:Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor, look no further than this :Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles recipe. This slow cooker classic delivers tender, juicy beef tips slowly simmered to perfection alongside soft, savory egg noodles, creating a dish that feels like a cozy hug in every bite. Ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, filling masterpiece you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Slow Cooking: Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the work while you relax or get on with your day.
- Perfectly Tender Beef: Slow simmering breaks down the meat fibers for the melt-in-your-mouth texture every beef lover craves.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: The rich gravy and noodles make it an ultimate soul-warming dish, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Family Friendly: This recipe pleases picky eaters and grown-ups alike, creating smiles around the dinner table.
- Versatile Meal: Pair with veggies or serve solo; it adapts easily depending on what you have at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to great :Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles. Each component plays a key role—from tender beef to flavorful broth—ensuring a balanced dish with an inviting aroma, vibrant color, and satisfying richness.
- Beef Tips: Use chuck roast or stew meat cut into bite-sized pieces for the best tenderness after slow cooking.
- Beef Broth: Provides a hearty, flavorful base that enhances every other ingredient in the dish.
- Egg Noodles: Soft and slightly chewy, these noodles soak up the delicious gravy perfectly.
- Onion and Garlic: Fresh aromatics that add depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
- Mushrooms: Optional but highly recommended—mushrooms add earthiness and texture without overpowering.
- Thickening Agent: Cornstarch or flour helps create a luscious gravy that clings beautifully to noodles and beef.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or parsley brighten and balance the rich flavors.
Variations for :Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
One of the joys of this recipe is how easy it is to tweak according to your taste or what’s in your pantry. Whether you’re looking for a lighter option or an indulgent twist, customizing your :Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is a breeze.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap butter or cream for olive oil and use coconut milk for a creamy yet allergy-friendly option.
- Vegetable Boost: Add carrots, peas, or green beans to sneak extra nutrients and bright colors.
- Rich and Creamy: Stir in sour cream or cream cheese right before serving for extra decadence.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of cayenne or a dash of smoked paprika for a little heat and smoky depth.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles and a cornstarch slurry to keep the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
How to Make :Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by trimming any excess fat from your beef tips and chopping onions, garlic, and mushrooms if using. This sets the stage for deep, savory flavors as the broth simmers.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
For an extra layer of flavor, quickly brown the beef tips on all sides in a hot pan with a bit of oil. This caramelization locks in juices and adds richness to your meat.
Step 3: Combine in the Crockpot
Add the seared beef tips, onions, garlic, mushrooms, and beef broth into the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, and your chosen herbs, then cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours until beef is fork-tender.
Step 4: Prepare the Noodles
About 30 minutes before serving, cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside to add fresh or toss gently with the beef mixture directly in the slow cooker.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Make a slurry by mixing cornstarch or flour with a little cold water. Stir it into the crockpot to thicken the sauce, allowing it to cook for another 15 minutes until glossy and smooth.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Mix the cooked noodles gently into the beef and gravy, ensuring even coating. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Pro Tips for Making :Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
- Use Quality Beef: Choosing chuck roast or stew meat ensures tender results after slow cooking.
- Don’t Skip Searing: Browning beef first locks in flavor and prevents a flat taste in your final dish.
- Add Noodles Last: To avoid sogginess, cook noodles separately and add them near the end.
- Layer Flavors: Use fresh herbs and seasoning at different stages for a more complex taste.
- Keep an Eye on Thickness: Adjust cornstarch quantity based on your preferred sauce consistency.
How to Serve :Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley or thyme leaves add a burst of color and brightness that complements the rich beef and noodles perfectly.
Side Dishes
Your :Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles pairs beautifully with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp garden salad to balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the beef tips and noodles over creamy mashed potatoes for extra indulgence or pile into puff pastry shells for a fun twist on presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer leftover beef tips and noodles to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days to enjoy later without sacrificing taste.
Freezing
This dish freezes well—store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture.
Reheating
Rewarm leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickened too much while chilled.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes! While chuck roast or stew meat are ideal for slow cooking and tenderness, brisket or round cuts can also work as long as they are cooked slowly to break down the fibers.
Is it necessary to brown the beef first?
Browning adds extra flavor and color but skipping this step still yields a tasty meal. The slow cooker will tenderize the beef over time regardless.
Can I use fresh noodles instead of dried egg noodles?
Fresh noodles are fine but tend to cook faster and can become mushy if left too long in the crockpot, so add them just before serving.
How do I make the gravy thicker?
Use a slurry made from cornstarch or flour mixed with cold water, and stir it into the crockpot near the end of cooking, allowing the gravy to thicken within 10-15 minutes.
Can this recipe be adapted for the Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Brown the beef using the sauté function, then pressure cook on high for about 35-40 minutes, followed by a quick release. Add noodles and cook separately to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This :Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles recipe is a foolproof way to bring comfort, warmth, and hearty satisfaction to your dinner table with minimal effort. Once you try this slow cooker favorite, you’ll understand why it’s a go-to meal for busy nights and cozy occasions alike. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, set your crockpot, and get ready to enjoy a delicious, homemade classic that feels like a big welcome home hug.
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:Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
This Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles recipe is a warm, comforting slow cooker classic featuring tender, juicy beef tips simmered to perfection with savory egg noodles in a rich, flavorful gravy. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, it’s an effortless, hearty meal that satisfies the whole family.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes (low) or 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be adapted to Gluten Free
Ingredients
Beef and Broth
- 2 pounds beef tips (chuck roast or stew meat), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups beef broth
Aromatics & Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (optional)
Noodles and Thickening
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Variations
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for dairy-free)
- ½ cup coconut milk (for dairy-free creamy option)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or pinch of cayenne (for spicy kick)
- Additional vegetables: carrots, peas, or green beans
- Gluten-free noodles and cornstarch slurry (for gluten-free version)
- Sour cream or cream cheese (for rich and creamy version)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Trim excess fat from beef tips. Chop onion, garlic, and mushrooms (if using) to prepare for slow cooking.
- Sear the Beef: Heat a bit of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Brown beef tips on all sides quickly, locking in juices and adding rich flavor.
- Combine in the Crockpot: Add seared beef, onion, garlic, mushrooms, and beef broth into the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours until beef is fork-tender.
- Prepare the Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch or flour with cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the crockpot, cooking for an additional 15 minutes until sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Combine and Serve: Gently mix cooked noodles into the beef and gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use chuck roast or stew meat for the most tender beef results.
- Don’t skip searing to enhance flavor and depth.
- Cook noodles separately and add near the end to prevent sogginess.
- Adjust cornstarch quantity to reach preferred sauce thickness.
- Optionally add extra vegetables for more nutrients and color.
- For a dairy-free version, use olive oil and coconut milk instead of butter or cream.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute egg noodles with gluten-free noodles and use cornstarch as the thickener.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for 3-4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: beef tips, crockpot, slow cooker, beef stew, egg noodles, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, hearty, gluten free option