Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe: A Comforting Meal for Any Day

If you’re looking for a comforting, easy-to-make meal that will satisfy your family or guests, look no further than Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles. This savory dish combines tender beef tips simmered in a flavorful, creamy sauce, all served over hearty egg noodles. The best part? It’s made in the slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it while the flavors meld together to create a delicious meal. Whether you’re having a busy weeknight dinner or planning for a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The beef stew meat or beef tips become incredibly tender as they cook low and slow in the Crockpot, absorbing all the savory goodness of the onion soup mix, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and cream of mushroom soup. This results in a rich and creamy sauce that coats the beef and noodles perfectly. The egg noodles, cooked separately, serve as the ideal vessel for soaking up the luscious sauce.

This recipe is also highly customizable. You can adjust the thickness of the sauce based on your preferences and choose to serve the noodles layered with the beef or mix them in for a comforting one-pot meal. Whether you prefer the sauce thicker or more on the saucy side, the choice is yours!

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients to create the rich, tender, and creamy beef and noodle dish:

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat or beef tips – Tender cuts of beef, ideal for slow cooking to become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
  • 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix – Adds flavor and depth to the sauce. You can also use homemade onion soup mix if preferred.
  • 2 cups beef broth – Provides the base of the sauce. You can substitute with vegetable or chicken broth for a different flavor.
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – A creamy base for the sauce that adds richness and texture.
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – Adds a savory, slightly tangy flavor that complements the beef.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder – For a subtle garlic flavor that elevates the overall dish.
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper – To season the beef and sauce.
  • 8 oz egg noodles – A hearty and delicious noodle to serve with the beef tips and sauce.
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening) – If you prefer a thicker sauce, cornstarch will do the trick.
  • 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening) – Helps create a slurry to thicken the sauce.

Directions and Preparation Method

Follow these simple steps to create this hearty and comforting meal:

1. Prepare the Crockpot

Start by placing your beef stew meat or beef tips into the Crockpot. This is the base of your dish, so make sure the meat is spread evenly at the bottom of the Crockpot to ensure even cooking.

2. Add the Onion Soup Mix

Next, sprinkle the onion soup mix over the beef. This dry seasoning mix will add a savory, onion-rich flavor to the beef and sauce.

3. Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. This will be the liquid that helps tenderize the beef and create a rich sauce. Pour the mixture over the beef in the Crockpot, making sure the meat is well coated.

4. Cook the Beef Tips

Cover the Crockpot and cook the beef on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The low and slow cooking method will allow the beef to become tender and juicy, absorbing all the flavors in the sauce.

5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl to form a slurry. Stir this into the Crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.

6. Cook the Noodles

About 15 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and set them aside.

7. Combine and Serve

Once the beef has finished cooking, you have two options. You can either stir the cooked noodles directly into the Crockpot, combining them with the beef and sauce, or you can serve the beef tips over the noodles for a layered presentation. Either way, the combination of tender beef and creamy sauce over the egg noodles is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe? Yes, you can substitute other cuts of beef like chuck roast or round steak. Just make sure to cut the beef into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. The key is to use a cut that becomes tender when slow-cooked.

Can I use a different type of soup in place of cream of mushroom? Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can use other cream-based soups like cream of chicken or cream of celery. Each option will slightly change the flavor, but they will all work well in this recipe.

Can I cook this recipe on high for a shorter time? Yes, cooking on high will work, but the beef may not be as tender as it would be when cooked on low for the full 6-8 hours. If you’re in a rush, cook on high for 3-4 hours, and be sure to check the tenderness of the beef.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare everything in the Crockpot the night before and store it in the refrigerator. The next day, just cook it on low for 6-8 hours, and it will be ready to serve.

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover beef tips and noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat the dish on the stovetop or in the microwave. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even better the next day!

Can I freeze Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles? Yes, you can freeze the beef and sauce without the noodles. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove. Cook fresh noodles to serve with the thawed beef mixture.

Conclusion

Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is the epitome of comfort food. The tender beef tips, creamy sauce, and hearty egg noodles make for a satisfying and flavorful meal that is easy to prepare. With minimal effort and just a few simple ingredients, this dish can become a weekly favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, with the option to thicken the sauce and customize the noodles, you can make this dish your own.

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