Name: Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-485543H3M15S
Total time: 7 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces; 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 paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; 8 ounces egg noodles; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Tender, slow-cooked beef tips simmered in a rich, savory gravy, served over soft egg noodles for a comforting and effortless meal perfect for busy days.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup beef broth

1/2 cup red wine (optional)

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons water

8 ounces egg noodles

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

I start by placing the beef stew meat, chopped onion, and minced garlic into the crockpot. Then, I whisk together the beef broth, optional red wine, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl and pour it over the beef mixture. After covering the crockpot, I set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender.

About 30 minutes before serving, I cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, drain them, and set them aside. To thicken the gravy, I mix cornstarch and water until smooth, then stir it into the crockpot and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Finally, I serve the beef tips and gravy over the cooked egg noodles, garnishing with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. Prep time is around 15 minutes, cooking time is 7 hours 30 minutes on low (or 4-5 hours on high), so the total time is approximately 7 hours 45 minutes.

Variations

If I want a different twist, I sometimes swap out the egg noodles for mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the gravy. For a richer flavor, I add mushrooms to the crockpot along with the onions and garlic. If I’m skipping alcohol, I leave out the red wine and add a splash of balsamic vinegar for some acidity. Sometimes, I toss in a few carrots or celery sticks to add a bit of vegetable goodness.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I gently warm the beef tips and gravy in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much. I reheat the noodles separately in the microwave or by quickly boiling them to refresh their texture.

FAQs

How do I make this recipe without red wine?

I simply leave out the red wine and increase the beef broth slightly or add a small splash of balsamic vinegar to maintain depth of flavor.

Can I use frozen beef stew meat for this recipe?

Yes, frozen beef stew meat works fine. Just make sure to cook on low for the full 7-8 hours to ensure it becomes tender.

What if I don’t have a crockpot?

You can use a slow cooker or a heavy-bottomed pot on low heat, simmering the beef for several hours until tender, but you’ll need to watch it more closely.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble everything in the crockpot insert the night before, refrigerate it, then cook it the next day.

What can I substitute for egg noodles?

I like to substitute mashed potatoes, rice, or even wide pappardelle pasta to serve with the beef tips and gravy.

Conclusion

I find this Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles recipe perfect for busy days when I want a homemade meal without the hassle. The slow cooker does all the work, and the tender beef with rich gravy over egg noodles always hits the spot. Whether for a family dinner or meal prepping, it’s a comforting classic that I keep coming back to.