Craving a cozy, filling meal that’s packed with flavor and requires minimal effort? Look no further than this Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles recipe. It features melt-in-your-mouth beef simmered all day in a rich, savory gravy and served over tender egg noodles. This dish brings all the comfort of a Sunday dinner—without the stress.
Perfect for busy weeknights, cold days, or feeding a hungry family, this slow cooker meal is a guaranteed winner. It’s simple, hearty, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into chunks
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet brown gravy mix (1 oz)
- 1 packet onion soup mix (1 oz)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 12 oz egg noodles, cooked separately
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
- In a hot skillet, add olive oil and sear the beef pieces for 2–3 minutes until browned on all sides. This step enhances the flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- Place the seared beef, diced onion, and garlic into the slow cooker. Add the beef broth, brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), thyme, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is very tender.
Step 4: Thicken the Gravy
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix the cornstarch with water and stir it into the slow cooker. Cover and let the gravy thicken.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
- While the gravy is thickening, cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the beef and gravy over a bed of warm egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Variation:
- Creamy version: Stir in ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese at the end for a stroganoff-style twist.
- Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms and add them in the last hour for earthy flavor.
- Use other cuts: Chuck roast, round steak, or beef tips all work well.
- Low carb option: Serve over mashed cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
COOKING Note:
Beef stew meat needs time to become tender. Cooking on LOW is recommended for best results. If the gravy becomes too thick, add extra broth. If it’s too thin, simmer with the lid off for a bit longer or add more cornstarch slurry.
Serving Suggestions:
- Mashed potatoes: Serve beef tips over creamy mashed potatoes instead of noodles.
- Buttered egg noodles: Toss cooked noodles with a little butter and parsley.
- Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up all that savory gravy.
- Steamed green beans or broccoli: Adds color and freshness to the meal.
Tips:
- Always sear the meat for the richest flavor (if time allows).
- Cook noodles right before serving to avoid them becoming soggy.
- Store beef and noodles separately for best texture in leftovers.
- Use low-sodium broth and soy sauce to control saltiness.
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 7–8 hours on LOW or 4–5 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: ~8 hours 15 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: ~520
- Protein: ~42g
- Carbohydrates: ~32g
- Fat: ~25g
- Sodium: ~950mg
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~3g
Exact numbers vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
❓FAQs
Can I use frozen beef tips?
- Yes, but thaw them completely before adding to the crockpot to ensure safe and even cooking.
What kind of beef is best?
- Beef stew meat, chuck roast, or sirloin tips are great. The key is slow cooking to tenderness.
Can I cook the noodles in the crockpot?
- It’s best to cook noodles separately. Adding them too early can lead to overcooking and mushy pasta.
Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes! Prepare the beef and gravy, cool completely, and refrigerate. Reheat and cook fresh noodles before serving.
How long do leftovers last?
- Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Conclusion:
Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles is the kind of dish that brings warmth, comfort, and big flavor with very little effort. With fall-apart tender beef and a savory gravy that clings perfectly to buttery noodles, this slow cooker favorite is bound to become a go-to family meal.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping cozy leftovers for the week, this dish delivers comfort in every bite. Serve it up hot and hearty—no one will believe it was this easy to make.