If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious, you’re going to love this Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe. Tender beef simmers slowly in a rich, savory gravy infused with onion soup and brown gravy mixes, creating a luscious sauce that perfectly coats soft, egg noodles. This dish is the ultimate cozy dinner that fills the kitchen with inviting aromas and the promise of warm, satisfying flavors. It’s a stress-free way to impress your family or treat yourself after a long day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together with such simplicity, but each one plays an important role in building the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe. From the tender stew meat to the savory soup mix, every element is essential to creating that rich and hearty dish you’ll crave again and again.
- 1 lb stew meat: Choose well-marbled beef for maximum tenderness and flavor after slow cooking.
- 1 packet Lipton onion soup mix: This adds a wonderful depth of savory onion flavor that elevates the gravy.
- 1 packet brown gravy mix: Gives the sauce a rich, velvety texture with just the right hint of beefy goodness.
- 4 cups beef broth: The base liquid that brings everything together, enhancing the meaty flavors smoothly.
- 1 cup water: Helps balance the broth concentration and ensures a perfect gravy consistency.
- 8 oz egg noodles: Soft, tender noodles soak up all the delicious gravy, making each bite a delight.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to customize the dish just how you like it.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch when sprinkled on top as a garnish.
How to Make Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Tips
Start by placing the stew meat into your slow cooker. Then sprinkle both the Lipton onion soup mix and the brown gravy mix over the meat. Pour in the beef broth and water, stirring everything together to combine the flavors. This simple layering sets the stage for a rich and flavorful dish.
Step 2: Slow Cook for Tenderness
Cover your crockpot and set it on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the beef will slowly become incredibly tender while the gravy thickens to perfection. The slow cooking process is what transforms basic ingredients into a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Step 3: Cook the Egg Noodles
About 20 minutes before you’re ready to eat, prepare the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside. Cooking noodles toward the end ensures they’re perfectly tender and ready to soak up all that delicious beef gravy.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
When the beef is beautifully tender and the gravy is thick and flavorful, season everything with salt and pepper to your liking. Spoon the beef tips and gravy generously over the egg noodles. If you like, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top to add a lovely pop of color and a hint of freshness.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is my go-to garnish for this dish because it adds a burst of color and a subtle herbal brightness that complements the rich flavors. You could also try a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a dash of smoked paprika for a little extra flair.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli, or even some warm crusty bread can balance the meal beautifully. The fresh vegetables add texture and color, making your plate more inviting and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the beef tips and noodles in shallow bowls to showcase the luscious gravy, drizzle a little extra beef broth on top for shine, or even layer the beef and noodles in individual ramekins and broil with a sprinkle of cheese for a gratin-style presentation. It’s a great way to add an extra element of surprise to your classic Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days, making it a great option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for a later date, the beef tips and gravy freeze wonderfully. Portion the beef and gravy separately from the noodles in freezer-safe containers or bags. This way, the noodles won’t get too mushy after reheating. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat the beef tips and gravy gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Cook the noodles separately or reheat them briefly in hot water to refresh their texture before combining the two. This method keeps the dish tasting fresh and delicious every time.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for the Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat is ideal for its tenderness after slow cooking, you could also use chuck roast or sirloin tips cut into bite-sized pieces. Just ensure the beef is suitable for slow cooking to get that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Do I have to use the packet mixes or can I make my own gravy?
You can definitely make a homemade gravy if you prefer. However, using the Lipton onion soup mix and brown gravy packet adds a depth of flavor and convenience that’s hard to beat for this particular recipe.
Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can! Sear the beef using the sauté function, then add the liquids and gravy mixes and cook on high pressure for about 35 minutes with a natural release. This speeds up the cooking time without sacrificing tenderness.
What type of noodles work best for this recipe?
Egg noodles are the traditional choice because their buttery, tender texture complements the beef tips and gravy so well. You could also opt for pappardelle or wide ribbon pasta if you want a slightly different noodle experience.
Can I add vegetables to the Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe?
Yes! Adding chopped mushrooms, carrots, or celery at the beginning of the slow cooking process can add extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to cut them into uniform pieces so they cook evenly alongside the beef.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe has become a beloved favorite for so many reasons: it’s comfort food that feels homemade and special without requiring tons of effort, each bite is bursting with warmth and savory goodness, and it’s perfect for feeding the family or impressing guests with minimal fuss. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy every tender, flavorful forkful as much as I do!
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Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles recipe offers tender, flavorful beef stew meat slow-cooked in savory onion soup and gravy mix, served over perfectly cooked egg noodles. It’s an easy, comforting meal that requires minimal hands-on time, ideal for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Beef Tips
- 1 lb stew meat
- 1 packet Lipton onion soup mix
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
Noodles & Garnish
- 8 oz egg noodles
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Tips: In a slow cooker, combine the stew meat, Lipton onion soup mix, brown gravy mix, beef broth, and water. Stir everything together well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the gravy has thickened to a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Cook the Noodles: About 20 minutes before serving, prepare the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside, keeping them warm.
- Combine and Serve: Season the beef tips with salt and pepper to your taste. Serve the tender beef and gravy over the cooked egg noodles. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- For a thicker gravy, you can stir in a mixture of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of slow cooking.
- To save time, cook the noodles in advance and reheat them before serving.
- Use fresh parsley or substitute with dried herbs if fresh is unavailable.
- This recipe can be doubled to serve a larger crowd using a larger slow cooker.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American