Introduction
Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. This recipe features tender beef tips slow-cooked in a rich and savory gravy until they become melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop deeply, creating a comforting dish that’s full of warmth. Served over buttery egg noodles, this meal is satisfying, filling, and incredibly easy to make. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance yet flavorful meal, this crockpot recipe is an excellent choice.
Ingredients
For the Beef Tips:
- 2 lbs beef tips (sirloin, chuck, or stew meat), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with ¼ cup water for thickening)
For the Noodles:
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Preparation
Step 1: Sear the Beef Tips
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the beef tips with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Sear the beef in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. This helps lock in the flavors.
- Transfer the browned beef tips to the crockpot.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Transfer the onions and garlic to the crockpot with the beef tips.
Step 3: Prepare the Slow Cooker Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, rosemary, and Italian seasoning.
- Pour the mixture over the beef tips in the crockpot.
- Stir everything together to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Beef Tips
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- The beef should become fork-tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with ¼ cup water to create a slurry.
- About 30 minutes before serving, pour the slurry into the crockpot and stir well.
- Cover and let the sauce thicken.
Step 6: Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until tender.
- Drain and toss with butter, salt, and black pepper.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Spoon the beef tips and gravy over the buttery egg noodles.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Variation
- Mushroom Gravy: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms along with the onions for an earthy flavor.
- Creamy Beef Tips: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or sour cream at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Vegetable Addition: Include carrots and celery for a more wholesome dish.
- Different Noodles: Swap egg noodles with mashed potatoes, rice, or even buttered garlic spaghetti.
Cooking Note
- Searing the Beef: Although optional, searing enhances the depth of flavor in the final dish.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Cooking on low heat for 6-8 hours yields the most tender and flavorful results.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Add it gradually and stir well to avoid lumps in the gravy.
- Salt Levels: Adjust based on the type of broth used. If using a salted broth, reduce the additional salt.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes:
- Garlic butter green beans
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Side salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Homemade dinner rolls
- Garnishes:
- Freshly chopped parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Cracked black pepper
- Beverage Pairing:
- Sweet tea
- Lemonade
- Sparkling water
Tips
- Use the Right Cut of Meat: Chuck roast or sirloin are the best choices for slow cooking.
- Thickening Trick: If the gravy is too thin, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing Option: Freeze the beef tips (without noodles) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
6-8 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high)
Total Time
6 hours 15 minutes (minimum) to 8 hours 15 minutes (maximum)
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 480
Protein: 42g
Sodium: 920mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this recipe without a crockpot?
Yes! You can cook this on the stovetop in a Dutch oven. Simmer the beef tips over low heat for about 2-3 hours until tender.
Q2: Can I use frozen beef tips?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking. If cooking from frozen, extend the slow cooker time by 1-2 hours.
Q3: What other noodles can I use?
Aside from egg noodles, fettuccine, pappardelle, or even mashed potatoes work well.
Q4: How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and serve over mashed potatoes or rice instead of egg noodles.
Q5: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Carrots, mushrooms, and peas are great additions.
Q6: How can I make this dish richer in flavor?
Adding ½ cup of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the broth enhances the depth of the dish.
Conclusion
This Tremendous Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles recipe is the ultimate comfort food, delivering fork-tender beef in a savory, rich gravy served over buttery egg noodles. With minimal prep and a hands-free cooking process, this dish is a perfect choice for busy days when you still want a home-cooked meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to impress. Try out the variations to customize it to your taste, and enjoy a meal packed with warmth and flavor!
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Tremendous Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (minimum) to 8 hours 15 minutes (maximum)
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. This recipe features tender beef tips slow-cooked in a rich and savory gravy until they become melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop deeply, creating a comforting dish that’s full of warmth. Served over buttery egg noodles, this meal is satisfying, filling, and incredibly easy to make. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance yet flavorful meal, this crockpot recipe is an excellent choice.
Ingredients
For the Beef Tips:
- 2 lbs beef tips (sirloin, chuck, or stew meat), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with ¼ cup water for thickening)
For the Noodles:
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Beef Tips
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the beef tips with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Sear the beef in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. This helps lock in the flavors.
- Transfer the browned beef tips to the crockpot.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Transfer the onions and garlic to the crockpot with the beef tips.
Step 3: Prepare the Slow Cooker Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, rosemary, and Italian seasoning.
- Pour the mixture over the beef tips in the crockpot.
- Stir everything together to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Beef Tips
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- The beef should become fork-tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with ¼ cup water to create a slurry.
- About 30 minutes before serving, pour the slurry into the crockpot and stir well.
- Cover and let the sauce thicken.
Step 6: Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until tender.
- Drain and toss with butter, salt, and black pepper.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Spoon the beef tips and gravy over the buttery egg noodles.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Searing the Beef for Extra Flavor
- While optional, searing the beef tips before slow cooking enhances the depth of flavor. The caramelization adds a rich, umami-packed taste to the dish.
- Use high heat and a well-heated pan to achieve a deep brown crust without overcooking the beef.
- Choosing the Right Cut of Beef
- Chuck roast, sirloin tips, or stew meat are ideal choices for this dish because they become tender when slow-cooked.
- If using leaner cuts like sirloin, be cautious not to overcook them, as they might dry out.
- Enhancing the Gravy
- If you prefer an even richer gravy, add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the broth before slow cooking.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness and prevent an overly salty dish.
- Thickening the Sauce Properly
- The cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) should be added at the end of the cooking process to avoid clumping.
- If the sauce is still too thin, let it simmer for another 15-20 minutes uncovered to naturally reduce and thicken.
- Adjusting the Seasoning
- The slow cooker enhances flavors over time, so taste the dish before adding extra salt at the end.
- If the dish is too salty, balance it with a teaspoon of brown sugar or a splash of heavy cream.
- Best Side Dishes to Serve
- Vegetables: Roasted green beans, steamed broccoli, or a fresh garden salad complement the richness.
- Breads: Serve with homemade dinner rolls, garlic bread, or a crusty baguette to soak up the gravy.
- Storage and Meal Prep Tips
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The beef tips and gravy can be frozen separately for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding extra broth if needed.
- Reheating Without Drying the Meat
- When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to keep the beef tips moist.
- Use low heat to prevent overcooking the beef, which can make it tough.
- Customization and Flavor Enhancements
- Mushroom Addition: If you love mushrooms, add sliced mushrooms during the last hour of cooking for an extra earthy taste.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Creamy Option: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or sour cream at the end for a creamy, comforting gravy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high)
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
- Method: Slow Cooking (Crockpot/Slow Cooker)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 115mg