If you’re anything like me, finding easy yet hearty meals that your whole family will love is always a top priority. That’s where Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles come in. This recipe is a perfect comfort food—tender beef, savory flavors, and soft noodles all slow-cooked to perfection. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is a game-changer. And the best part? It’s all made in your trusty Crockpot, which makes the cooking process effortless.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles, from the ingredients to the step-by-step process. I’ll also provide some expert tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What Are Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles?
Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender beef stew tips, rich broth, and soft egg noodles. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out and is perfect for any time of the year. The slow cooking method allows the beef to become incredibly tender while absorbing all the flavors of the broth. The noodles are added near the end of the cooking process to soak up the delicious sauce, making each bite a flavorful experience.
This dish is a variation of classic beef stew but with the added bonus of noodles for extra texture. It’s an easy, set-it-and-forget-it recipe that requires minimal prep, making it ideal for busy days. The beauty of using a Crockpot (slow cooker) is that it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully without much attention. Simply throw everything into the pot, set the timer, and let the magic happen!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles
To make this recipe, you don’t need any fancy ingredients—just a few simple staples that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- Beef stew meat (beef tips): 2 pounds of beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized chunks. This is the star of the dish, and it needs to be tender, so using a cut like chuck roast works perfectly.
- Beef broth: 4 cups of beef broth, which provides a rich, savory base for the dish.
- Egg noodles: 2 cups of egg noodles, added later in the cooking process to ensure they don’t become too soft or mushy.
- Onion: 1 large onion, chopped. The onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
- Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic brings an aromatic and savory flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
- Carrots (optional): 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds. This adds a touch of sweetness and color to the dish.
- Mushrooms (optional): 1 cup of sliced mushrooms. They’re not a must, but they give the dish an earthy flavor and texture that I absolutely love.
- Worcestershire sauce: 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the umami flavor.
- Bay leaves: 2 dried bay leaves, which add a subtle, herbal note to the broth.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning. Be sure to season your beef tips properly to bring out the best flavor.
- Heavy cream or cream cheese (optional): For a creamy finish, I like to stir in some heavy cream or a block of cream cheese at the end of cooking. This step is optional, but it adds a luxurious texture to the sauce.
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or thyme: Chopped fresh herbs to sprinkle over the finished dish for color and freshness.
- Grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami flavor that complements the beef and noodles.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles
Making Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles is incredibly simple, and the slow cooker does most of the work for you. Here’s how I prepare this dish:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preparing your ingredients. Chop the beef into bite-sized chunks, slice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the carrots and mushrooms (if using). Once everything is prepped, you’re ready to go.
2. Brown the Beef (Optional)
While this step isn’t strictly necessary, browning the beef before adding it to the Crockpot can help develop a deeper flavor. Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then brown the beef chunks in batches until they’re golden brown on all sides. This will add a nice caramelized flavor to the meat and the broth.
3. Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Once the beef is browned (or if you’re skipping that step), add the beef, onions, garlic, carrots, mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and beef broth to the Crockpot. Season generously with salt and pepper, and stir everything together to combine.
4. Cook Low and Slow
Set your Crockpot to cook on low for 6-8 hours. The longer the beef cooks, the more tender it will become, so don’t rush this step! Let the Crockpot do its magic and cook everything slowly, allowing the flavors to meld and develop.
5. Add the Noodles
About 30 minutes before serving, add the egg noodles to the Crockpot. Stir them into the broth and let them cook until they’re tender. This will only take about 20-30 minutes, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
6. Add Cream (Optional)
Once the noodles are cooked, you can optionally add some heavy cream or cream cheese to make the broth creamier and richer. Stir until the cream is fully incorporated and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Once everything is cooked, discard the bay leaves and give everything a final stir. Ladle the beef tips, noodles, and broth into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, and serve hot. It’s the perfect comfort meal that’s easy to make and impossible to resist!
Tips for Perfecting Your Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles
While this recipe is straightforward, there are a few tips I’ve picked up over time to make sure your Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles turn out perfectly every time.
1. Use a Tougher Cut of Beef
For the best results, use a cut of beef that can withstand slow cooking, like chuck roast or stew meat. These cuts have more connective tissue, which breaks down during cooking and results in super tender beef.
2. Avoid Adding Noodles Too Early
If you add the noodles too early, they can become mushy and overcooked. That’s why it’s important to wait until the last 30 minutes of cooking to add them.
3. Add Vegetables for Extra Flavor
Feel free to add extra vegetables like potatoes, peas, or celery to the mix. They’ll absorb the flavors of the broth and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
4. Experiment with Spices
While the basic seasonings of salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce are fantastic, you can experiment with adding other herbs and spices. Try thyme, rosemary, or even a bit of smoked paprika for a unique twist.
5. Stir in Dairy for Creaminess
For an extra indulgent meal, add a dollop of sour cream, heavy cream, or a few ounces of cream cheese to the finished dish. This will add richness and depth to the broth.
Why Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles Is a Family Favorite
Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles is a hit in my household for several reasons. First, it’s super easy to make. The Crockpot takes care of most of the cooking, leaving me free to go about my day while it works its magic. Second, it’s a complete meal in one pot—tender beef, rich broth, and comforting noodles. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table, and no one ever leaves hungry.
The recipe is also highly customizable. You can add or omit ingredients based on your preferences, making it perfect for picky eaters. And, because it’s a slow-cooked dish, the flavors only get better with time, so it’s ideal for leftovers.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which I highly recommend), storing and reheating Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles is simple.
Storing:
Let the dish cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, and the dish will taste even better the next day!
Reheating:
To reheat, simply place the dish in a pot over low heat and stir occasionally until it’s warmed through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave. If the noodles have absorbed too much of the broth, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles
Can I use frozen beef tips?
It’s best to thaw the beef before adding it to the Crockpot. Frozen beef can release too much liquid during cooking, which may affect the texture of the dish.
Can I use other types of noodles?
While egg noodles are traditional for this dish, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles can be made a day ahead of time and stored in the fridge. The flavors will deepen overnight
, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.
Key Takeaways
Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any family dinner. With tender beef, savory broth, and soft noodles, it’s sure to be a hit. The best part is that the slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you free to focus on other things.
I hope this guide helps you create a delicious meal your family will love!