These Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Noodles are a warm and hearty meal that cooks itself while you go about your day. Tender beef cooked slowly in a savory sauce makes every bite delicious.
Honestly, nothing beats coming home to this cozy dinner! I love serving it over egg noodles, and the leftover sauce makes perfect dipping for bread. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef stew meat: This is the star of the dish. Chuck roast works well due to its tenderness once cooked. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider sirloin or round steak, but know they might not be as tender after slow cooking.
Red wine: It adds depth to the flavor. If you prefer not to use alcohol, swap it with more beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a hint of acidity.
Egg noodles: Traditional for serving, but you can replace them with other pasta types like fettuccine or even a gluten-free option. Just remember to adjust cooking time accordingly.
Worcestershire sauce: This adds a rich umami flavor. If you’re out of it, mix soy sauce with a bit of vinegar or try tamari for a gluten-free option.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Tender Beef Tips?
The key to tender beef is low and slow cooking. When you cook the beef in the crockpot for several hours, it breaks down the connective tissue, making it melt-in-your-mouth tender. Here’s how:
- Brown the meat in a skillet beforehand; this step creates a rich flavor base by caramelizing the beef.
- Be patient and let it cook on low for 7-8 hours. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often!
- Mix cornstarch with cold water to thicken the sauce at the end; this gives it a nice, velvety finish.
Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
For Thickening:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
To Serve:
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz egg noodles
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This delightful dish requires about 15 minutes of prep time and then a long, relaxing cook time of 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, you can set it and forget it while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season your beef cubes with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot skillet. Brown the meat on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, transfer the beef into your crockpot.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until softened (about 3-4 minutes), stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Once they’re fragrant and soft, add them to the crockpot on top of the beef.
3. Mix in the Liquids and Spices:
Now it’s time to add rich flavors! Pour in the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and rosemary into the crockpot. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything well.
4. Let It Cook:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be tender and the flavors well combined by the end of the cooking time.
5. Prepare the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them and set them aside, ready to receive your delicious beef tips!
6. Thicken the Sauce:
To get a nice thick sauce, mix together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth—this is your slurry! Stir this mixture into the crockpot and cook uncovered on high for another 15-20 minutes. This will thicken the sauce perfectly.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Once everything is ready, serve the beef tips over the cooked egg noodles. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor!
8. Enjoy:
Now you can sit down and savor your comforting and easy crockpot beef tips with noodles! It’s a wonderful, hassle-free meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water until thawed. Brown the beef after it’s thawed for extra flavor!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Red Wine?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use wine, simply replace it with more beef broth or even water. Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar can also enhance the flavor without the alcohol.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of broth to loosen the sauce when reheating.
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Definitely! While egg noodles are traditional for this dish, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand, such as fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
