There’s something irresistible about the aroma of slow-cooked beef filling the air, making crockpot beef tips and noodles a comfort meal like no other. This dish combines tender beef that’s been simmered in savory gravy with hearty noodles, creating a meal that’s both filling and flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is the perfect choice for busy nights or lazy weekends.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every detail—from selecting the right beef, preparing the ingredients, to customizing the dish for your preferences. With internal links to other recipes and variations, you’ll be able to create a meal that suits your needs.
Looking for more ways to utilize your slow cooker? Check out this list of slow cooker dinners for more delicious ideas.
Why Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles?
The beauty of using a crockpot is the ability to set it and forget it. With minimal prep, you can have a delicious dinner waiting for you after a long day. Crockpots allow tough cuts of beef to slowly break down over time, becoming incredibly tender. This makes them the perfect tool for dishes like beef tips and noodles, where you want the beef to practically melt in your mouth.
Slow cooking also gives the beef time to absorb the rich flavors of the broth and seasonings, resulting in a dish with deep, comforting flavors. Plus, the gravy coats every piece of meat and noodle, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients for Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles
Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to make this classic dish. One of the best aspects of beef tips and noodles is that the ingredients are simple and easy to find. Most of them might already be in your pantry or fridge!
Essential Ingredients:
- Beef Tips or Stew Meat (1-2 pounds): Beef tips come from the tender part of the animal and work perfectly in slow-cooked recipes. If you can’t find beef tips, you can use stew meat or chuck roast cut into chunks.
- Beef Broth (2-3 cups): This is the base for your gravy. Opt for low-sodium broth if you want to control the salt content. For even richer flavor, consider making your own beef stock or using bone broth.
- Lipton Onion Soup Mix (1 packet): This adds depth to the dish, giving it a wonderful onion flavor.
- Brown Gravy Mix (1 packet): This helps thicken the broth and give it that classic, comforting flavor. You can also use a homemade gravy if you prefer.
- Egg Noodles (12 oz package): Egg noodles are the classic choice for beef tips and noodles. They’re soft, buttery, and absorb the gravy well. You can also opt for gluten-free noodles if necessary.
- Mushrooms (optional): Sliced mushrooms add a lovely earthy flavor to the dish. They also soak up the gravy beautifully.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): A must for adding umami flavor to the beef and gravy.
- Garlic and Onion (optional): These can be finely chopped and added for extra flavor. Fresh garlic, in particular, can make the dish even more fragrant.
Want to boost the nutrition in your meal? Adding vegetables like carrots, peas, or green beans is a great way to make this dish more well-rounded. For more vegetable ideas, check out healthy recipe options that go well with slow-cooked meals.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s move on to the cooking process. Crockpot meals are known for their simplicity, and beef tips and noodles is no exception. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to pull this off—just follow these steps.
1. Prepare the Beef
If you have time, searing the beef tips before placing them in the crockpot will enhance their flavor. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a little oil, and sear the beef on all sides until browned. This helps to lock in juices and gives the beef a richer flavor. However, this step is optional, and you can skip it if you’re short on time.
2. Assemble the Ingredients
Once the beef is ready, transfer it into the crockpot. Sprinkle the onion soup mix and gravy mix over the beef, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Add the beef broth, enough to fully cover the beef and provide a base for the gravy. If you’re using mushrooms, garlic, or onions, add them at this point for extra depth of flavor.
You can customize the gravy by adding more seasonings like paprika, thyme, or rosemary. For an extra creamy sauce, you could stir in a can of cream of mushroom soup. If you’re a fan of creamy dishes, you might also enjoy these creamy crockpot recipes.
3. Cook on Low
Set the crockpot to low and let it cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The key is patience—slow cooking gives the beef time to become incredibly tender and flavorful. The longer it cooks, the softer and more flavorful the beef becomes.
During the last hour of cooking, give everything a gentle stir to ensure the flavors are evenly mixed.
4. Cook the Noodles
While the beef is finishing up, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them well, then set them aside until you’re ready to serve. You can mix the noodles into the crockpot with the beef and gravy or serve them separately and spoon the beef over the top.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles
If you want to take your dish to the next level, here are a few expert tips and tricks to ensure that your crockpot beef tips and noodles turn out perfectly every time.
Use the Right Cut of Beef
Choosing the right cut of beef is essential for this dish. Look for cuts like chuck roast, stew meat, or beef tips. These cuts have the right amount of fat and connective tissue to break down slowly and become tender. Leaner cuts of meat may become tough or dry during slow cooking.
Searing the Beef
As mentioned earlier, searing the beef before adding it to the crockpot is optional but highly recommended. It helps to caramelize the outside of the meat, creating an extra layer of flavor. Just a few minutes on each side in a hot skillet can make a big difference.
Thickening the Sauce
If you find that your gravy is too thin, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry. To do this, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, and stir it into the crockpot during the last hour of cooking. The heat will activate the cornstarch, thickening the sauce into a rich, savory gravy.
Adding Vegetables
Don’t be afraid to toss in some vegetables! Not only do they add color and nutrients to your meal, but they also enhance the flavor of the dish. Carrots, peas, celery, or even green beans work well in this recipe.
Variations of Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles
While the classic version of beef tips and noodles is delicious, there are plenty of ways to mix things up. Here are some variations to consider:
1. Gluten-Free Option
If you’re avoiding gluten, you can easily swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta. You can also serve the beef tips over mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, or rice for a gluten-free option.
2. Creamy Beef Tips and Noodles
If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can add a can of cream of mushroom soup or stir in some sour cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This creates a more decadent, stroganoff-like dish that’s perfect for cold nights.
3. Different Noodles
While egg noodles are the traditional choice, you can easily swap them for other types of pasta. Fettuccine or pappardelle works well for a heartier dish. You could also serve the beef tips over rice, quinoa, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a lower-carb option.
Serving Suggestions
Crockpot beef tips and noodles is a hearty dish, but adding the right sides can make it a complete meal. Here are some serving suggestions to complement the flavors:
- Mashed Potatoes: For an extra indulgent meal, serve your beef tips over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
- Roasted Vegetables: Lightly roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus make a great side dish. The sweetness of the vegetables pairs well with the savory beef and noodles.
- Garlic Bread: A crispy side of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the gravy. Try out these garlic bread recipe for some delicious variations.
- Fresh Salad: A light salad with a simple vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the dish, balancing it out.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This dish is perfect for leftovers, and it actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze the dish, leave out the noodles as they don’t freeze well. Store the beef and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can cook fresh noodles to serve alongside it.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the beef tips and gravy in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to keep the sauce from drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen beef in the crockpot?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it will increase the cooking time. Make sure to allow for additional time for the beef to fully cook through. For best results, thaw the beef overnight in the refrigerator before placing it in the crockpot.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the egg noodles for a gluten-free alternative, or serve the beef over mashed potatoes or rice. You can also use gluten-free gravy and soup mixes.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
If your sauce turns out too thin, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The heat will activate the cornstarch, thickening the sauce into a rich gravy.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Vegetables like carrots, peas, celery, or green beans can be added during the last hour of cooking. They’ll add nutrition and color to the dish. You can also serve the beef tips with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a more balanced meal.
Conclusion
Crockpot beef tips and noodles is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to please. With its tender beef, flavorful gravy, and hearty noodles, it’s no wonder this recipe is a family favorite.
For more slow cooker inspiration and recipes, check out our website. Happy cooking!
