Easy Crockpot Beef Tips And Noodles Recipe
Rich, hearty, and swimming in a luxurious brown gravy, Beef Tips and Noodles is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth to any table. This classic dish features tender chunks of beef simmered in a savory sauce with onions, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs, all served over a bed of buttery egg noodles. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with soul-satisfying aromas and brings everyone together for a cozy dinner.
Each forkful delivers a perfect blend of textures—melt-in-your-mouth beef, silky gravy, and soft, pillowy noodles that soak up every bit of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a Sunday family dinner or need a reliable weeknight meal, this dish is as comforting to make as it is to eat. Top it off with fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream, crispy onions, or grated Parmesan for a personalized touch that makes it feel extra special.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Tips and Noodles
- One-pot comfort: Everything simmers together beautifully—minimal dishes, maximum homestyle flavor.
- Classic American favorite: Like Mom used to make. All the nostalgic flavors you remember from childhood dinners.
- Versatile and forgiving: Use different cuts of beef, swap mushrooms, add vegetables, or adjust the gravy thickness to your liking.
- Perfect for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day and reheats like a dream for easy lunches.
- Budget-friendly elegance: Affordable beef cuts transform into a restaurant-quality meal with tender, flavorful results.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, Plus Why They Matter)
Before diving into this delicious Beef Tips and Noodles recipe, having the right tools on hand will make everything smoother—from browning to serving.
Essential Tools & Why You Need Them:
Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot (5-6 quart)
This is the workhorse of the recipe. It distributes heat evenly for perfect browning and holds everything comfortably for simmering without scorching.
Large Pot for Noodles
A separate pot for boiling noodles ensures they cook perfectly while the beef simmers. You need enough room for water to circulate freely.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula
Essential for scraping up those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot and stirring the gravy smoothly.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board
For cutting beef into uniform pieces, slicing mushrooms, and chopping onions and herbs for optimal cooking and presentation.
Measuring Cups & Spoons
Precision ensures the gravy has perfect consistency and the seasonings are balanced just right.
Tongs
Perfect for turning beef pieces during browning without piercing the meat and losing precious juices.
Having these items prepped and within reach makes the cooking process seamless and stress-free.
Preparation Tips
- Cut beef into uniform pieces (about 1-1.5 inches)—this ensures everything cooks evenly and becomes tender at the same time.
- Brown the beef in batches to maintain high heat. Overcrowding creates steam instead of that beautiful caramelized crust.
- Don’t skip deglazing the pan—all those browned bits stuck to the bottom are pure flavor gold for your gravy.
- Simmer low and slow for the most tender beef. Rushing this step results in tough, chewy meat instead of fork-tender bites.
- Season in layers throughout the cooking process for depth of flavor, not just at the end.
- Rest before serving: Let the dish sit for 5 minutes after cooking so the flavors meld and the gravy thickens slightly.
These small touches make a big difference in achieving that homestyle, melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
Ingredients for This Beef Tips and Noodles
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this hearty, soul-warming dish to life. Most of the ingredients are kitchen staples, making it both economical and easy to prepare any day of the week.
For the Beef Tips:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
- 3 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Noodles:
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt for pasta water
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for tossing
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Sour cream
- Crispy fried onions
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Fresh thyme sprigs
Everything in this list works together harmoniously—the savory beef and earthy mushrooms create a rich gravy that pairs beautifully with tender egg noodles. The toppings are optional but add freshness and visual appeal.
Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Beef
Pat the beef cubes completely dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess. In your Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon each of butter and oil over medium-high heat.
Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, brown the beef cubes on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer browned beef to a plate and set aside. Repeat with remaining beef, adding more oil if needed.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same pot, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Toss in the diced onions and sliced mushrooms, scraping up all those beautiful browned bits from the bottom. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the onions are softened and mushrooms have released their moisture. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Create the Gravy and Simmer
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce, stirring well to combine. Add the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Return the browned beef and any accumulated juices back to the pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The beef should become fork-tender and the gravy will thicken naturally.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
About 15 minutes before the beef is done, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until tender, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain well, return to the pot, and toss with 2 tablespoons of butter and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
Step 5: Final Touches and Serve
Remove the bay leaves from the beef mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. If the gravy is too thin, simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes to reduce. If too thick, add a splash of beef broth to reach desired consistency.
Serve the tender beef tips and gravy generously over the buttered egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream, crispy onions, or Parmesan cheese as desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Beef Cut Options: Chuck roast, round steak, or pre-cut stew meat all work beautifully. Tougher cuts become incredibly tender with proper simmering time.
Make it Creamier: Stir in ½ cup of sour cream or heavy cream during the last 5 minutes of cooking for an extra rich, velvety gravy.
