Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you absolutely cannot miss making this Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe. It brings together tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef stew meat slow-cooked in a flavorful sauce, perfectly paired with silky egg noodles. Every bite is packed with rich, savory goodness that is simple to put together but delivers incredible depth of flavor. This dish is an ideal go-to for busy nights when you want a satisfying homemade meal without fussing over the stove.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role to build layers of taste and texture. From the savory beef and aromatic onions to the tangy Dijon mustard and creamy finish, these essentials combine to create a dish that is both delicious and comforting.
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat (beef tips): The star of the dish, this cut becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce as it cooks down.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings an aromatic punch that elevates every bite.
- 1 cup beef broth: The savory base that keeps the beef juicy and infuses rich flavor.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce: Introduces a salty umami dimension essential for balance.
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce: Gives a subtle tang and complexity to the sauce.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a bright, sharp note that cuts through the richness.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Offers a gentle herbal earthiness to round the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Provides mild heat and seasoning.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Brings comforting creaminess and richness to finish.
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional): Adds color and a pop of sweetness when stirred in.
- 8 oz egg noodles: The perfect tender, silky base to soak up the delicious sauce.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening): Helps thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency.
How to Make Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by placing your beef stew meat—the tender beef tips—directly into the crockpot. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic on top. This step sets the foundation for deep flavor as the aromatics meld with the beef during slow cooking.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and black pepper. This tangy, savory mixture will infuse your beef tips with beautiful flavor. Pour the sauce evenly over the meat and aromatics in the crockpot to coat everything thoroughly.
Step 3: Cook
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook. You have two options: low heat for 6 to 7 hours, which slowly tenderizes the beef to perfection, or high heat for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time. Either way, by the end, your beef tips will be incredibly tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Prepare the Noodles
About 30 minutes before serving, cook your egg noodles according to the package directions. Drain them well and set aside. These noodles will be the perfect tender and silky partner for the rich beef tips.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker, gravy-like sauce, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot and increase the heat to high, cooking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. This enhances the luscious texture that clings perfectly to the beef and noodles.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Finally, stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas if you want that little pop of color and sweetness. Let everything cook together for 10 more minutes so the flavors meld and the peas soften just right. Add the cooked egg noodles and gently toss to combine. Your Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe is now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
To make your serving look as good as it tastes, try a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives. These fresh herbs add brightness and a lovely pop of green that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. A little cracked black pepper on top also gives a nice finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dish shines wonderfully on its own but pairs excellently with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette for some contrast. Crusty bread or warm dinner rolls are also fantastic to scoop up any extra sauce left on the plate—nothing should go to waste!
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family meal, serve the beef tips and noodles in wide, shallow bowls for easy scooping. Hosting guests? Consider layering the beef mixture in a casserole dish, topping with extra noodles and cheese, then broil for a few minutes for a bubbling finish that’s irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The beef tips and noodles will keep their delicious flavor for up to 3 days, making for an easy next-day meal. When stored properly, the sauce remains creamy and the beef stays tender.
Freezing
You can also freeze portions of this Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe. For best results, freeze the beef tips and sauce separately from the noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy. Stored in freezer-safe containers, they’ll stay good for up to 3 months.
Reheating
When reheating, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge if possible. Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to its perfect consistency before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat or tips work best for tenderness, chuck roast cut into chunks can also be used. Just make sure to cook it low and slow so it becomes tender enough to melt in your mouth.
Do I have to use egg noodles?
Egg noodles are traditional and absorb the sauce beautifully, but feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta shape or even wide rice noodles if you prefer a gluten-free option.
Is the heavy cream necessary?
Heavy cream adds that comforting richness and smooth texture to the dish, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can omit it or substitute with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative. Just note the texture will vary slightly.
Can I skip the cornstarch?
Cornstarch is optional and only needed if you want a thicker sauce. The dish is delicious with a slightly thinner broth-like sauce as well, so it’s up to your personal preference.
Would this recipe work in an Instant Pot?
Yes, this recipe can be adapted for an Instant Pot by using the sauté function to brown the beef and soft the aromatics, then pressure cooking on high for about 35 minutes. Natural release before adding cream and noodles is recommended.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe is hands-down one of those dishes that feels like a cozy celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming beautifully together. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just craving a satisfying home-cooked meal, it’s a recipe you can trust to impress every time. So go ahead, give it a try and tuck into a plate of pure comfort—it might just become your new favorite!
Print
Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and hearty crockpot recipe featuring tender beef stew meat simmered in a flavorful sauce with onions, garlic, and herbs, paired perfectly with creamy egg noodles and optional peas for added color and nutrition. Perfect for an easy, hands-off dinner that delivers rich, savory flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Beef and Aromatics
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat (beef tips)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Final Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Place the beef stew meat into the crockpot along with the chopped onion and minced garlic, setting the foundation for the stew’s rich flavor.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and black pepper until well combined. Pour this sauce mixture evenly over the beef and aromatics in the crockpot.
- Cook the Beef: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and infused with the savory sauce.
- Prepare the Noodles: Approximately 30 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If a thicker sauce is desired, mix the cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Combine and Serve: Stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas into the crockpot, cooking for another 10 minutes to warm through. Finally, add the cooked egg noodles and gently toss everything together to combine before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce without cornstarch, you can reduce the liquid by cooking uncovered for 30 minutes at the end of the cooking time.
- Frozen peas are optional but add color and a subtle sweetness; fresh peas or other vegetables like mushrooms could be used alternatively.
- Beef stew meat can vary in tenderness; longer low cooking ensures better tenderness.
- Adjust seasoning to taste at the end, especially salt since soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce are salty.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Entree
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
