When it comes to hearty, comforting meals that require minimal effort, few recipes can compete with the magic of Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles. This dish is the ultimate in low-maintenance comfort food, delivering a savory, tender, and flavorful meal that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, feeding a crowd, or looking for an easy weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Slow-cooked beef tips, simmered in a rich, savory gravy, paired with soft, pillowy egg noodles—what’s not to love? The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its simplicity but also in the depth of flavor that’s developed during the slow cooking process. The beef becomes incredibly tender, practically melting in your mouth, and the noodles absorb all the flavors, creating a perfect marriage of textures. And best of all, this recipe does the hard work for you—just set it and forget it!
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step instructions for making Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles, as well as variations to personalize it to your liking. We’ll also provide tips for storing leftovers, reheating, and answer some frequently asked questions to ensure your recipe turns out perfectly every time.
Ready to create the best crockpot beef tips and noodles? Let’s get started!
Ingredients: What You’ll Need for Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles
This recipe is designed to be both simple and versatile. The ingredients are straightforward, and you may even already have some of them in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need for the Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles:
For the Beef Tips:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds of beef stew meat or beef tips (chuck or round cuts work best)
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 2 cups beef broth (you can use low-sodium broth for a healthier option)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (adds depth to the flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for a burst of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (adds savory umami flavor)
- 1 tablespoon flour (for thickening the gravy)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the beef)
- Salt and pepper to taste (season the beef to your liking)
For the Noodles:
- 12 ounces egg noodles (wide or medium)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for a creamy, rich texture)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (adds earthy flavor)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (for color and added nutrition)
Directions: How to Make the Perfect Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles
The beauty of this Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make. Most of the work is done by the slow cooker, which means you can go about your day while your meal simmers to perfection. Here’s the step-by-step guide to making this dish:
Step 1: Brown the Beef (Optional, But Highly Recommended)
Start by browning the beef tips for extra flavor. While this step is optional, it’s highly recommended because searing the beef helps develop a rich, deep flavor in the final dish.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the beef tips generously with salt and pepper.
- Add the beef to the hot skillet in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the beef on all sides for about 4-5 minutes until it forms a nice brown crust. This caramelization adds depth to the flavor.
- Once browned, transfer the beef tips to the Crockpot.
Step 2: Make the Flavorful Broth
Next, you’ll create the savory broth that will cook the beef and flavor the noodles.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and dry onion soup mix. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits are packed with flavor!
- Bring the mixture to a simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Then, pour the entire mixture into the Crockpot over the beef tips.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Beef
Now that the beef is ready, it’s time to let the Crockpot do its magic.
- Set the Crockpot to low and cook for 6-8 hours. The beef will become incredibly tender and flavorful, falling apart easily when you shred it with a fork.
- Alternatively, if you’re in a rush, you can cook on high for about 3-4 hours. However, slow cooking on low will give you the most tender results.
Step 4: Thicken the Gravy
Once the beef is done cooking, it’s time to create a thicker gravy to coat the beef and noodles.
- Remove the beef tips from the Crockpot and set them aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon flour and a bit of the cooking liquid from the Crockpot to create a smooth slurry.
- Stir the slurry back into the Crockpot and cook on high for another 10-15 minutes until the gravy thickens to your liking.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
While the gravy is thickening, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them well.
- Stir the cooked noodles into the Crockpot, ensuring they are fully coated in the gravy.
- If you want a richer dish, you can stir in the heavy cream and butter at this stage for a creamy texture.
- Allow the noodles to simmer in the Crockpot for 5-10 minutes to soak up the gravy and flavors.
Step 6: Add the Beef Back
Now that the gravy is thickened and the noodles are ready, it’s time to add the beef back to the Crockpot.
- Shred the beef tips with a fork and stir them back into the Crockpot with the noodles and gravy.
- Let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the beef to absorb the flavors of the noodles and sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Serve the Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (including browning the beef).
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
- Total Time: 6.5 hours (including prep and cooking).
This recipe is perfect for a family dinner, and the generous servings ensure you’ll have enough to feed a crowd. If you have leftovers, they make great meals for the next few days!
Variations: Customize Your Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles
One of the best things about this Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles recipe is its versatility. Here are some ideas to personalize the dish to your taste:
- Vegetarian Version: You can swap the beef for mushrooms or a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegan-friendly version.
- Spicy Kick: If you love spice, add some red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or even a dash of hot sauce to the crockpot for an extra zing.
- Mushroom Beef Tips: Add a cup of sliced mushrooms to the Crockpot for a rich, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef.
- Creamy Beef Tips and Noodles: For a creamier texture, stir in a block of cream cheese or a little sour cream at the end of cooking.
- One-Pot Meal: Skip cooking the noodles separately. Add the uncooked noodles directly to the Crockpot about 30 minutes before serving, but be sure to add extra broth or water to ensure the noodles cook evenly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, don’t worry—Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles stores and reheats beautifully!
Storing Leftovers:
- In the Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- In the Freezer: You can freeze this dish for up to 2-3 months. However, the noodles might become a bit mushy when reheated. If you plan to freeze, it’s best to cook the noodles separately and add them later.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Reheat in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of beef broth or heavy cream to restore moisture and heat for 2-3 minutes or until warm.
- Stovetop: To reheat on the stovetop, add the beef and noodles to a saucepan with a little extra broth or cream. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
10 FAQs About Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles
- Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe? Yes! Chuck roast, sirloin tips, and round steak are great alternatives to beef stew meat. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Can I use frozen beef tips? Yes, frozen beef tips will work, but they may require an additional 1-2 hours of cooking time.
- How do I prevent the noodles from getting soggy? Add the noodles about 30 minutes before serving. You can also cook them separately and mix them in when ready to serve.
- Can I add vegetables to this dish? Absolutely! Carrots, peas, mushrooms, or even potatoes work well in this recipe. Just add them to the Crockpot during the last few hours of cooking.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? The dish is not naturally gluten-free due to the noodles and soy sauce. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles and substituting tamari for the soy sauce.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the beef and gravy a day ahead. Store it in the fridge and add the noodles and cream when you’re ready to serve.
- Can I double this recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe. Just be sure your Crockpot is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.
- Can I make this recipe without browning the beef? Yes, you can skip browning the beef, but browning adds extra flavor to the dish.
- What kind of noodles work best? Egg noodles are traditional, but wide noodles, rotini, or even pasta can be used.
- What should I serve with this dish? A side salad, green beans, or roasted vegetables are great options to balance out the richness of the beef and noodles.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles recipe is the definition of comfort food—simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish to serve to a crowd, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. The beauty of slow cooking means you can set it and forget it while you go about your day, returning to a warm, comforting meal. With the variations and tips provided, you can customize this dish to suit your tastes.
Don’t wait for the perfect occasion—Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles is a meal that’s perfect for any time of the year. Happy cooking!