Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles

Nothing feels more comforting on a chilly evening than a plate of tender beef tips served over buttery egg noodles This easy crockpot recipe turns simple ingredients into a hearty meal full of rich savory flavor My favorite thing about this dish is how little effort it takes for such big rewards The beef comes out meltingly tender and it fills the whole house with the coziest aroma

The first time I made this I was busy running from work to kids soccer and just tossed everything in the crockpot It turned out so good my husband now asks for it at least once a month Sometimes we gather by the table just to savor the gravy with extra bread

Ingredients

• Beef stew meat: Choose well marbled beef for the best texture and flavor The fat keeps the meat juicy through hours of slow cooking
• Onion: Adds sweetness and a subtle savory background Go for a fresh firm onion for best results
• Garlic: Gives the dish a rich aroma and depth Use plump cloves for stronger flavor
• Cream of mushroom soup: Brings creaminess and body to the sauce A good quality soup will enrich the final taste
• Onion soup mix: Provides instant seasoning for a classic comforting flavor
• Beef broth: Helps create a deep savory base Choose low sodium if you want more control over saltiness
• Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and adds a little tangyness Pick a brand with real anchovies for more complexity
• Salt: Essential to heighten all the flavors in the pot Use kosher salt for more even seasoning
• Pepper: Gives gentle warmth and balances the richness Freshly cracked is best
• Flour: Used to thicken the sauce to a nice gravy consistency All purpose flour works best here
• Egg noodles: The perfect vehicle for gravy and beef Choose wide egg noodles and cook them al dente so they hold up well under the sauce

Instructions

Prep the Beef and Veggies:

Sear the beef stew meat in a large skillet over medium high heat for about five minutes Aim for a deep brown crust on most sides as this builds rich flavor for the whole dish

Combine Ingredients in Crockpot:

Transfer browned beef chunks to the crockpot Layer in the chopped onion and minced garlic Spoon in the cream of mushroom soup then sprinkle on the onion soup mix Pour over the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce Sprinkle with salt and pepper Stir everything together until the beef is well coated and all ingredients are evenly mixed

Cook the Beef:

Place the lid on your crockpot Set it to low and let the beef cook for six to seven hours or use the high setting for three to four hours The beef should end up fork tender and the flavors blended into a thick sauce

Thicken the Sauce:

About thirty minutes before serving whisk the flour with a splash of cold water in a small bowl to form a smooth slurry Stir this flour slurry into the crockpot mixture making sure to distribute it evenly Let it cook uncovered for thirty minutes to thicken the sauce and mellow out the raw flour taste

Prepare the Noodles:

While the sauce is thickening bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until just tender but not mushy Drain well and set aside

Serve:

Taste the beef tips and sauce adjust seasoning if needed Serve generous spoonfuls of the beef and gravy piled over a bed of warm egg noodles Enjoy with extra sauce on top

My favorite part of this recipe is the way the sauce clings to each noodle every bite is packed with flavor One winter my kids surprised me by making this all by themselves and we laughed over how good it was even with a little too much pepper

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days The sauce may thicken more after chilling just add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up For longer storage freeze in single portions and reheat gently on the stovetop

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have beef stew meat try using chuck roast cut into cubes For the soup mix you can substitute two teaspoons of dried onion flakes and half a teaspoon of garlic powder Instead of egg noodles serve with mashed potatoes or steamed rice for a twist

Serving Suggestions

Top with chopped fresh parsley for freshness My family likes to add a sprinkle of cheese on top Try with garlic bread or a crisp green salad to round out the meal

Cultural Historical Context

Beef tips and noodles have roots in Midwestern family cooking where slow cookers helped busy parents manage weeknight meals Variations of this recipe date back to the casserole movement in the fifties when canned soup and quick mixes made dinner easier for everyone

Seasonal Adaptations

Use mushrooms and fresh thyme in the fall for extra earthiness Add diced carrots in winter to boost sweetness and nutrition In the summer serve with a cold cucumber salad to lighten things up

Success Stories

A friend once made this for her new neighbor and they have been trading recipes ever since I love hearing when kids beg for seconds or someone says it tasted even better on day two That is the real sign of a winning crockpot recipe

Freezer Meal Conversion

To make this a freezer meal place the uncooked beef onion and garlic in a freezer bag Add the soup soup mix broth Worcestershire sauce salt and pepper into the same bag Freeze flat When ready to cook just thaw overnight in the fridge dump contents into the crockpot and cook as usual You can make a double batch ahead and always have an effortless dinner on hand

This cozy crockpot dinner will have everyone asking for seconds and fill your home with the best aroma Enjoy how easy homemade comfort food can be

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use chuck roast or sirloin cut into cubes, but stew meat works best for tenderness after slow cooking.

→ Should the beef be seared first?

Searing the beef adds flavor and locks in juices, though you can skip this step if short on time.

→ Is it possible to make this without a crockpot?

You can prepare the dish in a Dutch oven or large pot on low heat, simmering until the beef is tender.

→ Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

Try cream of celery or cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile if desired.

→ How do I keep the noodles from getting soggy?

Cook noodles separately and add them just before serving to maintain their texture.