Get ready to fall in love with pure comfort food! Tender Crockpot Beef Tips with Noodles is the ultimate answer to busy days, chilly nights, and those moments when you just want something rich, hearty, and impossibly satisfying. Imagine bites of beef so tender they practically melt in your mouth, all nestled in a savory gravy and served over buttery egg noodles. Every forkful brings cozy flavor and family-table nostalgia, yet it’s effortless enough for a weeknight. Trust me, this is a recipe you’ll reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
At its heart, Tender Crockpot Beef Tips with Noodles depends on a short list of down-to-earth ingredients that truly shine together. Each one brings something important to the table, whether it’s deep flavor, tempting texture, or a bit of brightness at the finish.
- Beef stew meat or sirloin tips: These cuts become incredibly tender after slow cooking and absorb the delicious sauce.
- Olive oil: Used to brown the beef for a richer, deeper flavor base.
- Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the savory sauce.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves add a warm, aromatic boost.
- Beef broth: The backbone of your gravy—full-bodied and robust.
- Worcestershire sauce: This classic ingredient brings umami complexity.
- Soy sauce: Enhances savoriness and rounds out the flavors.
- Dried thyme: Adds gentle earthiness and an herby note.
- Black pepper: For a subtle, peppery bite.
- Salt: Draws out all those meaty, savory notes.
- Cornstarch and water: Whisked together for a quick, easy thickening slurry.
- Egg noodles: Perfectly soft and the ideal base for soaking up every bit of gravy.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): This fresh garnish pops with color and a touch of herbal freshness.
How to Make Tender Crockpot Beef Tips with Noodles
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Turn up the flavor by quickly searing your beef tips in a hot skillet with a splash of olive oil. Work in batches—don’t crowd the pan—until each piece gets that delicious golden-brown crust. This simple step, while technically optional, locks in juices and gives your finished dish that irresistible savory depth we all crave.
Step 2: Layer in the Flavor
Next, transfer the browned beef tips into your slow cooker. Top them with diced onion and minced garlic, then pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir so those flavors mix and mingle, setting the stage for a deeply flavorful, slow-cooked gravy.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and set it on low for 7 to 8 hours (or high for around 4 to 5 hours) and let the magic happen. By the end, your beef should be fork-tender, swimming in a dark, savory sauce that smells absolutely heavenly.
Step 4: Thicken the Gravy
Fifteen minutes before you’re ready to serve, whisk together cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Stir it into the crockpot and let the sauce thicken as everything finishes cooking. This step gives you that velvety gravy that clings perfectly to noodles.
Step 5: Boil the Noodles
While the sauce thickens, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside—they’ll be the cozy nest for your beef and gravy.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Time for the grand finale! Spoon those tender beef tips and plenty of rich gravy over a pile of egg noodles, and finish with a sprinkle of vibrant, fresh parsley if you like. Your Tender Crockpot Beef Tips with Noodles is ready for the spotlight.
How to Serve Tender Crockpot Beef Tips with Noodles
Garnishes
A little garnish makes your plate pop! Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley right before serving for a burst of color and freshness. If you’re feeling fancy, a grating of Parmesan or a dusting of cracked black pepper adds even more flair to Tender Crockpot Beef Tips with Noodles.
Side Dishes
This dish loves classic sides. Think a crisp green salad, buttered peas, roasted carrots, or steamed broccoli. Warm dinner rolls or a chunk of crusty bread are perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce. Simplicity is key—let the beef and noodles shine as the star.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to mix things up, serve the beef tips and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even buttery polenta for a little culinary twist. Try making individual servings in ramekins for a dinner party—a fun way to make Tender Crockpot Beef Tips with Noodles feel extra special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Beef tips and gravy keep beautifully in the refrigerator! Let the dish cool a bit, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious for up to 4 days. Store the noodles separately to preserve their texture, and just combine when reheating.
Freezing
Tender Crockpot Beef Tips with Noodles is also freezer-friendly. Freeze the beef tips and gravy (without the noodles) in a labeled container or ziplock bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm the beef tips and gravy on the stovetop over medium-low heat until hot and bubbly. Add a splash of broth or water if it needs loosening. Noodles reheat quickly in the microwave—just cover and use short bursts so they don’t dry out!
FAQs
Can I skip browning the beef to save time?
You can, and the dish will still be plenty tasty, but browning adds extra depth and complexity to the final flavor. If you’re short on time, it’s fine to skip—just expect a slightly milder gravy.
What type Main Course
Stew meat and sirloin tips are both ideal thanks to their marbling and texture after slow cooking. Even budget-friendly cuts like chuck roast work beautifully with this method.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free noodles and use tamari instead of soy sauce. Always check your broth and Worcestershire sauce labels to be sure they’re gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
Absolutely—mushrooms, carrots, or peas make tasty additions. Add firmer veggies like carrots at the start, but save tender ones (like peas) for the last 30 minutes of cooking so they don’t get mushy.
What’s the difference between cooking on low or high?
Cooking on low yields the most tender beef, but if you’re shorter on time, the high setting still delivers comfortingly soft results in about half the time. Just keep an eye on liquid levels and doneness after 4 hours on high.
Final Thoughts
This warm bowl of Tender Crockpot Beef Tips with Noodles is the kind of mealtime magic you’ll be proud to serve—and grateful to eat. Whether for family, friends, or a well-deserved solo night in, it never fails to impress or comfort. Go ahead, give it a try and discover your new favorite cold-weather classic!
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Tender Crockpot Beef Tips with Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (on low)
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these tender crockpot beef tips served over a bed of buttery egg noodles. This slow-cooked dish is rich in flavor and perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Beef Tips:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or sirloin tips (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Thickening:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
To Serve:
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the beef tips in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer to the crockpot.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add onion, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours until beef is tender.
- Thicken the Sauce: Whisk together cornstarch and water, then stir into the crockpot. Cook for 15 more minutes.
- Prepare Noodles: Cook egg noodles per package instructions.
- Serve: Place beef tips and gravy over noodles. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra richness, add ½ cup of red wine with the broth.
- This dish pairs well with wide egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice.
- Browning the beef enhances flavor, but it can be skipped for time efficiency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
