushrooms: Optional but highly recommended for earthy depth and texture contrast.
- Egg Noodles: Classic, wide noodles that soak up the sauce perfectly without getting mushy.
- Garlic and Seasonings: Fresh or powdered, these elevate the dish with aromatic warmth.
- Cornstarch Slurry: For thickening the gravy to the perfect consistency.
Variations for Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
Feel free to personalize this dish to your liking. The adaptable nature of Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles makes it a great base for experimentation or accommodation of dietary needs.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap beef tips for portobello mushrooms or seitan to keep the hearty texture.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace noodles with zoodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
- Herb Infusion: Throw in fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs during cooking to enhance aroma.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for richness.
How to Make Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Tips
Start by trimming any excess fat from your beef tips to avoid greasy gravy. For an extra boost of flavor, quickly sear the meat in a hot skillet until browned on all sides before placing it in the crockpot.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Seasonings
Pour beef broth over the seared beef and sprinkle in the onion soup mix, garlic, and any herbs you prefer. Stir gently to combine and distribute the flavors evenly.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking tenderizes the beef and concentrates the stew-like flavors.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Noodles
During the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the egg noodles and mushrooms if using. Let them cook in the hot broth until tender but still firm to the bite.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the crockpot. Cook for an additional 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens into a luscious gravy.
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
- Brown the Meat First: Searing beef tips adds flavor and color that slow cooking alone can’t achieve.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Adding herbs toward the end helps preserve their bright, fresh taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Add noodles late to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Layer Flavors: A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika enhances the depth of flavor.
- Stir Occasionally: Gently stir when adding noodles to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a pop of color and a touch of freshness that balances the richness of the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve with a side of steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp garden salad for a nourishing meal. Crusty bread also pairs perfectly to soak up every last bit of gravy.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles over cauliflower mash or in a bread bowl for a fun twist on presentation that impresses family and guests alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after sitting, making it even tastier the next day!
Freezing
This dish freezes well in portioned containers. Make sure it’s fully cooled before freezing, and consume within 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly without drying out the beef or noodles.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! Beef chuck or stew meat work great because they become tender during slow cooking, but sirloin tips can also be used for a leaner option.
How long can I cook the beef tips without overcooking?
Cooking on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours is ideal to tenderize the meat without turning it mushy.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe for an Instant Pot by using the pressure cooker function and reducing the cook time significantly, typically around 35 to 45 minutes on high pressure.
Should I add the noodles at the start?
It’s best to add noodles near the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming overly soft and breaking down.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free noodles or swap noodles for spiralized vegetables like zucchini to keep the dish gluten-free while maintaining texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles to bring comfort and joy to your table. It’s effortless, delicious, and adaptable to whatever you have on hand, making it a true weeknight winner. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy the cozy, satisfying flavors that only a slow-cooked meal can offer.
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PrintCrockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
Hearty and flavorful Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles feature tender, slow-cooked beef tips simmered in a rich savory gravy with silky egg noodles, perfect for a cozy family meal with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free noodles or substitutes)
Ingredients
Beef and Broth
- 2 lbs lean stew meat or sirloin tips, trimmed
- 4 cups beef broth
Seasonings and Flavorings
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- Optional: fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
- Optional: splash of Worcestershire sauce or smoked paprika
Vegetables
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
Noodles and Thickener
- 3 cups wide egg noodles
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Tips: Trim any excess fat from the beef tips to avoid greasy gravy. For extra flavor, quickly sear the meat in a hot skillet until browned on all sides before placing it in the crockpot.
- Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour beef broth over the seared beef and sprinkle in the onion soup mix, garlic, and any preferred herbs. Stir gently to combine and evenly distribute the flavors.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the beef to tenderize and the flavors to concentrate.
- Prepare the Egg Noodles: During the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the egg noodles and mushrooms if using. Let them cook in the hot broth until tender but still firm to the bite.
- Thicken the Gravy: Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the crockpot. Cook for an additional 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens into a luscious gravy.
Notes
- Brown the Meat First: Searing beef tips adds flavor and color that slow cooking alone can’t achieve.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Adding herbs toward the end helps preserve their bright, fresh taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Add noodles late to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Layer Flavors: A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika enhances the depth of flavor.
- Stir Occasionally: Gently stir when adding noodles to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: crockpot beef tips, slow cooker beef tips noodles, comfort food, beef tips and noodles, easy crockpot dinner, family recipe