Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles: A Hearty, Comforting One-Pot Meal

If you’re in the mood for a comforting, easy-to-make dish that’s both filling and flavorful, look no further than Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles. This dish combines tender beef tips, a savory, rich sauce, and soft noodles, all cooked together in your slow cooker for a meal that’s hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy to prepare. The best part? You can set it and forget it, and come back to a warm, satisfying meal at the end of the day.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through how to make Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles, explain why it’s such a popular meal, and offer some tips for customizing it to suit your tastes.

What is Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles?

Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles is a slow-cooked dish that features beef tips (typically small chunks of beef stew meat), which are cooked in a savory, flavorful sauce until they become melt-in-your-mouth tender. The dish also includes egg noodles (or other pasta) that are cooked directly in the sauce, soaking up all the delicious flavors.

This dish is typically made by simmering the beef in a combination of broth, seasonings, and often cream or gravy, which helps create a rich, comforting sauce. The beef tips become incredibly tender as they cook low and slow in the Crockpot, while the noodles absorb the flavors of the sauce, resulting in a flavorful, satisfying meal.

Why is Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles So Popular?

Hands-Off Cooking

One of the biggest benefits of using a Crockpot is the ability to set it and forget it. You simply add the ingredients to the slow cooker, set it to cook, and go about your day. The long cooking time allows the beef to become incredibly tender and flavorful without any constant monitoring.

Rich, Savory Flavor

The sauce that’s created while cooking the beef tips is packed with savory flavors from the beef, broth, garlic, and seasonings. The sauce becomes rich and hearty, perfectly coating the noodles and enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

Comforting and Filling

Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles is the definition of comfort food. It’s a hearty, filling meal that combines protein, carbs, and a rich sauce into one satisfying dish. The beef is tender and juicy, while the noodles soak up the flavorful sauce, making it perfect for cold weather or when you’re craving something warm and comforting.

Perfect for Busy Days

This meal is a lifesaver on busy days. Simply prep the ingredients in the morning, set it to cook, and come home to a hot, ready-to-serve dinner. It’s a great choice for busy families, meal prepping, or those who just want a no-fuss dinner.

Essential Ingredients for Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles

To make Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Beef and Sauce

• 2 lbs beef stew meat (beef tips or chuck roast cut into small pieces)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or use cream of chicken for a different flavor)
• 1 packet onion soup mix (for added flavor)
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth (or water with beef bouillon cubes)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for added depth of flavor)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for added umami)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste

For the Noodles

• 3 cups egg noodles (uncooked)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier sauce)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

How to Make Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles

Making Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles is easy and requires minimal effort. Here’s how you can prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Sauce

1. In your Crockpot, add the beef stew meat (or beef tips) along with the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, onion soup mix, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
2. Stir the mixture to combine everything. The soup will form the base of the sauce, and the broth will help to cook the beef and keep it tender. The seasonings will infuse the beef and sauce with rich flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

1. Cover the Crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. During this time, the beef will absorb all the delicious flavors of the broth and seasonings.

Step 3: Add the Noodles

1. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked egg noodles directly into the Crockpot. Ensure the noodles are submerged in the sauce. If necessary, add a little extra broth or water to ensure the noodles are covered in liquid.
2. Continue cooking on low for about 30 minutes or on high for about 15-20 minutes, until the noodles are tender and have absorbed the flavors of the sauce.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

1. Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the heavy cream (if using) to make the sauce richer and creamier. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
2. Serve the beef tips and noodles hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and added freshness.

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles

Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles is a filling dish on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some great options:

• Steamed Vegetables: Pair the dish with steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots for added nutrition and color.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the rich sauce.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the beef and noodles.
• Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes make a great side dish to complement the soft noodles and savory beef.

Conclusion

Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender beef, a rich and savory sauce, and soft, satisfying noodles. It’s a one-pot wonder that requires minimal effort but delivers big flavor and plenty of comfort. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this slow cooker recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy a hearty, delicious meal that will leave everyone at the table satisfied. So, grab your Crockpot, add the ingredients, and enjoy the rich, comforting goodness of Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles!

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FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes! You can use chicken thighs, pork, or even ground beef as a substitute for the beef tips. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, as different meats cook at different rates.

2. Can I use frozen beef in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen beef. The Crockpot will cook it as it thaws. Just be sure to cook it for a longer time (about 7-8 hours on low) to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the beef tips and sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the mixture in the Crockpot, then add the noodles and continue cooking until they’re tender.

4. Can I add vegetables to the Crockpot?

Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, green beans, or peas to the Crockpot. Add them about halfway through cooking so they don’t become too soft.

5. Can I cook the noodles in advance?

Yes, you can cook the noodles separately and add them to the Crockpot in the last few minutes of cooking to soak up the flavors. This method prevents the noodles from getting too mushy while cooking in the sauce.

6. Can I make this dish without cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup or even make a homemade version using butter, flour, and chicken broth to create a creamy base.

7. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free. You can find gluten-free versions of condensed soups or make your own.

8. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a little extra broth to keep the sauce creamy.

9. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the beef tips and sauce for up to 3 months. Store the beef and sauce in a freezer-safe container and cook the noodles fresh when you reheat it. The noodles may become slightly softer after freezing.

10. Can I cook the noodles in the Crockpot from the beginning?

While it’s not recommended to add the noodles at the start (they may get too soft), you can add them halfway through cooking to prevent overcooking. Just make sure the noodles are submerged in the sauce for even cooking.