Welcome to your new favorite comfort dish: Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles! This recipe brings together tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef tips, savory egg noodles, and a rich, flavorful gravy that’s guaranteed to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner to warm up chilly evenings or an easy meal to prepare on a busy day, this dish fits the bill perfectly. With minimal prep and a few hours in your trusty crockpot, you’ll have a delicious, home-cooked meal ready to serve.
Ready to whip up some magic in the kitchen? Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to create this heartwarming dish.
Ingredients
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this simple yet indulgent recipe:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or beef tips – The star of the dish! Look for well-marbled cuts for extra tenderness.
- 1 medium onion, diced – Adds a layer of sweetness and depth to the dish.
- 3 cups beef broth – The base of the rich, savory gravy.
- 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix – A quick way to pack in loads of flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – For that irresistible umami kick.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Because everything’s better with garlic.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – To sear the beef, locking in flavor.
- 12 oz egg noodles – Perfect for soaking up all that delicious gravy.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) – For a touch of color and freshness when serving.
Substitutions and Additions
This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Here are a few ways to customize it to your taste:
- Broth Swap: Don’t have beef broth on hand? Chicken or vegetable broth will work in a pinch. For a richer flavor, try using a mix of beef broth and red wine.
- Vegetable Add-Ons: Boost the nutrition by adding carrots, celery, or mushrooms. Toss them in with the beef and let them cook until tender.
- Onion Soup Mix Alternative: If you prefer a lower-sodium option, replace the onion soup mix with homemade seasoning (a mix of dried onion flakes, onion powder, and herbs).
- Extra Creaminess: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end of cooking for a creamier gravy.
- Spice It Up: For a hint of heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the gravy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break down this simple yet indulgent recipe into easy-to-follow steps. From preparation to finishing touches, here’s how to create Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
Preparation
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s set the stage for success:
- Prep the Ingredients
- Start by trimming any excess fat from the beef tips to ensure a clean, tender bite. Pat them dry with paper towels to help with browning.
- Dice your onion finely to release its sweet and aromatic flavor.
- Mince the garlic cloves for that signature, irresistible garlicky undertone.
- Gather Your Equipment
- Skillet: For searing the beef and sautéing the aromatics.
- Crockpot: The heart of the recipe. It will transform the beef into a melt-in-your-mouth delight.
- Mixing Bowl: To whisk together the sauce ingredients.
- Cooking Utensils: Tongs for handling the beef, a whisk, and a ladle for serving.
- Season the Beef
- Generously sprinkle salt and pepper over the beef tips. This simple step is key to enhancing their natural flavors.
Now you’re ready to get cooking!
Cooking in the Crockpot
Here’s where the magic happens:
- Sear the Beef
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef tips.
- Sear them on all sides until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step locks in juices and adds incredible depth to the dish.
- Transfer the seared beef to the crockpot.
- Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they release their aroma and soften.
- Pour the sautéed mixture over the beef in the crockpot.
- Mix the Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 packet of onion soup mix
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Whisk until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain. Pour this luscious mixture over the beef and onions in the crockpot.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Cook Low and Slow
- Set the crockpot to low and cook for 6–8 hours, or choose the high setting for 3–4 hours.
- As the beef cooks, it will absorb the rich flavors of the sauce and become wonderfully tender.
Finishing Touches
- Cook the Egg Noodles
- About 30 minutes before the beef is done, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the 12 oz egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine and Serve
- Once the beef is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened, give it a gentle stir. Ladle the beef and sauce over the warm egg noodles.
- Pro Tips for Perfection
- If the sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the crockpot. Cook on high for another 15–20 minutes to thicken.
- Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Now that your Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles are ready, let’s talk about the best ways to serve and enjoy this dish.
Occasions and Pairings
This recipe is versatile and fits beautifully into various settings:
- Weeknight Dinners: Perfect for busy evenings when you want a hearty, home-cooked meal with minimal effort.
- Family Gatherings: A crowd-pleaser that’s sure to win over everyone at the table.
- Comfort Food Nights: Ideal for cozying up on the couch with a bowl of this rich, warming dish.
Pair it with:
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or green beans complement the savory flavors.
- A Crisp Green Salad: The fresh crunch balances the dish’s richness.
- Crusty Bread or Rolls: Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
Presentation Ideas
Make your meal look as good as it tastes:
- Serve in wide, shallow bowls for an elegant yet comforting vibe.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color.
- For a rustic presentation, set the crockpot on the table with a ladle and let guests serve themselves.
Recipe FAQ
Cooking can sometimes bring up a few questions, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones to ensure you achieve perfect results every time.
Common Questions
- How can I substitute onion soup mix?
If you don’t have a packet of onion soup mix, don’t worry! You can make a homemade version by combining:- 2 tablespoons of dried onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried parsley or thyme
- A pinch of salt and pepper
This blend works beautifully to recreate the flavor profile of store-bought mixes.
- Can I cook the noodles directly in the crockpot?
While it’s tempting to toss the noodles in with the beef, it’s best to cook them separately. Adding noodles directly to the crockpot can lead to mushy textures, as they’ll overcook in the slow-cooking environment. If you must add them, stir them in during the final 30 minutes of cooking with a bit of extra liquid.
Troubleshooting Tips
- How can I thicken the sauce?
If your gravy isn’t as thick as you’d like, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the crockpot. Cook on high for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. - How do I prevent overcooked beef?
Overcooked beef can become dry, even in a slow cooker. Stick to the recommended cook times: 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high. Using well-marbled beef tips also helps retain moisture and tenderness.
Storage and Reheating
Once you’ve savored your Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles, you might have leftovers. Here’s how to keep them just as delicious as the first bite:
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, place cooled beef tips and sauce in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. (Freeze noodles separately for the best texture.)
Reheating and Serving
- Reheating: Warm the beef and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. For quicker reheating, use the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round.
- Reviving Texture: Add a splash of broth while reheating to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles recipe, you’ll love these flavorful dishes from Creative’s Cookery:
- Garlic Steak Bites Recipe (Crockpot): A juicy, savory recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crockpot French Onion Chicken: A rich and flavorful chicken dish slow-cooked with caramelized onions.
- Easy Crockpot Mississippi Beef and Noodles: A tangy twist on the classic beef and noodle combo.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to make this recipe your next go-to dinner:
- Comfort Food Appeal: With its hearty flavors and rich textures, this dish feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
- Ease of Preparation: Thanks to the crockpot, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
This is the kind of meal that brings people together and makes them feel cared for.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both simple and sensational, Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is the answer. The tender beef, rich gravy, and buttery egg noodles come together to create a meal that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.
PrintCrockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: Up to 8 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender beef tips slow-cooked to perfection, combined with buttery egg noodles and a rich, savory gravy. This easy Crockpot recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or beef tips
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the seasoned beef tips until browned. Transfer to a Crockpot.
- Sauté onion and garlic in the same skillet and add to the Crockpot.
- In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and flour. Pour over the beef.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook egg noodles according to package instructions.
- Serve beef tips and gravy over the noodles, garnished with parsley.
Notes
- For a thicker gravy, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir into the Crockpot in the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- Add vegetables like carrots or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
Keywords: Slow Cooker Beef Tips, Crockpot Beef Stew with Noodles, Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe