Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe

Hearty Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe for Cozy Nights

Tender beef tips melt into a rich, comforting crockpot beef tips & noodles that speak straight to the soul of home-cooked comfort.

Slow cooking works magic on tough cuts of meat, breaking down fibers until they practically dissolve on your fork.

Each bite promises a symphony of savory flavors that warm you from the inside out.

The hearty combination of beef and noodles creates a classic dish that feels like a culinary embrace.

Minimal effort transforms simple ingredients into a meal that feels deeply satisfying and nostalgic.

This one-pot wonder delivers restaurant-quality taste without hours of complex preparation.

Prepare to be transported to a world of pure, unpretentious deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why This Crockpot Beef Is Comfort Food

  • One-Pot Wonder Convenience: This recipe eliminates multiple cooking steps by using a crockpot, allowing ingredients to blend seamlessly while creating tender, flavorful beef with rich, savory sauce.
  • Family-Friendly Meal Solution: Hearty and satisfying, this dish appeals to both adults and children with its classic flavor profile and comforting combination of protein and noodles, making it an ideal family dinner option.
  • Flexible Cooking Flexibility: Adaptable cooking times and optional steps like searing beef or thickening sauce provide home cooks with versatility to customize the recipe based on their schedule and preferences.

Ingredients for Beef Tips & Noodles

Meat:
  • Beef Tips: Tender and succulent chunks ready for slow cooking.
Main Sauce Ingredients:
  • Beef Broth, Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce: Flavorful liquid base with deep savory notes.
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that adds rich depth.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Thyme, Black Pepper: Classic herbs and spices that enhance beef flavor.
  • Salt: Essential for balancing and bringing out flavors.
Thickening & Finishing Ingredients:
  • Cornstarch, Cold Water: Simple thickening agent for creating rich sauce.
  • Egg Noodles: Soft and comforting pasta perfect for soaking up sauce.
Optional Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Adds smooth richness and prevents sticking.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb for bright garnish.

How to Cook Beef Tips in the Slow Cooker

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Beef

Grab a skillet and heat it over medium-high heat.

Drizzle some oil and place beef tips into the pan.

Season the meat with salt and pepper.

Sear each piece until golden brown on all sides, creating a delicious caramelized exterior.

Transfer the beautifully browned beef into the crockpot.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Toss these ingredients into the crockpot:
  • Chopped onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Beef broth
  • Soy sauce
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Dried thyme
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together to ensure the beef gets completely coated with the aromatic mixture.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and let the magic happen.

Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours.

The goal is super tender beef that falls apart with a fork.

Give the contents a gentle stir occasionally if you can.

Step 4: Create a Silky Sauce

Want a richer sauce?

Whisk cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry.

Pour this into the crockpot during the final 30 minutes of cooking.

This will transform the liquid into a luxurious, glossy sauce.

Step 5: Prepare Noodle Bed

Cook egg noodles according to package directions.

Once done, drain and toss with a touch of butter or olive oil to prevent clumping.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Spread the noodles on plates and generously ladle the succulent beef tips and sauce over top.

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Enjoy this comforting meal immediately!

Tips for Tender Crockpot Beef Tips

  • Sear beef tips before slow cooking to develop a rich, deep flavor that transforms the overall taste of the dish.
  • Create a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, ensuring a velvety texture that clings beautifully to the noodles.
  • Toss cooked noodles with a small amount of butter or olive oil to keep them moist and prevent clumping.
  • Swap beef tips with chicken or plant-based protein for alternative versions of this comforting meal.
  • Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the cooking liquid for an extra layer of complexity in the sauce.

Save and Warm Up Leftovers the Right Way

  • Transfer leftover beef tips and noodles to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Place cooled beef tips in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Properly stored, the dish will maintain quality for 2-3 months.
  • Warm beef tips in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

What to Serve With Beef Tips

  • Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Select a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, savory beef tips, enhancing the dish's deep meaty flavors and cutting through the tender protein's richness.
  • Herb-Infused Side Companion: Prepare roasted garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta as a sublime side dish, creating a velvety texture that absorbs the hearty beef sauce and provides a comforting base for the meal.
  • Texture-Contrasting Vegetable: Roast crispy Brussels sprouts with pancetta or sauté green beans with almonds to add a crunchy, fresh element that balances the soft noodles and tender beef, bringing brightness to the plate.
  • Refreshing Beverage Match: Serve a crisp pilsner or hoppy amber ale that offers a light, slightly bitter counterpoint to the rich beef, cleansing the palate between bites and providing a refreshing contrast to the heavy, savory main course.

Beef and Noodle Variations to Explore

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and use gluten-free egg noodles or zucchini noodles to create a celiac-friendly meal.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap beef tips with firm portobello mushrooms or seitan chunks, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute noodles with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich, savory flavor profile of the original recipe.
  • Instant Pot Variation: Transfer all ingredients to an instant pot, cooking on high pressure for 25-30 minutes with a quick release to achieve similar tender beef results in significantly less time.

FAQs

  • Is it necessary to sear the beef before putting it in the crockpot?

While searing is optional, it adds depth and richness to the overall flavor of the dish. The browning process creates caramelization that enhances the beef’s taste, but your recipe will still be delicious if you skip this step.

  • Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef tips?

Yes, you can substitute beef tips with chuck roast, stew meat, or beef sirloin. These cuts work well in slow cookers and will provide similar tender results. Just ensure the meat is cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

  • How can I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?

Cook the noodles separately and add them just before serving. By cooking egg noodles right before serving and adding them at the last minute, you’ll maintain their perfect texture and prevent them from becoming soggy or overcooked in the crockpot.

  • What if I don't have Worcestershire sauce?

You can substitute Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, or a mixture of soy sauce and red wine vinegar. These alternatives will provide a similar umami flavor and help enhance the overall taste of the beef tips.

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Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe

Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty “Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles” comfort brings tender beef and silky noodles together in a classic slow-cooker embrace. Savory gravy and melt-in-your-mouth meat invite you to enjoy a home-style meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) beef stew meat

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Liquid and Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)

For Serving:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) egg noodles
  • Chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beef by seasoning with salt and pepper. Optionally, sear the meat in a hot skillet with oil until golden brown on all sides to develop deeper flavor profiles.
  2. Transfer the beef to the crockpot and introduce aromatic elements like chopped onions and minced garlic. Pour in beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkle thyme and black pepper over the meat.
  3. Create a harmonious cooking environment by covering the crockpot and allowing the beef to simmer slowly. Select low temperature for 6-8 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours until the meat becomes meltingly tender.
  4. Monitor the sauce consistency midway through cooking. If a more luxurious texture is desired, whisk cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry. Gently incorporate this thickening agent during the final 30 minutes of cooking.
  5. As the beef approaches completion, prepare egg noodles according to package guidance. Drain thoroughly and toss with a touch of butter or olive oil to prevent clumping.
  6. Assemble the dish by creating a welcoming bed of noodles. Carefully ladle the succulent beef and rich sauce over the pasta. Optional: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Searing the beef before slow cooking develops a rich, caramelized exterior that intensifies the overall flavor profile of the dish.
  • Using low-sodium beef broth helps control salt levels, allowing you to adjust seasoning precisely throughout cooking.
  • Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular egg noodles with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
  • For a leaner protein option, swap beef tips with chicken thighs or turkey breast, adjusting cooking times accordingly to prevent drying out the meat.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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