If you’re craving a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe is your new go-to. This dish nails that perfect balance of tender, savory beef swimming in rich gravy, served over soft, silky egg noodles. It’s unbelievably simple to make, thanks to the slow cooker doing most of the work, yet it delivers big on flavor and homestyle satisfaction that has everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and comforting textures, making the simplicity of the list a delightful surprise once it’s all cooked up.
- 1 lb stew meat: The star of the dish, stew meat becomes wonderfully tender after slow cooking.
- 1 packet Lipton onion soup mix: Adds a savory depth with a touch of onion sweetness and seasoning.
- 1 packet brown gravy mix: Essential for thickening the sauce and adding rich, beefy flavor.
- 4 cups beef broth: The liquid base that infuses the meat and noodles with rich umami notes.
- 1 cup water: Balances the broth and helps create the perfect gravy consistency.
- 8 oz egg noodles: Soft and pillowy, these noodles soak up the luscious gravy perfectly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings to bring out every other flavor in the dish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and subtle herbal brightness.
How to Make Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Tips
Start by combining the stew meat with the Lipton onion soup mix, brown gravy mix, beef broth, and water directly in your slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed and that the meat is nicely coated. This step sets the foundation for rich, flavorful beef and a luscious gravy.
Step 2: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your crockpot and let it work its magic. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or speed things up with high heat for 3 to 4 hours. As the beef simmers, it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while the gravy thickens into a silky sauce that hugs each piece of meat perfectly.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
About 20 minutes before serving, boil the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they’re soft but still hold their shape. Drain these, and set them aside ready to be combined with your irresistible beef tips.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Once the beef is tender and the gravy is perfectly thick, season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve the beef tips generously over the cooked egg noodles, and don’t forget to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for that final touch of color and freshness. You’re ready to enjoy a home-cooked meal that feels truly special.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is a classic finishing touch here, adding a burst of green that brightens up the hearty dish. If you want to get creative, try a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a few thinly sliced green onions for a mild bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or some steamed green beans. Both add a refreshing contrast to the rich gravy and tender beef, keeping your meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic presentation, serve your Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe in shallow bowls to showcase the glossy gravy. You can also place the beef and gravy over the noodles in a large family-style dish and let everyone serve themselves, creating a cozy, communal dining experience everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The beef only gets more flavorful as it sits, making it ideal for next-day lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save it for later, freeze the beef tips and gravy separately from the noodles in airtight containers. This prevents the noodles from becoming mushy once thawed. Frozen beef tips keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and the beef tender. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy thickens too much. Warm the noodles separately in the microwave or quickly in hot water before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat is perfect for slow cooking, you can also use chuck roast cut into chunks for similar tenderness and flavor after slow cooking.
Is it necessary to use the Lipton onion soup mix?
It really adds a lot of convenient flavor, but if you prefer, you could substitute with homemade onion soup seasoning or a blend of dried onions and herbs for a more personalized taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free beef broth, gravy mix, and gluten-free egg noodles to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How can I make this recipe creamier?
For a creamier twist, stir in some sour cream or cream cheese toward the end of cooking or right before serving. It adds a lovely richness to the sauce.
Is it okay to cook the noodles directly in the crockpot?
I recommend cooking the noodles separately to avoid them getting too soft or mushy. Cooking noodles in the crockpot with the beef can lead to an overly thick or gummy texture.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that feels like a warm embrace and brings everyone together, the Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s easy to prepare, deeply satisfying, and perfect for cozy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how much love can come from just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker.
Print
Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles recipe features tender beef stew meat slow-cooked in a savory onion soup and brown gravy mix, served over perfectly cooked egg noodles for an easy weeknight meal bursting with rich flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb stew meat
- 1 packet Lipton onion soup mix
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
For Serving
- 8 oz egg noodles
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Tips: In a slow cooker, combine the stew meat, Lipton onion soup mix, brown gravy mix, beef broth, and water. Stir everything thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasoning and liquids.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the gravy has thickened to a rich consistency.
- Cook the Noodles: About 20 minutes before you’re ready to serve, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once done, drain them well and set aside.
- Combine and Serve: Season the beef tips with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the savory beef and gravy mixture hot over the cooked egg noodles. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired to add a fresh, colorful finish.
Notes
- For a thicker gravy, you can mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it into the slow cooker near the end of cooking.
- If you prefer, use wide egg noodles or even mashed potatoes as a base instead of noodles.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms or carrots to the slow cooker for extra flavor and nutrition.
