If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, this Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef stew meat slow-cooked with savory aromatics and a luscious sauce, combined with silky egg noodles create a dish so satisfying you will want to make it again and again. This recipe brings together simple ingredients and effortless slow cooking to deliver incredible depth of flavor and texture that make every bite memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious dish. Each component plays a key role in building the rich, savory profile, from the tender beef to the creamy finishing touch.
- Beef stew meat (1.5 lbs): Choose well-marbled beef tips for maximum flavor and tenderness after slow cooking.
- Large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce as it cooks down.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Brings aromatic warmth and a slight pungency that complements the beef.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Creates a rich, meaty base for the sauce.
- Soy sauce (1/2 cup): Adds umami and subtle saltiness balancing the flavors.
- Worcestershire sauce (1/4 cup): Contributes tangy, complex notes enhancing the beefiness.
- Dijon mustard (1 tbsp): Gives a hint of sharpness that lifts the overall taste.
- Dried thyme (1 tsp): Offers earthy herbal undertones.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds gentle heat and spice.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Provides luxurious creaminess for a velvety finish.
- Frozen peas (1 cup, optional): Introduces a pop of color and a touch of sweetness.
- Egg noodles (8 oz): Soft, tender noodles that soak up all the savory sauce.
- Cornstarch (2 tbsp, optional): Helps thicken the sauce if you prefer a richer consistency.
How to Make Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by placing the beef stew meat straight into your slow cooker. This cuts down on prep time and lets the meat start softening right away. Sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic over the beef to infuse their wonderful flavors as it cooks.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and black pepper. This mixture is where all the magic happens, combining savory, tangy, and aromatic elements that will penetrate the beef during slow cooking. Pour this evenly over the meat and onions in the crockpot.
Step 3: Cook Until Tender
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or if you’re short on time, cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. The long, slow cooking is essential because it transforms the beef tips into tender, juicy bites that practically melt in your mouth.
Step 4: Prepare the Noodles
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them well to avoid sogginess, then set aside so they’re fresh and ready to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Step 5: 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 switch the cooker to high, allowing it to thicken for about 15 to 20 minutes. This step gives the sauce a luscious, clingy texture perfect for coating noodles and beef.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas (if using) and cook for an additional 10 minutes, letting the cream add richness and the peas a burst of color and sweetness. Finally, fold in the cooked egg noodles and gently toss everything together so every single bite is bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe with fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or chives. These herbs introduce a fresh brightness that balances the richness of the beef and cream sauce, elevating each forkful.
Side Dishes
This meal pairs beautifully with crisp green vegetables such as roasted asparagus, garlic green beans, or a simple side salad. The fresh crunch offers a perfect contrast to the tender noodles and beef.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the beef tips and noodles in individual shallow bowls, topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or cracked black pepper. You can even offer small ramekins of hot sauce or chili flakes for those who like a little heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the beef tips and noodles to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, leftovers will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This dish freezes well! Portion the beef tips and noodles into freezer-safe containers or bags. They keep best for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight to maintain flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce seems too thick. Microwave reheating works well too; just cover loosely and stir halfway through for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle for this Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional and absorb the sauce beautifully, you can substitute with wide pappardelle, fusilli, or even mashed potatoes for a different texture.
Do I have to use heavy cream?
If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the heavy cream and add a splash of milk or sour cream at the end. It won’t be quite as rich, but the sauce will still be deliciously creamy.
Can I cook this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?
Yes, you can adapt it for the Instant Pot using the sauté and pressure cook functions, but slow cooking gently brings out the best tenderness and flavor in the beef tips.
Is it okay to add frozen peas directly to the crockpot?
Yes, adding frozen peas in the last 10 minutes of cooking helps them retain their vibrant color and slight crunch without becoming mushy.
How do I prevent the noodles from becoming soggy?
Cook the egg noodles just until al dente and drain thoroughly before mixing them with the beef tips and sauce. Adding them at the very end keeps them from soaking too long in the liquid.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about coming home to the smell of tender beef slowly simmering all day, ready to be paired with soft, flavorful noodles. I can’t recommend this Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe enough for busy days when you want comforting, delicious food waiting for you. Trust me, once you try it, this will become one of your favorite slow cooker meals to share with family and friends.
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 hearty Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles recipe delivers tender beef stew meat slow-cooked to perfection in a savory sauce of beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Enhanced with garlic, onions, thyme, and black pepper, then finished with creamy heavy cream and optional peas, this comforting dish is served over perfectly cooked egg noodles for a satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Beef & Vegetables
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat (beef tips)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
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
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Pasta
- 8 oz egg noodles
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Place the beef stew meat into your crockpot. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic on top to build flavor right from the start.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crockpot, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Cook: Cover and cook the mixture on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the beef is tender and flavorful.
- Prepare the Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles following the package instructions. Drain and set aside to be combined later.
- 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 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Combine and Serve: Stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas, cooking for an additional 10 minutes so the peas heat through and the sauce becomes creamy. Finally, add the cooked egg noodles and gently toss to combine evenly for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider searing the beef tips in a hot skillet before adding them to the crockpot.
- Adjust the cooking time according to your crockpot’s heat settings to ensure the beef becomes tender.
- If you’re avoiding dairy, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative.
- Frozen peas are optional but add a pop of color and slight sweetness to the dish.
- You can replace egg noodles with any pasta of your choice, but cooking times may vary.
