Stressful days call for comforting meals, and there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Easy Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles to chase your worries away. This dish embodies everything you love about comfort food—tender beef simmered in a rich, savory gravy, served over buttery egg noodles. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want to keep the family happy without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep and the magic of a crockpot, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.

Imagine arriving home to the enticing aroma of beef tips cooking away in the slow cooker, making your mouth water and your stomach rumble. This dish doesn’t just offer flavor; it’s also a wonderful way to bond with family during mealtimes. As you gather around the table with your loved ones, you’ll not only enjoy a delicious meal but also create lasting memories. Plus, it’s entirely adaptable for those hectic evenings when you need something nourishing yet uncomplicated. What’s more, it’s a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to savor leftovers throughout the week. Easy, satisfying, and hearty—Easy Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is a recipe you’ll want to dive into.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles

Fuss-Free Cooking: Simply sear the beef, toss everything into the crockpot, and let it do its magic.
Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of beef, savory broth, and cream of mushroom soup results in a mouthwatering gravy.
Family-Friendly: This dish caters to both kids and adults, making it a sure hit for your dinner table.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Customizable: Feel free to add vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit your taste.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this delicious recipe, it’s crucial to prepare your kitchen and gather your tools. For an efficient cooking experience, you’ll need a large skillet for searing the beef and a reliable slow cooker to let the flavors meld. Make sure your ingredients are at hand, including measuring cups for liquids and a sturdy knife for chopping the onion and garlic. Having a set of cutting boards can keep your workspace organized and safe.

Additionally, prepare your cooking area by clearing away any clutter and ensuring you have all required utensils handy, such as a whisk for mixing sauces and a spatula for serving. This streamlined approach not only enhances your cooking experience but also sets you up for success, ensuring a delicious outcome. Once you’ve got everything in place, you’re ready for a delightful cooking journey!

Ingredients

2 pounds beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
12 oz egg noodles, cooked separately
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This step is essential as it caramelizes the beef surface, creating a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. Sear the beef cubes in batches until they are nicely browned on all sides, ensuring they develop a rich crust. This process takes about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once browned, transfer the beef cubes to your slow cooker, ready for the next stage.

Step 2: Prepare the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes. This step enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish. Add the cooked onions and garlic directly on top of the beef in the crockpot, allowing the warmth to infuse the meat.

Step 3: Whisk the Sauces

In a separate bowl, combine the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture together until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps from the cream of mushroom soup. Pour this luscious mixture over the beef and aromatics in the crockpot, spreading it evenly to ensure all the beef is coated in this delightful gravy.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Beef

Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours. The longer cooking time on low allows the beef to become incredibly tender, while the flavors meld beautifully. After the appropriate cooking time, the beef should be fork-tender, ready to be served over the noodles.

Step 5: Thicken the Gravy (Optional)

If you desire a thicker gravy, mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help achieve your preferred consistency for the gravy, making every bite luscious and creamy.

Step 6: Cook the Noodles

While the beef is nearing completion, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, usually about 6-8 minutes in boiling water. Drain the noodles and toss them with a drizzle of oil or a pat of butter to prevent stickiness. This creates a rich base for your beef tips.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is cooked, serve the beef tips and gravy over the egg noodles, and don’t forget to garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This not only adds a pop of color but also freshness to the dish.

Variations

Protein: Swap the beef for chicken or turkey for a different flavor profile.
Vegetables: Add carrots, peas, or mushrooms to the slow cooker for added nutrition and color.
Spices: Experiment with Italian herbs or a splash of red wine for an added depth of flavor.

Cooking Notes

Always sear the beef for maximum flavor before placing it in the slow cooker.
If you’re short on time, you can skip the searing but expect a milder flavor.
Keep the noodles and beef separate until serving to maintain texture.
Adjust the seasoning to fit your taste; don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich beef.
Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.

Tips

For extra flavor, consider marinating the beef overnight in your preferred spices.
If preparing ahead, store noodles separately to avoid sogginess.
This dish freezes well; portion it out for easy meals later.
Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for an added touch of richness.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 520
Protein: 38g
Sodium: 820mg
Sugar: 3g
Fat: 26g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Chicken or even pork can make great substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

What can I serve on the side?

A simple side salad or steamed vegetables complements the dish well, providing variety.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance, but keep the noodles separate until you’re ready to serve for the best texture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Easy Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is the ultimate meal for busy households seeking delicious comfort food without the hassle. Its combination of tender beef, robust flavors, and buttery noodles has a way of bringing families together around the dinner table. Whether enjoyed as a weeknight meal, for meal prep, or even at friendly gatherings, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Don’t hesitate to experiment with its various adaptations or share your experiences in the comments. We’d love to hear how this recipe fits into your family traditions!