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

Scale

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