If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender chunks of beef stew meat slowly simmered with savory onions, garlic, and a rich, flavorful sauce make this dish truly special. Paired with silky egg noodles that soak up every bit of that luscious sauce, it’s a perfect weeknight favorite or a weekend treat that fills your home with irresistible aromas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just the right ingredients is the first key to success with this Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe. Each component plays its part: the beef brings hearty richness, the seasonings build depth, and the noodles provide the perfect tender bite.
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat (beef tips): Use well-marbled meat for maximum tenderness and flavor after slow cooking.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and an aromatic base for the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a savory punch that complements the beef beautifully.
- 1 cup beef broth: Deepens the meaty flavor and helps create a luscious sauce.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce: Adds umami and a touch of saltiness that balances the dish.
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce: Brings a subtle tang and complexity to the sauce.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Enhances the sauce with a slight sharpness and richness.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Infuses earthy, herbal notes perfect for beef dishes.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Freshly ground for a mild heat and aromatic quality.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Stirred in at the end for a silky, creamy finish.
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness.
- 8 oz egg noodles: The soft, tender noodles that soak up all the delicious sauce.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening): Helps achieve a thicker, gravy-like sauce if you prefer.
How to Make Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by placing your beef stew meat right into the crockpot. Adding the chopped onion and minced garlic on top creates a fragrant foundation that will slowly meld with the beef as it cooks. This step sets the stage for the rich flavors to come — no rushing, just patience.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and black pepper in a bowl. Pour this well-seasoned mixture evenly over the beef and aromatics in your crockpot. This sauce will infuse the meat with bold, savory notes during the long, slow cooking process.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time. The result? Absolutely tender beef that practically melts in your mouth, soaking up every bit of that flavorful sauce. Trust the slow cooker to do the heavy lifting here.
Step 4: Prepare the Noodles
About 30 minutes before serving, boil the egg noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and set them aside. These noodles will soon be the perfect comforting bed for your tender beef and creamy sauce.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a gravy-like sauce, mix the cornstarch with cold water to form a smooth slurry. Stir this into the crockpot mixture and cook on high for another 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully, coating every piece of beef with luscious flavor.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas if you’re using them. Let everything cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the creaminess to blend and the peas to warm through. Finally, add your cooked egg noodles and gently toss everything together so the noodles soak up the sauce and come to life with every bite.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal note that complements the creamy beef perfectly. Add a little cracked black pepper on top for an extra touch of warmth and a rustic finish.
Side Dishes
Serve these beef tips and noodles alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness with some fresh, crunchy textures. A side of steamed broccoli or green beans is also fantastic for adding color and a hit of brightness to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, try serving the beef tips over buttery mashed potatoes instead of noodles for a twist. Or use wide egg noodles and create individual serving bowls layered with the beef mixture and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a comforting yet elegant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making the next-day meal even tastier.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but it’s best to freeze the beef tips and sauce separately from the noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen it up. For microwave reheating, cover and heat in short intervals, stirring between sessions for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat works best for tender results, chuck roast or sirloin cut into cubes will also yield delicious beef tips with a bit of adjustment in cooking time.
Do I have to use heavy cream?
You can omit the heavy cream for a lighter dish or substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free option, but the texture and richness might change slightly.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?
Yes! Brown the beef and simmer in a covered pot over low heat for about 2 hours or until the beef is tender, stirring occasionally. The slow cooker just allows for hands-off convenience.
What are the best noodles to use for this recipe?
Egg noodles are traditional and soak up the sauce wonderfully, but you could also use pappardelle, fettuccine, or even wide pasta ribbons for a similar comforting effect.
How do I make sure the beef is extra tender?
Cooking low and slow is key. Don’t rush the process, and choose a well-marbled beef cut. Letting the beef rest briefly after cooking also helps retain juices for tender bites.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a dinner that simmers slowly, filling your kitchen with rich aromas and ending with tender beef and creamy noodles that taste like a million bucks. I truly hope you give this Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe a whirl—it’s comfort food magic that’s simple to make but unforgettable to eat. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it in your weeknight rotation!
Print
Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles recipe is a comforting and hearty slow-cooked meal perfect for busy days. Tender beef stew meat is simmered in a flavorful sauce made with beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard, then combined with creamy heavy cream, peas, and tender egg noodles for a complete and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Beef and Aromatics
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat (beef tips)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Place the beef stew meat in the crockpot. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and black pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the beef in the crockpot.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and flavorful.
- Prepare the Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken.
- Combine and Serve: Stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas (if using) into the crockpot. Cook for another 10 minutes to heat through. Finally, add the cooked egg noodles and gently toss everything together before serving.
Notes
- Beef stew meat can be substituted with chuck roast cut into cubes if preferred.
- Frozen peas are optional but add a nice pop of color and sweetness.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles.
- Do not overcook the noodles; cook them just until al dente before adding at the end.
- Cornstarch slurry is optional; the sauce can be left thinner if desired.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
