Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
There’s something utterly magical about coming home to a bubbling pot of Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles filling the kitchen with savory aromas. This dish wraps you in warmth and comfort the moment you walk through the door. Tender chunks of beef, a silky-rich sauce, and perfectly cooked egg noodles all come together in this classic recipe. If you’re craving hearty, no-fuss comfort food that tastes like it simmered all day (because it did!), Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is a must-try for your next family meal or cozy weekend dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t need a long grocery list to create this beloved comfort dish. Each ingredient plays a special role, building irresistible layers of flavor and texture that make Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles so unforgettable.
- Beef stew meat or sirloin tips (2 pounds): Go for well-marbled chunks for the most melt-in-your-mouth results—these absorb all the savory sauce as they slow-cook.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): This adds a hint of richness and is perfect for getting a golden sear on the beef before it hits the slow cooker.
- Onion, chopped (1 medium): Adds natural sweetness and depth to the final sauce that just can’t be missed.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Three cloves may seem generous, but the mellow, aromatic bite they add is unbeatable in this stew.
- Beef broth (3 cups): The base of the sauce—the better the broth, the more flavorful the final dish.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): This cheat ingredient brings richness and creaminess with no fuss at all.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Just a splash brings out the deep umami notes that make Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles sing.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Doubles up on savory onion flavor, boosting the aromatics without overpowering them.
- Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): Lends subtle freshness and a touch of earthiness to round out the flavors.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): For seasoning and a pinch of gentle heat.
- Salt (½ teaspoon, or to taste): Essential for bringing all the other flavors into perfect balance.
- Cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water): This thickens the sauce to a luscious, spoon-coating consistency right at the end.
- Egg noodles (12 ounces, cooked according to package): Wide egg noodles soak up all that savory sauce and are classic for this dish.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish: Adds a bright pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor to finish.
How to Make Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
Step 1: Sear the Beef for Extra Flavor
Start by warming your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your beef tips in batches, giving them enough space to get a beautiful brown crust on all sides. Searing locks in the juices and adds a delicious depth of flavor that will infuse the entire Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles dish. Don’t skip this step—it’s what transforms everyday beef into something truly special.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
After the beef’s out of the pan, don’t clean it! Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Give them a quick sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and golden. This not only softens the aromatics but also scrapes up all those tasty browned bits left from the beef—a secret to the sauce’s rich flavor.
Step 3: Layer It All in the Slow Cooker
Transfer your seared beef and the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Now, pour in the beef broth, add the cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Stir gently so everything is well combined and evenly distributed. You’ll see the base for that signature sauce come together before your eyes.
Step 4: Let the Crockpot Do Its Magic
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 7–8 hours, or high for 4–5 hours, depending on your schedule. Over time, the beef will turn meltingly tender, and all those flavors will mingle into a savory, crave-worthy sauce. If you have time, letting it cook low and slow brings out even more richness.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, whisk together your cornstarch with cold water and stir this slurry into the crockpot. This step gives your Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles that luxurious, glossy gravy that clings beautifully to the noodles. Let it cook with the lid slightly ajar to thicken up.
Step 6: Cook the Egg Noodles and Serve
While the sauce is working its magic, boil your egg noodles according to the package directions. Once they’re perfectly tender, plate them up! Generously spoon the beef tips and gravy over the noodles, then finish with a scatter of chopped fresh parsley. Plate up, dig in, and prepare for swooning at your own kitchen table!
How to Serve Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
Garnishes
The right garnish isn’t just about looks—it adds a fresh dimension to every bite. I love using a handful of chopped fresh parsley for a flash of color and brightness. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a few sliced chives can be stunning on your Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles.
Side Dishes
Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles are hearty enough to stand alone, but a few thoughtful sides can make dinner feel extra special. Try a simple green salad with vinaigrette, some roasted vegetables, or buttery rolls to soak up extra sauce. For ultimate comfort, serve with creamy mashed potatoes or steamed green beans.
Creative Ways to Present
There’s no rule that says you must serve Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles the traditional way! Try piling the beef tips and gravy over whipped mashed potatoes or fluffy rice for a delicious twist. For smaller gatherings or parties, portion them into small bowls or mugs for an easy, cozy meal you can eat with a spoon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles keep beautifully in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making this an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeks or planned leftovers.
Freezing
This dish is a freezer MVP. If you’ve made extra, let the beef tips and sauce cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the noodles separately and cook them fresh right before serving so they maintain their lovely texture.
Reheating
Reheat Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming hot. If the sauce looks a little thick after chilling, add a splash of beef broth or water while reheating to restore its silky consistency. Stir occasionally for even warming and serve over fresh or reheated noodles.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! Sirloin tips and stew meat work best, but chuck roast or even brisket cut into bite-size chunks will give you great results. Just aim for something with a little marbling for maximum tenderness.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
You can swap in cream of celery or cream of onion soup if needed, or make your own quick mushroom sauce from scratch, though the canned soup is a time-saver and offers classic flavor in Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free cream soup and swap the noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta or rice. Double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free as well, and you’re all set.
Can I prepare Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles ahead of time?
This dish was made for meal prep! Cook everything except the noodles, then store the beef and sauce in the fridge. When you’re ready, simply reheat and cook fresh noodles for the perfect texture.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if I don’t have cornstarch?
If you run out of cornstarch, you can use a slurry of flour and water (about 2 tablespoons each) stirred in at the end and cooked until thick. Arrowroot powder is another good option for a glossy sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a recipe that’s simple, soul-warming, and sure to make everyone at the table smile, Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles fit the bill perfectly. I hope you’ll fall as hard for this dish as I have—be sure to let me know how it turns out, and don’t forget to add your own twist or two!
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Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Tender beef tips simmered in a savory mushroom sauce, served over a bed of buttery egg noodles – a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Beef Tips:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or sirloin tips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
For Serving:
- 12 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the beef tips in olive oil on all sides. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Prepare the Sauce: Sauté onion and garlic in the skillet, then transfer to the slow cooker. Add beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, thyme, pepper, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Cook in the Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the beef tips over cooked egg noodles, garnish with parsley, and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine before adding the broth.
- This dish can be served with mashed potatoes or rice instead of noodles.
- Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion with noodles
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
