Here’s a comforting and easy Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles recipe that’s perfect for busy days. The beef becomes tender as it slow-cooks, and the noodles soak up all the flavorful sauce for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat or beef tips (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
- 8 oz egg noodles (or pasta of your choice)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Brown the beef (optional):
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches, browning the meat on all sides for 3-4 minutes. This step is optional but adds great flavor to the dish.
- Transfer the browned beef to the crockpot.
2. Prepare the sauce:
- In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Pour the mixture over the beef in the crockpot.
3. Slow cook the beef:
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Prepare the noodles:
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. Thicken the sauce (optional):
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot about 15-20 minutes before serving, and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Finish and serve:
- Add the cooked noodles into the crockpot and gently stir to combine, ensuring the noodles are well coated with the sauce.
- Serve the beef tips and noodles with fresh chopped parsley for garnish, if desired.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the sauce mixture.
- If you prefer a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for a cup of low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt stirred in at the end.
- You can also add vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or peas to the crockpot for added nutrition and flavor.
Enjoy this Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles, a deliciously comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or any time you want a hearty, easy meal!