There’s nothing quite like a hearty, home-cooked meal that requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum flavor. Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is one such dish—rich, tender chunks of beef simmered to perfection in a savory sauce and served over a bed of buttery noodles. This comforting recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you simply want to indulge in a delicious, no-fuss meal. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can create this satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
This Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles recipe combines the convenience of slow cooking with rich, hearty flavors that everyone will love. Here’s what makes it so special:
- Tender, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef: Slow cooking allows the beef to become incredibly tender, absorbing all the flavors of the sauce.
- Minimal Prep Time: Just a few minutes of preparation, and your crockpot does the rest of the work!
- Perfect for Busy Schedules: Simply set it and forget it. Come home to a warm, comforting meal that’s ready to serve.
- Family-Friendly Comfort Food: The savory beef and creamy sauce pair perfectly with noodles, making it a dish that’s sure to please both kids and adults.
Ingredients
To make this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the Beef Tips:
- 2 lbs Beef Stew Meat or Sirloin Tips: Cut into bite-sized pieces. Choose a tender cut like sirloin or use stew meat for a more economical option.
- 1 Large Onion: Chopped finely to add depth of flavor.
- 3 Cloves of Garlic: Minced. Fresh garlic enhances the savory notes of the dish.
- 2 Cups Beef Broth: Provides a rich base for the sauce.
- 1/4 Cup Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy, savory element to the beef.
- 1/4 Cup Red Wine (optional): For an extra layer of richness and complexity.
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce: Balances the flavors with a touch of umami.
- 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard: Adds a slight tang and helps thicken the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the beef before cooking.
- For the Sauce:
- 1 Cup Sour Cream: Creates a creamy, luxurious sauce that coats the beef and noodles perfectly.
- 1/4 Cup Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Adds extra richness and creaminess.
- 2 Tbsp Cornstarch + 2 Tbsp Water: Forms a slurry to thicken the sauce if needed.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Chopped, for garnish and added color.
- For the Noodles:
- 12 oz Egg Noodles: Cooked according to package instructions. Egg noodles are traditional for this dish, but you can also use any pasta of your choice.
- 1 Tbsp Butter: To toss with the cooked noodles, adding a rich, buttery flavor.
How to Make Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Beef (Optional)
While not necessary, searing the beef tips before placing them in the crockpot adds a deeper flavor to the dish. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the beef to your crockpot.
Step 2: Add the Aromatics and Broth
In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add them to the crockpot with the beef. Next, pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and red wine (if using). Stir in the Dijon mustard until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Beef
Cover and cook the beef mixture on Low for 6-8 hours or on High for 4-5 hours. The beef should be tender and easy to shred with a fork. If you find that the sauce is too thin, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then add it to the crockpot and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce
Once the beef is fully cooked and tender, stir in the sour cream and heavy cream. This step creates a rich, creamy sauce that coats the beef beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Cook the Egg Noodles
About 15 minutes before serving, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with a tablespoon of butter for added richness.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
To serve, place a generous portion of egg noodles on each plate and top with the creamy beef tips. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this delicious meal!
Tips for Making the Best Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Use a cut that becomes tender with slow cooking, such as beef stew meat, chuck roast, or sirloin tips.
- Don’t Skip the Searing: If you have time, searing the beef adds a deeper flavor and helps seal in the juices.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking. For a thinner sauce, add more beef broth or cream.
- Use Full-Fat Dairy: For the best texture and flavor, use full-fat sour cream and heavy cream.
- Cook the Noodles Separately: Always cook the noodles separately from the beef mixture to avoid them becoming mushy. Toss them in butter for extra flavor before serving.
Variations of Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
- Mushroom Beef Tips: Add sliced mushrooms to the crockpot with the beef and onions for an earthy flavor that complements the dish.
- Garlic and Herb Beef Tips: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, along with extra garlic, to enhance the flavor.
- Spicy Beef Tips: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Beef Tips and Mashed Potatoes: Instead of serving over noodles, pair the beef tips with creamy mashed potatoes.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving of Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles:
- Calories: 450-550 (depending on portion size and ingredients)
- Protein: 30-35 grams
- Fat: 25-30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
- Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugar: 3-5 grams
Nutritional values will vary based on the exact ingredients and portion size.
Conclusion
Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is a comforting and delicious dish that brings the flavors of a home-cooked meal with minimal effort. The tender beef and creamy sauce make for a satisfying dinner that pairs perfectly with buttery egg noodles. Whether you’re looking for a hearty family meal or something to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.