Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is a one-pot wonder that combines the perfect balance of tender beef, savory gravy, and comforting noodles. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the sauce simmers to perfection, infusing the noodles with deep, rich flavor. This dish is ideal for busy nights when you want a filling, delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s customizable—you can add veggies or swap out the noodles for mashed potatoes or rice, depending on your preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 lbs beef stew meat or beef tips (cut into bite-sized pieces)
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 packet onion soup mix (or 1/2 cup homemade onion soup mix)
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
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1 can (10.5 oz) beef broth
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
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8 oz egg noodles (uncooked)
Directions
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Prepare the beef and vegetables: Place the beef stew meat (or beef tips) in the crockpot. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic on top of the beef.
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Add the sauce ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, salt, and paprika (if using). Stir until well combined, then pour the mixture over the beef and onions in the crockpot.
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Cook the beef: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and fully cooked.
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Add the noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked egg noodles. Add them directly to the crockpot and stir to combine with the beef and gravy mixture. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to help cook the noodles.
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Cook the noodles: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for the remaining 30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure the noodles don’t stick to the bottom.
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Serve: Once the noodles are cooked, give everything a good stir to coat the noodles with the gravy. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 6-8 people. Prep time is around 10 minutes, with a cook time of 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. The total time, including cooking the noodles, is about 8 hours on low or 4.5 hours on high.
Variations
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Add vegetables: Add carrots, peas, or mushrooms to the crockpot for extra flavor and nutrition. Just toss them in with the beef at the start of cooking.
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Make it creamy: For an even creamier dish, add a bit of sour cream or cream cheese toward the end of cooking. Stir it in with the noodles for extra richness.
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Use different noodles: You can substitute egg noodles with other types of pasta, such as wide egg noodles, rotini, or even mashed potatoes for a different twist.
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Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give the dish a little heat.
Storage/reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or reheat on the stove over low heat. You can add a bit of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?
While ground beef can be used, the stew meat gives a more tender and flavorful result. Ground beef will work in a pinch, but it won’t have the same texture or richness.
2. Can I make this recipe without cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or even a homemade gravy mixture if you prefer.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta, but be mindful of the cooking times. If you’re using pasta other than egg noodles, you may need to adjust the cooking time for the noodles to avoid overcooking them.
4. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?
Yes, you can cook this on the stovetop. Brown the beef in a large pot or Dutch oven, then add the soup and broth mixture. Let it simmer for 1-2 hours until the beef is tender. Add the noodles about 20 minutes before serving and cook until they are tender.
5. Can I use frozen beef stew meat?
You can use frozen beef stew meat, but be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking to ensure even cooking.
6. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can thicken it by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stirring it into the sauce. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes until thickened.
7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can prepare it the day before and store it in the refrigerator, then reheat and serve the next day. It’s even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
8. Can I make this dish with chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts instead of beef. The cooking time will be shorter, so check the chicken for doneness after 3-4 hours on high or 6 hours on low.
9. What can I serve with Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles?
This dish pairs well with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with garlic bread or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
10. Can I use a different type of broth?
Yes, you can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth, though beef broth will give the dish a richer, deeper flavor.
Conclusion
Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is a comforting and delicious meal that combines tender beef, savory gravy, and hearty noodles. It’s the perfect dish for busy days when you want something filling and satisfying with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, making this recipe a convenient and flavorful option for any day of the week. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to please!
Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is a hearty and comforting dish that features tender beef slow-cooked in a savory gravy, paired with egg noodles. This one-pot meal is simple to prepare and perfect for busy days when you want a filling, delicious dinner with minimal effort. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the noodles soak up all the rich flavor.
Ingredients
For the beef and sauce:
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2 lbs beef stew meat or beef tips (cut into bite-sized pieces)
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 packet onion soup mix (or 1/2 cup homemade onion soup mix)
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
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1 can (10.5 oz) beef broth
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
For the noodles:
- 8 oz egg noodles (uncooked)
Instructions
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Prepare the beef and vegetables: Place the beef stew meat (or beef tips) in the crockpot. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic on top.
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Add the sauce ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, salt, and paprika (if using). Stir well and pour the mixture over the beef and onions in the crockpot.
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Cook the beef: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and fully cooked.
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Add the noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked egg noodles. Add them directly to the crockpot and stir to combine with the beef and gravy mixture. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to help cook the noodles.
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Cook the noodles: Cover and cook on high for the remaining 30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure the noodles don’t stick to the bottom.
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Serve: Once the noodles are cooked, give everything a good stir to coat the noodles with the gravy. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Add Vegetables: Add carrots, peas, or mushrooms to the crockpot for extra flavor and nutrition. Add them when you return the chicken to the skillet for additional flavor.Make it Creamy: For an even creamier dish, add a bit of sour cream or cream cheese toward the end of cooking. Stir it in with the noodles for extra richness.Use Different Noodles: You can substitute egg noodles with other types of pasta, such as wide egg noodles, rotini, or even mashed potatoes for a different twist.
