If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that feels like a big, satisfying hug, look no further than this Tender Crockpot Beef Tips with Noodles Recipe. This dish brings together succulent chunks of beef slowly cooked to melt-in-your-mouth tenderness alongside perfectly cooked egg noodles, all smothered in a savory, herb-infused gravy. Every bite delivers deep, rich flavors that only a slow cooker can develop, making it the ultimate cozy dinner for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become your go-to comfort food favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that each add a special something—whether it’s flavor, texture, or that beautiful, inviting color we all love in a hearty dish. These essentials work in harmony to create the magic of the Tender Crockpot Beef Tips with Noodles Recipe.
- 2 lb beef stew meat or sirloin tips: The star of the show, delivering tender, juicy bites after slow cooking.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the beef and gravy.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle, warming spice to balance the richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings an earthy, savory depth that’s hard to beat.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Offers a subtle sweetness and complexity.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps brown the beef beautifully and thickens the gravy.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for searing the beef to lock in flavor.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and body to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic amps up the aroma and taste.
- 2 cups beef broth: The flavorful base of the luscious gravy.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Creates a tangy, savory boost with umami richness.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds saltiness and depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Infuses a delicate herbal note that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: A touch of green freshness that brightens the dish.
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional): For an earthy, meaty texture and flavor boost.
- 12 oz egg noodles: Soft, silky noodles for serving that soak up every bit of gravy.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy to the perfect consistency.
- 2 tablespoons cold water: Mixed with cornstarch to avoid clumps when thickening.
How to Make Tender Crockpot Beef Tips with Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Season and Coat the Beef
Begin by seasoning your beef generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Then toss it with flour until it’s lightly coated—this step is crucial because the flour helps to create that rich, velvety gravy later while also promoting a beautiful crust when you sear the meat.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef tips for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Browning the meat not only locks in the juices but also adds an incredible depth of flavor that you won’t get from slow cooking alone. Once browned, transfer the beef into your crockpot.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Liquids
Into the crockpot, add your chopped onions, minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, parsley, and mushrooms if you’re using them. Give everything a gentle stir to combine all those flavors, but be careful not to disturb that beautiful sear on the beef too much.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours. This long, slow cooking breaks down the connective tissue in the beef, turning each piece incredibly tender and flavorful. By the end, your kitchen will be filled with the most mouth-watering aroma!
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth, then stir this mixture into the crockpot. This will thicken the gravy to that luscious, silky texture that clings beautifully to the beef and noodles.
Step 6: Cook the Noodles
While the gravy thickens, prepare the egg noodles according to the package directions. Drain them well and get ready to plate up a dish that’s truly soul-satisfying.
How to Serve Tender Crockpot Beef Tips with Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this dish to restaurant-quality. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. If you like a hint of zest, a little lemon zest grated over the top can brighten the flavors wonderfully without overpowering the savory richness.
Side Dishes
While the Tender Crockpot Beef Tips with Noodles Recipe is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or lightly steamed broccoli creates a lovely contrast. Some crusty bread for soaking up that extra gravy never goes amiss, either.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve the beef tips directly over a mound of noodles in rustic bowls. If you’re entertaining, consider plating the beef and gravy alongside individually tossed buttered noodles for a refined touch that lets each element shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The beef tips and noodles will keep beautifully for 3 to 4 days, making for a fantastic next-day meal or lunch option.
Freezing
You can freeze the beef tips and gravy separately from the noodles for best results. Place cooled beef and gravy in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. The noodles freeze as well but can become a bit softer after thawing, so I recommend cooking fresh noodles when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the beef tips gently on the stove over low heat to keep the beef tender and the sauce luscious—add a splash of beef broth or water if needed to loosen the gravy. Heat noodles separately in hot water or briefly in the microwave before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat or sirloin tips work best for their tenderness, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed for larger or tougher cuts.
Is it necessary to sear the beef before slow cooking?
Searing isn’t mandatory but highly recommended. It develops deeper flavor and a richer color in your dish, taking your Tender Crockpot Beef Tips with Noodles Recipe from good to amazing.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch, and use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Just be mindful to check labels on Worcestershire sauce as well.
What can I substitute if I don’t have egg noodles?
Feel free to serve the beef tips over mashed potatoes, rice, or even creamy polenta. Each option pairs wonderfully with the savory gravy and tender beef.
How do I make the gravy thicker or thinner?
For thicker gravy, increase the cornstarch slurry slightly and add it gradually, stirring well. To thin it out, simply add a bit more beef broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sinking your fork into this Tender Crockpot Beef Tips with Noodles Recipe—a blend of hearty comfort, rich flavors, and tender textures that feels like home in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe will fill your kitchen with warmth and your table with smiles. Give it a try and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite slow cooker meal!
Print
Tender Crockpot Beef Tips with Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This recipe for Tender Crockpot Beef Tips with Noodles features succulent beef stew meat slow-cooked to perfection in a flavorful gravy, served over tender egg noodles. The beef is seasoned, seared for extra flavor, then simmered all day with aromatic herbs and mushrooms in a crockpot, resulting in a comforting, hearty dish ideal for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 2 lb beef stew meat or sirloin tips
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
Thickening and Serving
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Season Beef: In a large bowl, season the beef stew meat with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss the beef in all-purpose flour until it is lightly coated on all sides.
- Sear Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the flour-coated beef tips and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until nicely browned. This step adds flavor and texture to the beef.
- Transfer to Crockpot: Place the seared beef tips into the crockpot. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried thyme, dried parsley, and sliced mushrooms if using. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook the beef tips on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until the beef is tender and falling apart.
- Thicken Gravy: About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into the crockpot to thicken the gravy. Continue cooking to allow the gravy to thicken properly.
- Cook Noodles: Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles once tender and ready to serve.
- Serve: Plate the cooked egg noodles and spoon the tender beef tips and thickened gravy over the top. Optionally, add butter or heavy cream for extra richness before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in 2 tablespoons of butter or a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking the gravy.
- This recipe also works wonderfully served over mashed potatoes or rice instead of noodles for a variation.
