There’s just something about a slow-cooked meal that makes a house feel like home. The rich aroma filling the kitchen, the anticipation of that first bite, and the way each tender piece of beef practically melts in your mouth—it’s the kind of meal that brings warmth and comfort after a long day.
This Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles recipe is the perfect dish for busy weekdays or cozy weekends. The beef tips simmer for hours in a savory, flavorful broth, creating a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Served over soft egg noodles, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Plus, using a slow cooker means minimal effort with maximum flavor—just set it and forget it!
Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special and how you can make it in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – The crockpot does most of the work, making this a low-effort meal.
- Full of Flavor – The combination of beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce creates a rich, savory sauce.
- Perfectly Tender Beef – Slow cooking ensures the beef tips become irresistibly soft and juicy.
- Great for Leftovers – The flavors only get better the next day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get started, gather everything you need for this delicious slow-cooked meal:
For the Beef Tips:
✔️ 1.5 lbs beef stew meat (beef tips) – Tender and perfect for slow cooking.
✔️ 1 large onion, chopped – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
✔️ 3 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the savory taste.
✔️ 1 cup beef broth – Forms the base of the rich, flavorful sauce.
✔️ ½ cup soy sauce – Adds saltiness and umami.
✔️ 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – Enhances the beefy richness.
✔️ 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds a subtle herby note.
✔️ ½ teaspoon black pepper – For mild heat and seasoning.
✔️ 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional) – Helps thicken the sauce.
For Serving:
✔️ 12 oz egg noodles – Perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy.
✔️ Chopped parsley (optional) – For garnish.
Step 1: Searing the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
This step is completely optional, but it makes a big difference in flavor. Searing the beef before slow cooking helps develop a deeper, richer taste.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil.
- Lightly season the beef tips with salt and pepper.
- Place the beef in the skillet and sear on all sides until browned.
- Transfer the beef tips to the crockpot.
Why Sear the Beef?
While you can skip this step, searing locks in the juices and caramelizes the outside of the meat, adding an extra layer of flavor to your dish.
Step 2: Combining the Ingredients
Now it’s time to build the rich, flavorful base for our beef tips.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and black pepper to the crockpot.
- Stir everything together to coat the beef evenly in the mixture.
At this point, your kitchen will already start smelling amazing, and we’re just getting started!
Step 3: Slow Cooking the Beef
Now, this is where the magic happens.
- Cover the crockpot with the lid.
- Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Stir occasionally if possible to ensure even cooking.
By the time it’s done, the beef will be incredibly tender, soaking up all those delicious flavors. The longer you let it cook, the better it gets!
How to Finish Your Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles for the Perfect Comfort Meal
Now that your beef has been slow-cooking for hours, it’s time to bring everything together. The rich, savory broth has infused every bite of meat with flavor, and the next steps will ensure the perfect texture and balance. In this section, we’ll cover how to thicken the sauce, cook the noodles, and plate everything for a truly comforting meal.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker, more gravy-like sauce, this step is for you. While the slow cooker creates a beautifully rich broth, adding a cornstarch slurry will give it a more luscious, coating consistency.
How to Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the crockpot and stir well.
- Let it cook for another 30 minutes on LOW, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Why Use a Cornstarch Slurry?
Cornstarch helps bind the liquid together, creating a silky, velvety sauce that clings to the beef and noodles. If you prefer a thinner broth, you can skip this step!
Step 5: Cook the Egg Noodles
Egg noodles are the perfect base for this dish because they absorb all the delicious flavors without getting too heavy. You’ll want to cook them just before serving so they stay fresh and tender.
Cooking the Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add 12 ounces of egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 7-9 minutes).
- Drain the noodles and toss with a little butter or olive oil to prevent sticking.
Pro Tip: If you’re not serving the dish immediately, rinse the noodles under cool water to stop the cooking process and keep them from getting too soft.
Step 6: Assemble & Serve
Now for the best part—bringing everything together into one irresistible dish.
- Plate the noodles in a large serving dish or individual bowls.
