Easy Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting, no-fuss meal that almost feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Easy Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s one of those go-to dishes I turn to when I want something hearty but don’t want to slave away in the kitchen all day. The slow cooker does all the hard work, turning tender beef cubes and savory mushroom gravy into a rich, flavorful meal that pairs perfectly with soft egg noodles.
What makes this recipe truly special is how effortlessly it blends simple ingredients into something you’d expect from a fancy restaurant, but without any complicated steps. I love how versatile it is too—whether you’re cooking for family, prepping meals ahead of a busy week, or just craving a cozy dinner, this Easy Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe fits the bill every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together like old friends, each bringing their unique flair to the dish. I always recommend using quality beef broth and fresh garlic if you can—it really lifts the flavor. And don’t worry, most of these staples are probably already sitting in your pantry!
- Beef stew meat or chuck roast: Choose well-marbled pieces for that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness after slow cooking.
- Olive oil: For a quick sear to lock in juices and deepen flavor before slow cooking.
- Onion: Finely chopped for a subtle sweetness and texture throughout the dish.
- Garlic: Fresh minced adds a wonderful aroma and depth.
- Beef broth: The backbone of your sauce—use low sodium if you want to control salt levels.
- Cream of mushroom soup: This adds creaminess and earthiness that make the gravy irresistible.
- Worcestershire sauce: A splash for that umami punch.
- Soy sauce: Just enough saltiness to balance flavors without overpowering.
- Cornstarch: Optional but helpful if you like a thicker sauce—mixed with water before adding.
- Onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor without extra chopping.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle, complementary layer of garlic aroma.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground gives a nice bite.
- Salt: To taste; I usually hold off until the end to avoid over-salting.
- Egg noodles: Cooked separately so they don’t soak up too much sauce and get mushy.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top to brighten the whole dish.
Variations
I love playing around with this Easy Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe depending on the season and who I’m cooking for. Feel free to make it yours by tweaking a few elements—you’ll find it’s an incredibly forgiving recipe!
- Swap beef for pork or chicken: I once tried it with pork shoulder, and it was just as tender and flavorful. Chicken thighs work well too if you want a lighter twist.
- Use gluten-free noodles: For friends with dietary needs, gluten-free egg noodles or even zucchini noodles make great substitutes.
- Add mushrooms: If you’re a mushroom fan like me, throw in some sliced fresh mushrooms toward the last hour of cooking for extra earthiness.
- Make it spicy: A dash of crushed red pepper or smoked paprika adds subtle heat that complements the richness.
- Thicken with sour cream: Instead of cornstarch, stirring in a bit of sour cream at the end adds creaminess and tang.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Beef for Maximum Flavor
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan! This little step isn’t just for show; searing caramelizes the meat’s surface and adds layers of flavor that the slow cooker alone can’t create. Once browned, transfer the beef to your crockpot.
Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant, scraping up those tasty browned bits left from the beef. Then, add this fragrant mixture on top of the meat in your slow cooker—that’s where the magic starts to happen.
Step 3: Mix in Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt (adjust later). Give everything a gentle stir to combine, making sure those seasonings mix well but the beef stays in nice chunks.
Step 4: Slow Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. The long, gentle cooking breaks down the beef connective tissue, turning it buttery tender. If you’re short on time, you can do 4 hours on high, but low and slow really is best here.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, whisk the cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the crockpot. Give it time to thicken up nicely; if you skipped this step, the sauce might be tasty but a bit runnier. While the sauce thickens, boil and cook the egg noodles separately according to package instructions—don’t overcook!
