Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles

Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles is the ultimate slow cooker comfort food. Tender chunks of beef simmer all day in a rich, savory gravy, then get ladled over buttery egg noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping a cozy dinner for yourself, this dish is flavorful, fuss-free, and guaranteed to please.

This article will guide you step-by-step through making the perfect batch, from selecting your ingredients to storing leftovers. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just diving into the world of slow cooking, this dish is sure to earn a regular spot on your dinner menu.

Ingredients

For the Beef and Gravy:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for browning)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening)

For the Noodles:

• 12 ounces egg noodles
• Water and salt for boiling

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Sear the Beef for Extra Flavor

Before tossing everything into the slow cooker, give your beef a quick sear. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef in batches, allowing each piece to develop a brown crust. This step adds a rich, savory depth to the final dish.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear the beef in batches to avoid steaming the meat.

2. Build the Flavor Base

Once the beef is seared, transfer it directly to your crockpot. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and sauté the chopped onions until soft and golden, about 4–5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Spoon the onion and garlic mixture over the beef in the crockpot.

3. Add Liquids and Seasonings

Now it’s time to bring the dish together. Pour the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and tomato paste into the crockpot. Stir in thyme, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything gently to combine, ensuring the beef is well coated in the liquid.

4. Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover the crockpot and cook the mixture:

• On Low for 7–8 hours, or
• On High for 4–5 hours

The beef should become fork-tender and infused with flavor.

5. Thicken the Gravy

About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot to thicken the gravy. Cover and cook on High for another 30 minutes.

The gravy should thicken nicely and coat the beef beautifully.

6. Cook the Egg Noodles

While the gravy is thickening, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions (usually 6–8 minutes), until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

7. Bring It All Together

Once the beef and gravy are thickened to your liking, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the beef tips generously over the warm egg noodles, and top with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Tips for Perfecting Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles

Choose the Right Cut of Beef:
Sirloin tips, chuck roast, or stew meat all work well. These cuts become incredibly tender during slow cooking.

Don’t Skip the Searing:
While it adds a few extra minutes, searing the beef locks in juices and adds that irresistible caramelized flavor.

Use Low-Sodium Broth and Sauces:
This gives you better control over the final saltiness of the dish, especially with soy sauce and Worcestershire in the mix.

Thicken Smartly:
Always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to hot liquids. This avoids lumps and ensures a silky gravy.

Taste and Adjust:
Slow cookers can mellow out flavors. Before serving, give your dish a final taste and add salt, pepper, or even a splash of soy sauce if needed.

Variations

Mushroom Lovers’ Twist:
Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the crockpot during the last 2 hours of cooking. They soak up the flavor and add earthiness to the dish.

Creamy Version:
Stir in 1/4 cup of sour cream or heavy cream just before serving for a richer, creamy beef gravy.

Garlic Herb Boost:
Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme while cooking. Remove before serving for an herby aromatic touch.

Gluten-Free Option:
Swap egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or serve over mashed potatoes or rice instead.

Vegetable Add-Ins:
For more veggies, stir in frozen peas or steamed carrots during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Storage and Conservation

Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is great for make-ahead meals and leftovers. Here’s how to store it right:

Refrigeration:
Let the dish cool to room temperature. Store the beef tips and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store noodles separately to prevent them from getting soggy.

Freezing:
Freeze beef tips and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. Cook fresh noodles when ready to serve.

Note: Avoid freezing cooked egg noodles, as their texture may change after thawing.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Style:
Serve over buttery egg noodles with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and cracked black pepper.

Comfort Combo:
Pair with a side of steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for a balanced meal.

Rustic Twist:
Spoon the beef tips over creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter rice for a hearty variation.

Bread on the Side:
Add a warm slice of crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up every drop of that delicious gravy.

Top with a Crunch:
For a fun twist, add crispy fried onions or a sprinkle of parmesan on top before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I cook the noodles in the crockpot?
A: It’s not recommended. Cooking noodles directly in the crockpot can lead to a mushy texture. For best results, cook them separately and add them just before serving.

Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: Absolutely! You can use chuck roast, sirloin, stew meat, or even short ribs. Just make sure it’s a cut suitable for slow cooking so it becomes tender over time.

Q: What can I use instead of egg noodles?
A: You can serve the beef tips over rice, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower mash for a low-carb option. Any hearty starch works well with the savory gravy.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day. Cook the beef and gravy ahead, store it in the fridge, and reheat gently. Cook the noodles fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Q: Can I freeze Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles?
A: You can freeze the beef and gravy for up to 3 months. However, avoid freezing the noodles as they may become too soft once thawed. Just cook fresh noodles when ready to eat.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from being too salty?
A: Use low-sodium broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. You can always add more salt later, but you can’t take it out once it’s in.

Q: Is it okay to add vegetables to the crockpot?
A: Definitely! Carrots, mushrooms, or pearl onions make great additions. Just be sure to add more broth if you’re increasing the volume of ingredients.

Q: Can I use flour instead of cornstarch?
A: Yes, but flour needs to be cooked a bit longer to remove the raw taste. Mix 2 tablespoons of flour with 2 tablespoons of cold broth to make a slurry, then add it to the crockpot and cook for at least 30 minutes more on High.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is the kind of dish that brings people together. It’s deeply flavorful, incredibly satisfying, and wonderfully versatile. With tender chunks of beef and rich savory gravy spooned over soft noodles, every bite feels like a warm hug.

Whether you stick to the classic version or jazz it up with your own favorite additions, this recipe is a keeper. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or prepping lunches for the week—it’s a simple yet impressive dish you’ll want to make again and again.

So grab your slow cooker, set it, forget it (for a while!), and come back to a kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of home-cooked goodness.

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