Introduction
Hearty and comforting, Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles is a slow-cooked meal perfect for any night of the week. Tender beef tips, savory broth, and soft egg noodles come together in this flavorful, family-friendly dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef stew meat and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer browned beef to the crockpot.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Add onion and garlic mixture to the crockpot. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Add sliced carrots and mushrooms to the crockpot, mixing with the beef and broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in egg noodles. Cover and cook until noodles are tender, about 30 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap the Beef: If you’re out of beef stew meat, you can use boneless beef chuck roast cut into cubes. For a leaner option, try using sirloin. For a different protein, chicken thighs can be substituted, although the cooking time may vary slightly.
- Change Up the Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables based on your preference. Potatoes, parsnips, or celery can add additional heartiness. If you’re a fan of greens, stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Use Gluten-Free Noodles: For a gluten-free option, replace the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta. Cook the gluten-free pasta separately and stir it into the crockpot just before serving to maintain its texture.
Cooking Notes
- For a richer flavor, use red wine to deglaze the skillet after sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the crockpot.
- Egg noodles can be substituted with other types of pasta if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Freshly Baked Bread: Pair this dish with warm, crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful sauce. The bread complements the hearty beef and noodles, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
- Top with Fresh Herbs: While parsley is suggested, you can also garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant finish. The fresh herbs not only brighten the dish visually but also add a subtle, earthy aroma to the meal.
- Add a Side Salad: Balance the rich flavors of the beef and noodles with a crisp, refreshing side salad. A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works well to cut through the dish’s richness and provides a light, contrasting texture.
Tips
- Brown the Beef Thoroughly: Browning the beef before adding it to the crockpot is a crucial step that adds depth of flavor to the dish. The caramelized crust on the meat enhances the overall richness of the stew, making every bite more satisfying. Use medium-high heat and don’t overcrowd the skillet to ensure even browning.
- Deglaze the Pan for Extra Flavor: After browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic, deglaze the skillet with a splash of beef broth or red wine. Scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, as these carry intense flavor. Add this mixture to the crockpot for a richer, more complex taste.
- Layer Ingredients Strategically: When assembling the crockpot, place the beef at the bottom so it cooks evenly in the liquid. Vegetables should go on top to prevent them from becoming overly mushy. This layering helps maintain the texture of the carrots and mushrooms.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per 1 serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef stew meat?
Absolutely! Beef chuck roast or sirloin are excellent alternatives as they become tender when slow-cooked. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use pork shoulder or even chicken thighs. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly based on the protein you choose. - What if I don’t have a crockpot?
No problem! You can use a large Dutch oven or an oven-safe pot. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop, then add the liquids and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 3-4 hours, checking occasionally to ensure it doesn’t dry out. The flavors will still be rich and delicious. - Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the egg noodles with a gluten-free pasta or rice noodles. Cook the gluten-free pasta separately to prevent overcooking, then mix it into the beef and sauce just before serving. Also, double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. - Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble all the ingredients (except the noodles) in the crockpot and store it in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to cook, simply set the crockpot to the desired time and temperature. For best results, add the noodles closer to serving time.
Conclusion
Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender beef, hearty vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles in a flavorful broth. It’s a versatile, easy-to-make dish that works for family dinners, meal prepping, or even special occasions. With the helpful tips, substitutions, and storage advice provided, you can customize this recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs while ensuring it’s a success every time. Enjoy the rich, slow-cooked flavors, and let it warm both your heart and your home!
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Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Hearty and comforting, Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles is a slow-cooked meal perfect for any night of the week. Tender beef tips, savory broth, and soft egg noodles come together in this flavorful, family-friendly dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef stew meat and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer browned beef to the crockpot.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Add onion and garlic mixture to the crockpot. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Add sliced carrots and mushrooms to the crockpot, mixing with the beef and broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in egg noodles. Cover and cook until noodles are tender, about 30 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use red wine to deglaze the skillet after sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the crockpot.
- Egg noodles can be substituted with other types of pasta if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Crockpot beef tips, beef noodles recipe, slow cooker beef