Beef tips noodles have always been my ultimate comfort food, especially when the weather turns chilly. I remember my mom making this dish on Sundays; the whole house would fill with the most amazing aroma of slow-cooked beef and savory gravy. This easy beef tips with noodles recipe is a true weeknight lifesaver, delivering that same heartwarming, tender beef and rich sauce over perfectly cooked egg noodles. It’s so simple to put together, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create such a satisfying meal. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Beef Tips Noodles
This dish is an absolute winner for so many reasons:
- The flavor is incredibly rich and savory, making it pure comfort food.
- It’s surprisingly quick to prep, thanks to the slow cooker doing most of the work.
- Packed with protein from the beef tips, it’s a satisfying and hearty meal.
- It’s wonderfully budget-friendly, using affordable stew meat and pantry staples.
- The whole family will adore this, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners.
- You’ll achieve perfectly tender beef tips and noodles every time.
- It’s a classic combination, with delightful beef tips and egg noodles that everyone craves.
- This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic comfort meal.
Ingredients for Beef Tips Noodles
Gathering these ingredients is the first step to creating a truly savory beef tips and noodles masterpiece. The quality of your beef and the richness of the broth are key to that deep, comforting flavor.
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or beef tips – cut into bite-sized pieces, this is the star of our dish
- 1 medium onion, diced – about 1 cup, it adds a foundational sweetness and depth
- 3 cups beef broth – the liquid base that makes everything tender and flavorful
- 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix – a convenient way to boost savory notes
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – adds a tangy, umami punch that complements the beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that aromatic foundation
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – used to thicken our rich gravy
- 2 tbsp olive oil – for searing the beef and sautéing the aromatics
- 12 oz egg noodles – the perfect vehicle for our delicious gravy
- Salt and pepper to taste – to enhance all the flavors
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) – for a pop of color and freshness
How to Make Beef Tips Noodles
Creating this hearty meal is simpler than you might think, especially when using a slow cooker. Follow these steps for a truly delicious dinner.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) if you plan to finish it in the oven, or prepare your slow cooker.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet or your slow cooker insert over medium-high heat. Season 2 lbs beef stew meat generously with salt and pepper. Sear the beef in batches until nicely browned on all sides. This step is crucial for developing a deep flavor. Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker.
- Step 3: In the same skillet (or slow cooker insert), add 1 medium onion, diced, and 3 cloves garlic, minced. Sauté until the onion is softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Transfer the sautéed aromatics to the slow cooker with the beef.
- Step 4: In a bowl, whisk together 3 cups beef broth, 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix, and 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle 1/4 cup all-purpose flour over the beef and onions, then pour the liquid mixture over everything. This is where the magic of how to make beef tips and noodles really starts to take shape.
- Step 5: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef is incredibly tender and falling apart. The aroma filling your kitchen will tell you it’s almost ready! This slow cooker method ensures the beef is perfectly cooked for your slow cooker beef tips noodles.
- Step 6: About 30 minutes before serving, prepare 12 oz egg noodles according to package directions. Drain them well.
- Step 7: Taste the gravy in the slow cooker and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can create a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) and stir it into the hot gravy, cooking for a few more minutes until thickened.
- Step 8: Serve the tender beef tips and rich gravy generously over the cooked egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a touch of color and freshness.
Pro Tips for the Best Beef Tips Noodles
I’ve found a few tricks that elevate this classic dish from good to absolutely amazing. These tips will help ensure your beef tips noodles are always a hit.
- Always sear your beef tips properly. Getting a good brown crust on the meat is essential for developing a rich, deep flavor in the gravy.
- Don’t skip the onion soup mix! It’s a secret weapon for adding instant savory depth without a lot of extra effort, contributing to that delicious beef tips and noodles with gravy flavor.
- For the ultimate tenderness, resist the urge to cut the cooking time short. The slow cooker is your friend here, allowing the connective tissues in the beef to break down completely.
- When cooking your egg noodles, make sure not to overcook them. They should be tender but still have a slight bite.
What’s the secret to perfect beef tips noodles?
The real secret to perfect tender beef tips and noodles lies in the slow cooking process, allowing the beef to become incredibly succulent. Also, searing the beef first builds a foundational flavor that can’t be replicated. For more on achieving tender meat, check out this guide on slow cooker beef stew.
