These beef tips are cooked to perfection in a cozy crockpot, making them so tender and full of flavor. Plus, they’re served over soft noodles that soak up all the delicious sauce!
I love how easy this meal is—just toss everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic. It’s the perfect comfort food for busy days! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef stew meat: I recommend using chuck roast for its richness and flavor. If you’re looking for lighter options, you could use sirloin or round cuts, but they may be less tender.
Onion: A yellow onion is perfect for sweetness. You can substitute with shallots or even leeks if you prefer a milder taste.
Beef broth: Homemade is great, but store-bought works just fine! If you’re looking for low-sodium options, that’s an excellent choice, especially if you’re watching your salt intake.
Worcestershire sauce: This brings depth to the flavor. If you don’t have it, soy sauce can work as an alternative, but the taste will change slightly.
Noodles: Wide egg noodles are classic here. You can swap these with pappardelle or even gluten-free noodles, just cook them separately and toss them in before serving to avoid mushiness.
How Do I Brown the Beef Properly?
Browning the beef is super important for flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a hot skillet: Heat the oil until it’s shimmering but not smoking.
- Don’t crowd the skillet: Brown the beef in batches so they get a nice crust. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes for each batch.
- Let it be: Avoid moving the beef around too much in the skillet. Just flip them once to get an even brown.
This step creates flavor base for the whole dish. The more golden brown, the better the flavor will be!
How to Make Savory Crockpot Beef Tips with Tender Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Thickening Agent:
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
For Serving:
- 8 oz wide egg noodles
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15-20 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time of 3-4 hours on high or 7-8 hours on low in the crockpot. It’s a fantastic set-and-forget meal that delivers comfort and flavor with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
Start by heating the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef tips in batches and brown them on all sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes for each batch. Browning adds a rich flavor, so don’t skip this step! Once browned, transfer the beef to the crockpot.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onions become soft and fragrant. This step helps to build flavor. After they’re ready, transfer them to the crockpot with the beef.
3. Preparing the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well blended, and then pour this sauce over the beef and onions in the crockpot.
4. Cooking the Beef:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook. Choose either low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the beef is incredibly tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
5. Cooking the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, cook the wide egg noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
6. Thickening the Sauce:
To thicken the sauce, mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into the crockpot. Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for another 15-20 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
7. Serving:
To serve, place a generous portion of cooked noodles on a plate and top with the savory beef tips and sauce. For a pop of color and freshness, garnish with some chopped parsley if you like! Enjoy your comforting meal!
FAQ for Savory Crockpot Beef Tips with Tender Noodles
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it’s essential to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw in the fridge overnight or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Once thawed, proceed with the browning step as directed in the recipe.
Can I Replace the Egg Noodles with a Gluten-Free Option?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free noodles like rice noodles or alternatives made from quinoa or lentils. Just cook them according to package directions, as gluten-free noodles often have different cooking times than traditional egg noodles.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth to loosen up the sauce if needed.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare everything up to the cooking step, then store it in the fridge overnight. Just make sure to cook the beef within 24 hours for the best flavor and freshness. When ready, simply pop the crockpot on and let it cook as directed!