- Spoon the tender beef tips and thickened sauce over the top.
- Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and a fresh touch (optional).
The beef will be fall-apart tender, and the sauce will be packed with deep, savory flavors. Every bite is warm, hearty, and exactly what you need after a long day.
Tips & Variations
- Swap the Noodles: Don’t have egg noodles? Try serving this dish over mashed potatoes, rice, or even buttered pasta.
- Make it Creamy: Add ¼ cup of heavy cream at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Toss in some sliced mushrooms, carrots, or peas for extra flavor and texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and serve with gluten-free pasta or rice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
Slow-cooked beef tips are one of those classic dishes that always bring comfort to the table. Whether you’re making this meal for the first time or looking for ways to perfect it, here are some commonly asked questions to help you out.
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! While beef stew meat or beef tips work best, you can also use chuck roast, sirloin tips, or round steak. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces. Tougher cuts work well because they break down beautifully during slow cooking.
2. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?
Absolutely! To make this on the stovetop:
- Follow the searing step as usual.
- Add the remaining ingredients to a large pot or Dutch oven and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook on low heat for about 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
3. How can I store and reheat leftovers?
Leftovers store really well!
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: The beef and sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months (but store noodles separately).
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
4. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! To adapt this for an Instant Pot:
- Use the Sauté function to sear the beef.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and cook on High Pressure for 30 minutes.
- Allow 10 minutes of natural release before opening the lid.
- If thickening, add the cornstarch slurry and use the Sauté function again until the sauce thickens.
5. Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prep all the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. In the morning, just pour everything into the crockpot and let it cook throughout the day.
6. What can I serve with this dish?
While egg noodles are a classic pairing, you can also serve this with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice
- Roasted vegetables
- Crusty bread for soaking up the sauce
Final Thoughts on Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty meal that requires minimal effort, and this Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles recipe delivers every time. The slow-cooked beef is incredibly tender, the sauce is rich and flavorful, and the egg noodles soak up every delicious bite.
Whether you’re making this for a family dinner, meal prep, or a cozy weekend meal, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. Try it out, and don’t forget to share how it turned out!
Enjoy, and happy cooking!
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Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
Description
This slow-cooked beef dish is rich, savory, and packed with comforting flavors. The tender beef tips simmer in a flavorful broth and are served over egg noodles for the perfect hearty meal.
Ingredients
For the Beef Tips:
1.5 lbs beef stew meat (beef tips) – Tender and perfect for slow cooking.
1 large onion, chopped – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
3 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the savory taste.
1 cup beef broth – Forms the base of the rich, flavorful sauce.
½ cup soy sauce – Adds saltiness and umami.
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – Enhances the beefy richness.
1 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds a subtle herby note.
½ teaspoon black pepper – For mild heat and seasoning.
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional) – Helps thicken the sauce.
For Serving:
12 oz egg noodles – Perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy.
Chopped parsley (optional) – For garnish.
Instructions
1️⃣ Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil.
Lightly season the beef tips with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet until browned on all sides.
Transfer the seared beef to the crockpot. This step enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
2️⃣ Combine the Ingredients
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and black pepper to the crockpot.
Stir well to coat the beef evenly in the flavorful mixture.
3️⃣ Slow Cook the Beef
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Stir occasionally, if possible, for even cooking.
4️⃣ Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry.
Stir the slurry into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5️⃣ Cook the Noodles
About 15 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions.
Drain and toss with a little butter or olive oil to prevent sticking.
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
Plate the cooked noodles and ladle the tender beef tips and rich sauce over the top.
Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, hearty dish!
Notes
✅ Flavor Boost – Add a splash of red wine to the crockpot for extra depth.
✅ Veggie Addition – Toss in sliced mushrooms or carrots for extra texture.
✅ Serving Option – Swap egg noodles for mashed potatoes or rice for a delicious variation.
✅ Make It Creamy – Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream at the end for a creamier sauce.
This Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles recipe is an easy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy days! 🍲💛
