Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles: Comfort Food at Its Best

When it comes to hearty, comforting meals, few dishes hit the mark quite like Crockpot beef tips and noodles. This dish brings together tender beef tips, rich flavors, and a velvety gravy, all served over soft noodles for a satisfying meal the entire family will love. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—it’s a throw-it-all-in-the-crockpot kind of dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to have a cozy meal without much fuss, these beef tips become melt-in-your-mouth tender after hours of slow cooking.

The savory broth, Worcestershire sauce, and beef bouillon blend together to create a deep, savory base for the beef tips. The addition of noodles at the end of the cooking process makes this dish a complete, one-pot meal that’s both filling and comforting. Best of all, it’s practically hands-off, letting your slow cooker do all the hard work while you go about your day.

Ready to make this mouthwatering meal? Let’s dive into the details and learn how to create the perfect Crockpot beef tips and noodles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hands-Off Cooking – Toss everything in the crockpot, set it, and forget it. Minimal effort, maximum flavor.
2. Tender, Flavorful Beef – Slow-cooking the beef tips ensures they turn out tender and juicy, soaking up all the savory goodness.
3. Rich, Savory Gravy – The homemade gravy made from broth and Worcestershire sauce is perfect for smothering those noodles.
4. One-Pot Meal – No need for additional sides; the noodles cook right in with the beef and gravy for a complete meal.
5. Perfect for Leftovers – This recipe reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

Ingredients

• Beef tips
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic, minced
• Low-sodium beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Beef better than bouillon or beef bouillon cubes
• Low-sodium brown gravy packets (or cornstarch)

Variations

• Vegetable Add-ins: Add sliced mushrooms, carrots, or peas to the crockpot for extra flavor and texture.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a little heavy cream or sour cream at the end of cooking for a creamy gravy.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free noodles and cornstarch instead of gravy packets for a gluten-free variation.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the beef tips with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional noodles.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Season the beef tips with salt and pepper. Place them in the crockpot.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Broth

Add the minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and beef bouillon to the crockpot. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Beef

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 4: Add Gravy Mix

Stir in the brown gravy packets (or cornstarch) and mix until the broth thickens. Let it cook for another 30 minutes to an hour.

Step 5: Cook the Noodles

Add uncooked noodles to the crockpot and stir them into the gravy. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the noodles are tender and fully cooked.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the noodles are cooked, give the mixture a final stir. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or a sprinkle of cheese if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cut the Beef into Smaller Pieces: This ensures that each piece is coated in the gravy and cooks evenly.
• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Add the noodles near the end of the cooking process so they don’t become mushy.
• Use a Good Quality Beef Broth: The broth is a key part of the flavor, so opt for a good-quality or homemade beef broth for the best result.
• Adjust the Gravy Thickness: If the gravy is too thick, add more broth. If it’s too thin, use a little more cornstarch or gravy mix.
• For Extra Flavor: Sauté the garlic before adding it to the crockpot for a richer, more aromatic base.

How to Serve

This dish is best served hot and fresh. Serve the beef tips and noodles in a bowl, and consider pairing it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also sprinkle a little parmesan cheese on top for extra richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the dish has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

To freeze, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then heat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of broth if the gravy has thickened too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use stew meat instead of beef tips?

Yes, stew meat is a great substitute and will work just as well in this recipe.

2. Can I use regular beef bouillon cubes?

Yes, but opt for low-sodium bouillon to avoid making the dish too salty.

3. How long should I cook the beef tips?

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.

4. Can I make this recipe without gravy packets?

Yes, substitute with cornstarch or another thickening agent like flour.

5. Can I use frozen beef tips?

Yes, you can use frozen beef tips, but you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they cook through.

6. Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes, feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer, just adjust the cooking time as needed.

7. Is there a substitute for Worcestershire sauce?

You can use soy sauce or balsamic vinegar as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce.

8. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?

Yes, you can cook the beef and broth on the stovetop in a large pot, then add the noodles once the beef is tender.

9. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add sliced mushrooms, carrots, or peas for extra texture and flavor.

10. How do I know when the beef is done?

The beef should be fork-tender and easily shred when you pull it apart.

Conclusion

Crockpot beef tips and noodles is a simple yet delicious dish that’s perfect for busy days when you want a hearty, satisfying meal without much effort. The slow cooking process transforms the beef into tender morsels, while the gravy and noodles make each bite comforting and filling. Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping leftovers for the week, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your rotation. Give it a try and enjoy the rich, savory flavors that only a crockpot can create!

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