There’s something about a slow-cooked beef dish that just hits differently, especially on busy nights when you want a home-cooked meal but don’t have hours to stand over the stove. That’s where Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles comes in! It’s rich, savory, and packed with flavor, all thanks to tender beef tips that simmer in a delicious broth for hours. The best part? Your slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you with a meal that’s effortlessly satisfying.
This recipe is perfect for those cozy nights when you’re craving comfort food without the fuss. The beef cooks low and slow in a flavorful mix of beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, onions, and garlic, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs perfectly with egg noodles. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a must-try.
Let’s dive into how to make this crockpot classic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get started, here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
For the Beef Tips
- Beef stew meat (1.5 lbs): Also known as beef tips, these chunks of beef get incredibly tender in the slow cooker.
- Onion (1 large, chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Because everything’s better with garlic!
- Beef broth (1 cup): Creates a rich base for the sauce.
- Soy sauce (½ cup): Adds umami and a hint of saltiness.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 tbsp): A key ingredient that enhances the meaty flavor.
- Dried thyme (1 tsp): A touch of herbs for a well-rounded taste.
- Black pepper (½ tsp): Just enough to add a bit of warmth.
- Cornstarch (1 tbsp, optional): Used at the end to thicken the sauce.
For Serving
- Egg noodles (12 oz): The perfect base to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Chopped parsley (optional): For a pop of color and freshness.
Step 1: Searing the Beef (Optional, But Worth It!)
Okay, I know this step is technically optional, but if you have an extra few minutes, I highly recommend it. Searing the beef before adding it to the crockpot gives it an extra layer of flavor that takes this dish from good to amazing.
To do this:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil.
- Lightly season the beef tips with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet.
- Sear for a couple of minutes on each side until browned. You’re not cooking them all the way through—just locking in that rich, caramelized flavor.
- Transfer the seared beef to the crockpot.
If you’re in a hurry or just don’t feel like dirtying another pan (no judgment!), you can skip this step and move straight to the next part.
Step 2: Adding the Flavor
Now it’s time to layer in all that deliciousness! Once your beef is in the crockpot, add:
- Chopped onions
- Minced garlic
- Beef broth
- Soy sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dried thyme
- Black pepper
Give everything a good stir to coat the beef evenly in the flavorful mixture. At this point, your kitchen is already starting to smell amazing—and it’s only going to get better!
Step 3: Let the Crockpot Do Its Magic
Cover your crockpot and set it to:
- Low for 6–8 hours if you have the time (this results in the most tender beef).
- High for 3–4 hours if you need it ready a little quicker.
Step 4: Thickening the Sauce (Optional but Recommended!)
If you love a thicker, more gravy-like sauce, this step is for you! While the beef is already swimming in an incredibly flavorful broth, adding a little cornstarch slurry will take it up a notch by giving it that perfect velvety texture.
How to Thicken the Sauce:
- About 30 minutes before serving, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the slurry into the crockpot and stir well to combine.
- Let it cook for the remaining 30 minutes to thicken up.
This step makes the sauce cling to the beef and noodles, creating that rich, luxurious texture that makes this dish feel extra indulgent. If you prefer a thinner sauce, feel free to skip this part!
Step 5: Cooking the Noodles
You could technically toss the uncooked noodles straight into the crockpot, but trust me—boiling them separately is the way to go. This keeps the noodles from absorbing too much liquid and getting mushy.
How to Cook the Noodles:
- About 15 minutes before serving, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add 12 ounces of egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 7-8 minutes).
- Drain the noodles and toss them with a little butter or olive oil to keep them from sticking.
Pro Tip: If you love extra saucy noodles, you can even stir the cooked pasta directly into the crockpot before serving!
Step 6: Bringing It All Together
Now for the best part—serving up this cozy, satisfying meal!
How to Serve:
- Plate the noodles first—this creates the perfect base to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Ladle the tender beef tips and sauce generously over the top.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness (optional but recommended).
And just like that, dinner is served! Each bite is packed with fall-apart tender beef, rich umami-packed sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles—the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out.
Bonus Tips for the Best Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
- Want even more flavor? Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the broth before slow cooking.
- Prefer a creamier sauce? Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or sour cream at the end for a rich, stroganoff-like twist.
- Short on time? Skip the searing step—while it adds flavor, the beef will still turn out delicious without it.
- No egg noodles? This dish works great with mashed potatoes, rice, or even zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While stew meat (beef tips) is perfect for slow cooking, you can also use chuck roast, sirloin tips, or even brisket. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the crockpot.
2. Can I make this recipe without a crockpot?
Yes! If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this on the stovetop:
- Sear the beef in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the remaining ingredients, bring to a gentle simmer, and cover.
- Let it cook on low heat for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender.
3. Can I cook the noodles in the crockpot?
While it’s possible, I don’t recommend it. Cooking noodles in the slow cooker can make them soft and mushy since they absorb too much liquid. It’s best to boil them separately and add them right before serving.
4. How can I store leftovers?
Let the beef and noodles cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
- Fridge: Keeps for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: The beef tips and sauce freeze well for up to 3 months (just leave out the noodles, as they can get mushy when thawed).
To reheat, warm everything in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave with a splash of beef broth to loosen up the sauce.
5. What can I serve with this dish?
This meal is already hearty on its own, but if you want to round it out, try serving it with:
- Garlic bread for soaking up the extra sauce
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans
- A simple side salad for a fresh, lighter contrast
6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos and use gluten-free noodles or mashed potatoes instead of egg noodles.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Crockpot Classic
And there you have it—a no-fuss, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is the kind of dish that fills your home with warmth and your belly with happiness. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or just because you’re craving some serious comfort food, this recipe is a keeper.
Happy cooking!
CROCKPOT BEEF TIPS & NOODLES
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Description
This Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles recipe is a comforting, slow-cooked dish that delivers tender beef in a rich, savory gravy. Served over egg noodles, it’s a perfect hearty meal for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
For the Beef Tips:
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat (beef tips): Tender and perfect for slow cooking.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and flavor to the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a savory depth of flavor.
- 1 cup beef broth: The base of the rich, savory sauce.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce: Adds saltiness and umami to the broth.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the beefy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a subtle herby note.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For mild heat and seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): For thickening the sauce.
For Serving:
- 12 oz egg noodles: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful beef gravy.
- Chopped parsley (optional): For garnish.
Instructions
1️⃣ Sear the Beef (Optional)
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil.
Lightly season the beef tips with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet until browned on all sides.
Transfer the seared beef to the crockpot. (This step is optional but enhances the flavor.)
2️⃣ Combine the Ingredients
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and black pepper to the crockpot.
Stir to combine and coat the beef evenly in the mixture.
3️⃣ Cook in the Crockpot
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender and flavorful.
Stir occasionally, if possible, to ensure even cooking.
4️⃣ Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry.
Stir the slurry into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5️⃣ Cook the Noodles
About 15 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions.
Drain and toss with a little butter or olive oil to prevent sticking.
6️⃣ Serve
Plate the cooked noodles and ladle the tender beef tips and sauce over the top.
Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Searing the beef isn’t required but adds a richer, caramelized flavor.
- If you prefer mashed potatoes or rice, you can serve the beef tips over those instead of noodles.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