Slow Cooker Adaptation: After browning beef and sautéing vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
- Not drying the beef: Wet meat won’t brown properly and will steam instead, resulting in gray, unappetizing meat without flavor development.
- Skipping the browning step: This is where the deep, rich flavor comes from. Don’t rush or skip this crucial step.
- Boiling instead of simmering: High heat makes beef tough and stringy. Keep it at a gentle simmer for tender, melt-in-your-mouth results.
- Adding too much flour at once: This can create lumps in your gravy. Dredge lightly and shake off excess before browning.
- Overcooking the noodles: Mushy noodles ruin the dish. Cook just until tender and drain immediately to maintain perfect texture.
- Not tasting and adjusting: Gravy needs proper seasoning. Always taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and Worcestershire as needed.
- Using low-quality broth: The broth is the foundation of your gravy. Use good-quality beef broth for the best flavor.
- Cutting beef pieces too small: They’ll overcook and dry out. Stick to 1-1.5 inch cubes for optimal tenderness.
What to Serve With Beef Tips and Noodles?
This hearty and satisfying dish is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate it into a full comfort food experience. Whether you’re going classic or adding variety, there’s a side dish for every occasion.
8 Delicious Recommendations:
Garlic Green Beans
Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with butter and garlic provide a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich gravy.
Simple Garden Salad
A mix of crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Caramelized and crispy on the outside, tender inside—these add a slightly bitter, nutty flavor that balances perfectly.
Buttery Dinner Rolls
Soft, warm rolls are essential for sopping up every last drop of that incredible gravy.
Steamed Broccoli with Lemon
Light, healthy, and bright—the lemon adds a fresh zing that complements the savory beef.
Glazed Carrots
Sweet, tender carrots glazed with butter and brown sugar add color and a touch of sweetness.
Creamy Coleslaw
Cool, crunchy slaw with a tangy dressing provides textural contrast and refreshes the palate.
Apple Pie or Cobbler (for dessert)
A classic American dessert completes this comfort food feast perfectly, especially served warm with vanilla ice cream.
These pairings help round out the meal and bring that classic Sunday dinner feeling to any day of the week.
Storage Instructions
Beef Tips and Noodles is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day—and it stores wonderfully for meal prep.
How to Store:
Refrigerator: Allow the beef and noodles to cool completely, then store in separate airtight containers if possible (this prevents noodles from absorbing all the gravy). Both will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the beef and gravy (without noodles) in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Cook fresh noodles when ready to serve.
Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat the beef and gravy in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth if needed. Heat noodles separately or add them to the warmed gravy.
Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a tablespoon of water or broth to prevent drying.
Always ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when reheating.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)
Please note this is an approximate breakdown and may vary based on exact ingredients used.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 9g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 135mg |
| Sodium | 680mg |
This dish delivers a protein-packed meal with satisfying carbs and balanced fats—perfect for a hearty dinner that keeps you full and satisfied.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Beef Tips and Noodles ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the beef and gravy completely, refrigerate for up to 2 days, and cook fresh noodles when ready to serve. The flavors actually deepen and improve overnight.
2. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Pork shoulder, lamb stew meat, or even chicken thighs work well. Adjust cooking times accordingly—chicken needs less time than beef.
3. Is this dish very heavy?
It’s definitely a hearty, comfort food dish. The rich gravy and tender beef make it filling and satisfying, perfect for cold weather or when you need something substantial.
4. Can I make it in an Instant Pot?
Definitely. Brown the beef using the sauté function, add remaining ingredients (except noodles), and pressure cook on high for 25 minutes with natural release. Cook noodles separately.
5. What if I don’t have egg noodles?
No problem. Use any pasta you have on hand—pappardelle, fettuccine, or even rice works beautifully as a base for the beef and gravy.
6. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour for dredging (or skip it), substitute tamari for soy sauce, and use gluten-free pasta or serve over mashed potatoes instead.
7. How do I make the gravy thicker?
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir into the simmering gravy. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it reaches desired thickness.
8. Can I add vegetables to the beef mixture?
Certainly. Carrots, celery, peas, or bell peppers are excellent additions. Add heartier vegetables at the beginning, and tender ones during the last 20 minutes.
Conclusion
Beef Tips and Noodles is the ultimate celebration of homestyle comfort and simple, satisfying flavors—all simmered together in one pot. With its tender, fork-tender beef and silky, rich gravy, it’s everything you love about classic American comfort food, made easy for your own kitchen.
Perfect for family dinners, Sunday suppers, or make-ahead meal planning, this dish is as reliable as it is delicious. Plus, with endless topping and serving possibilities, it adapts to any taste. So grab your Dutch oven and make dinner something everyone gathers around.