Can I make beef tips noodles ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the beef tips and gravy mixture in the slow cooker the day before and refrigerate it. Just give it a good stir and add a little extra liquid if needed before continuing the cooking process.
How do I avoid common mistakes with beef tips noodles?
A common pitfall is not searing the beef enough, which results in less flavor. Another is overcooking the noodles, making them mushy. Always cook noodles just before serving for the best texture.
Best Ways to Serve Beef Tips Noodles
Serving up this hearty meal is all about maximizing that delicious flavor. The rich, savory gravy is the star, so you want to make sure it gets the spotlight it deserves.
- The classic pairing, of course, is over a bed of fluffy egg noodles, which soak up all that wonderful beef tips and noodles with gravy.
- For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
- Steamed green beans or buttered peas also make fantastic companions, adding a touch of freshness and color to your plate.
Nutrition Facts for Beef Tips Noodles
When you’re enjoying a hearty bowl of these beef tips and noodles, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting. This classic comfort food delivers on flavor and satisfaction.
- Calories: 470
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your beef tips noodles.
How to Store and Reheat Beef Tips Noodles
This dish is a fantastic beef tips noodles comfort food, and luckily, it stores and reheats beautifully, letting you enjoy that deliciousness again. Once it’s cooked, let the beef tips and noodles cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation and keeps the texture best. I like to portion it into airtight containers. You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze the beef tips and gravy separately from the noodles if possible, or together, in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to reheat, the best way to enjoy this meal again is gently. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if it seems a bit dry. If reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first for optimal results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Tips Noodles
What are beef tips and noodles?
Beef tips and noodles are a classic comfort food dish featuring tender, slow-cooked pieces of beef (often stew meat or chuck roast) served over a bed of egg noodles, typically with a savory gravy. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
What’s the best way to ensure tender beef tips and noodles?
The key to achieving the best beef tips and noodles is low and slow cooking. Whether you use a slow cooker, Dutch oven, or instant pot, allowing the beef to cook gently for several hours breaks down the connective tissues, resulting in incredibly tender meat. Don’t rush this process!
Can I make an easy beef tips with noodles recipe using ground beef?
Absolutely! While traditional beef tips use stew meat, you can certainly make an easy beef tips with noodles recipe using ground beef. Brown the ground beef thoroughly, drain any excess fat, and then proceed with the recipe, adding your liquid and seasonings. It will be a slightly different texture but still delicious and comforting. For a similar ground beef dish, try these sloppy joe bowls.
How do I make the gravy thicker for my beef tips noodles?
If your gravy isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can easily fix it. The most common method is to create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this slurry into the simmering gravy and cook for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Variations of Beef Tips Noodles You Can Try
While this classic recipe is amazing, I love experimenting to find new favorite ways to enjoy this comforting dish. Here are a few variations that offer different flavors and textures, ensuring there’s always a new way to love your beef tips noodles.
- Creamy Beef Tips Noodles: For an extra rich and decadent meal, stir in a half cup of heavy cream or sour cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This creates a luxuriously creamy beef tips and noodles that is truly indulgent.
- Ground Beef Tips and Noodles: If you’re short on time or prefer a different texture, you can easily swap the stew meat for ground beef tips and noodles. Simply brown 2 lbs of ground beef, drain the fat, and then proceed with the recipe. It offers a quicker cooking time and a familiar, hearty flavor.
- Mushroom & Beef Tips Noodles: Add a pound of sliced mushrooms along with the onions and garlic. They’ll cook down and add an earthy, savory depth that pairs beautifully with the beef and gravy.
- Spicy Beef Tips Noodles: For those who like a little heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the beef when searing, or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the gravy for a spicy kick.
Perfect Beef Tips Noodles: 2lb Tender Secret
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe for Beef Tips with Noodles features tender, slow-cooked beef tips smothered in a rich, savory gravy, served over buttery egg noodles. It’s a comforting and easy meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or beef tips
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 packet 1 oz onion soup mix
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the seasoned beef tips until browned. Transfer to a Crockpot.
- Sauté onion and garlic in the same skillet and add to the Crockpot.
- In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and flour. Pour over the beef.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the beef is tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Serve the beef tips and gravy over the cooked noodles. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Chuck roast cut into chunks also works well if stew meat isn’t available.
- You can thicken the gravy more by adding a cornstarch slurry at the end.
- Leftovers keep great and taste even better the next day!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (beef tips and gravy)
- Calories: 470
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