Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is a quintessential comfort food that satisfies your cravings while making meal preparation effortless. With tender beef tips simmered in a creamy sauce and paired with perfectly cooked noodles, this dish is a family favorite that brings warmth and joy to any table. The combination of flavors and the ease of using a slow cooker makes it an ideal meal for busy days or cozy weekends.
Why We Love This Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
This recipe brings together rich, hearty flavors in an easy-to-make dish that requires minimal hands-on time. The slow cooker does all the work for you, allowing you to enjoy the delightful aromas filling your kitchen without the stress of constant monitoring. Tender beef tips bathed in creamy mushroom soup create a mouthwatering blend that pairs perfectly with egg noodles. It’s also a versatile dish, suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Plus, the simplicity of the ingredients means that you’re likely to have everything on hand, making it a go-to recipe when you need something delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients About Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
- 2 pounds beef tips
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 pound egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
How to Make Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Directions
To start, gather your beef tips and prepare your slow cooker. First, get your slow cooker out and set it to the low setting. In the slow cooker, combine the beef tips, onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Make sure all the beef is well coated with the soup mixture.
Once everything is in the pot, cover it with the lid. This is where the magic happens! Let it cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours; during this time, the beef will become incredibly tender. It’s recommended to resist the urge to lift the lid too often—keeping it closed helps maintain even heat and moisture.
As the beef cooks, prepare your egg noodles. When you have about 30 minutes left of cooking time for the beef, you can bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and then toss in your egg noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente, then drain them in a colander.
When the slow cooking has completed and your house smells amazing, gently stir the cooked noodles into the slow cooker with the beef mixture. This will allow the noodles to soak up some of the tasty sauce. At this point, it is time to season to your liking with salt and pepper.
For that finishing touch, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving. This not only adds a pop of color but also a burst of freshness to the dish. Now, it’s ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
Serving Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is straightforward and can be customized to fit any preference. Place a generous scoop of the beef and noodle mixture into a bowl or onto a plate. You can pair it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. The creamy sauce is rich enough that you may find it unnecessary to serve additional sides.
You can also offer some crusty bread on the side to soak up extra sauce, making your dinner experience even more enjoyable. If you want to add variety to your serving options, consider placing it inside a warm tortilla for a twist. This dish is perfect for large gatherings or family dinners, as it can be easily doubled to accommodate more people. Just ensure you have enough space in your slow cooker!
Expert Tips: Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
To make the most out of your Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles, consider these expert tips:
- Searing the Beef: Searing the beef tips in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker enhances the flavor, creating a delicious crust that adds depth to the dish.
- Use Fresh or Dried Herbs: While parsley is a wonderful garnish, consider adding fresh or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the slow cooker for an extra layer of flavor.
- Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help thicken the sauce to your liking.
- Mix up the Noodles: While egg noodles are a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other types of pasta, such as egg fettuccine or even whole wheat noodles for a healthier option.
- Check for Doneness: Since slow cookers can vary, check your beef’s tenderness before the suggested cooking time. If it feels tender and shreds easily with a fork, it’s done.
How to Store Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
Storing your leftovers is easy and straightforward. Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature first; this helps prevent condensation, which can make the noodles soggy. Once cooled, transfer the beef tips and noodles into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator if you plan to enjoy it within the next few days. Ideally, keep it for 3 to 4 days for the best quality.
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the dish. Make sure to use a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, and remove as much air as possible before sealing. It can be frozen for about 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Variation of Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
This recipe is endlessly adaptable, allowing you to swap in different ingredients based on your tastes or what you have on hand.
- Vegetables: Add diced carrots, peas, or mushrooms directly to the slow cooker for a heartier dish. These will cook down wonderfully in the sauce.
- Alternative Sauces: Instead of cream of mushroom soup, try cream of chicken or a homemade béchamel sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Different Cuts of Meat: While beef tips are tender and flavorful, you could use chuck roast or sirloin, adjusting the cooking time as necessary.
- Add a Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- Garnish Upgrades: Instead of just parsley, consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dollop of sour cream right before serving for added creaminess.
FAQ
What kind of beef is best for Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles?
Ideally, you want to use cuts of beef that become tender with slow cooking, such as beef tips, chuck roast, or sirloin.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free egg noodles and make sure your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free as well.
How do I know when my beef tips are done?
The beef tips are done when they are fork-tender and fall apart easily. This usually takes around 6 to 8 hours on low.
Can I add extra veggies to my Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like carrots, peas, or even bell peppers will enhance the dish and make it more nutritious.
How long can I keep leftovers of Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles?
In the fridge, they will typically last around 3 to 4 days, and in the freezer, you can keep them for 2 to 3 months.
Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is a delightful, hearty dish that combines rich flavors with an easy cooking method, making it an ideal option for any occasion. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delicious meal with family and friends!
Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef tips Use cuts that become tender with slow cooking
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup Can substitute with cream of chicken for variation
- 1 cup beef broth Use low-sodium for less salt
- 1 pound egg noodles Can use other types of noodles
- to taste Salt and pepper Season to your preference
- for garnish Chopped parsley
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather your beef tips and prepare your slow cooker by setting it to the low setting.
- In the slow cooker, combine the beef tips, onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth, ensuring the beef is well coated.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and let it cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours until the beef is tender.
- Resist the urge to lift the lid too often to maintain even heat and moisture.
Noodle Preparation
- When there are about 30 minutes left of cook time, bring a pot of water to a boil, add salt, and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the noodles in a colander.
Assembly
- Gently stir the cooked noodles into the slow cooker with the beef mixture to soak up some of the sauce.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving.
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