Introduction
There’s something magical about the aroma of slow-cooked beef wafting through the house. It’s cozy, it’s hearty, and it practically hugs you from the inside. If you’re looking for a delicious, no-fuss dinner that feels like a warm embrace after a long day, Crockpot Beef Tips And Noodles is your answer.
Why is this dish so beloved? Because it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table — kids, teens, adults — all eager to dive into tender beef smothered in rich, savory gravy, resting atop a bed of comforting egg noodles. It’s soul food in the best way.
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook looking for a reliable classic, this recipe is as simple as it is satisfying. So grab your crockpot and let’s dive in!
1. What Makes Crockpot Beef Tips And Noodles So Irresistible?
Think of this dish as the culinary equivalent of your favorite blanket: warm, familiar, and always welcome. The slow-cooked beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the creamy mushroom gravy brings comfort in every spoonful. Pair that with buttery egg noodles and you’ve got a meal that hits all the right notes — flavor, texture, and heartiness.
2. Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a pantry full of fancy ingredients — just a few tried-and-true staples:
1 lb stew meat (or 2 lbs for extra beefy goodness!)
1 packet Lipton onion soup mix
1 packet brown gravy mix
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 small can mushrooms (optional, but highly recommended!)
1 can beef broth (use the empty cream of mushroom soup can to measure)
Egg noodles (cooked separately)
These ingredients create a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and rich flavors with minimal effort.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to bring your Crockpot Beef Tips And Noodles to life:
Combine the base – In your crockpot, add the stew meat, Lipton onion soup mix, brown gravy mix, cream of mushroom soup, and mushrooms (if using).
Add broth – Fill the empty cream of mushroom can with beef broth and pour it in.
Mix it up – Stir everything together to combine.
Slow cook – Cover and cook:
On low for 6-8 hours
Or on high for 3-4 hours
Until the beef is fork-tender.
Prepare noodles – About 15 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions.
Serve and enjoy – Spoon the beef tips over the noodles and pour plenty of gravy on top.
It’s that simple — minimal prep, maximum flavor.
4. Why Use a Crockpot for This Recipe?
Imagine having a personal chef who does all the work while you’re at your job, running errands, or relaxing. That’s your crockpot! It slowly breaks down tough cuts of meat into buttery-soft morsels and deepens flavors as it simmers.
Plus, it’s practically hands-off. Throw it all in, set the timer, and go about your day. No need to hover or stir constantly.
5. Choosing the Right Stew Meat
You don’t need an expensive cut for great flavor. In fact, chuck roast or round steak, commonly labeled as “stew meat,” is ideal. These tougher cuts become tender when slow-cooked.
Tip: Cut the meat into bite-sized chunks if it’s not already prepped — it helps distribute flavor and makes for easier eating.
6. The Secret Power of Soup Mixes and Gravy Packets
Shortcuts? Maybe. Genius? Absolutely.
Lipton Onion Soup Mix adds depth and a hint of sweetness from caramelized onions.
Brown Gravy Mix gives a rich, beefy base without having to make gravy from scratch.
Combined with cream of mushroom soup, these pantry staples create a gravy that tastes like it simmered for hours — because it did.
7. Optional Add-Ins: Mushrooms and More
Not everyone loves mushrooms — but if you do, they add an earthy, umami-rich flavor that takes this dish up a notch.
Other ideas to experiment with:
Sautéed onions or garlic
A splash of red wine for depth
A dollop of sour cream for tangy richness before serving
Make it your own!
8. Understanding the Slow Cook vs. High Cook Settings
Not sure which setting to choose?
Low for 6–8 hours is ideal for maximum tenderness and flavor development.
High for 3–4 hours is great if you’re short on time but still want something hearty.
Pro Tip: If your meat is still a bit tough after 4 hours on high, give it another hour. Low and slow is always more forgiving.
9. Perfecting the Egg Noodles
Egg noodles are the ideal partner — tender, silky, and sturdy enough to hold up under rich gravy.
Boil them al dente so they don’t get mushy.
Butter them lightly after draining for extra flavor and to prevent sticking.
You can also substitute with mashed potatoes or rice, but let’s be honest — egg noodles just feel right with this dish.
10. Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Dish
Sure, this recipe is a star on its own. But if you want to round out your meal, try serving it with:
Steamed green beans or broccoli for a fresh crunch
Garlic bread to mop up that extra gravy
A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette
Presentation tip: Serve in a wide bowl with a generous spoonful of beef tips, gravy, and noodles swirling together — like a cozy hug in a bowl.
11. Tips to Store and Reheat Leftovers
This dish makes amazing leftovers. Here’s how to store them:
Fridge: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Freeze just the beef mixture (without noodles) for up to 3 months.
To reheat:
Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the gravy.
12. Variations and Twists to Try
Want to mix it up?
Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
Creamy twist: Stir in a bit of cream cheese or sour cream at the end.
Vegetable-loaded: Toss in carrots or peas for added color and nutrition.
This recipe is like a blank canvas — adaptable to your cravings and creativity.
13. Why This Recipe Works for Busy Families
Let’s face it — weeknights can be chaotic. Between school pickups, meetings, and endless to-dos, you need meals that don’t add stress.
Crockpot Beef Tips And Noodles:
Can be prepped in minutes
Feeds a crowd
Is kid-approved
And makes your house smell amazing
It’s a win across the board.
14. Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few tips to make sure your dish turns out perfect every time:
Don’t skip the broth. It balances the creamy soup and helps create a silky gravy.
Avoid overcooking noodles — add them fresh right before serving.
Resist opening the crockpot too often — it releases heat and slows cooking.
Stick to the script and you’ll be rewarded with a restaurant-quality meal at home.
15. Conclusion
There you have it — Crockpot Beef Tips And Noodles that are comforting, easy, and downright delicious. Whether it’s your first time using a crockpot or your hundredth, this recipe never fails to satisfy.
It’s the kind of dish you’ll come back to again and again. So next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, let your crockpot do the heavy lifting — and treat yourself to a bowl of pure comfort.
FAQs
1. Can I make Crockpot Beef Tips And Noodles ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything in the crockpot insert the night before and refrigerate. Just place it in the cooker the next day and start as usual.
2. What other cuts of beef can I use?
Chuck roast or sirloin tips work great. You can also use beef stew meat already pre-cut for convenience.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely. Freeze the beef and gravy without noodles. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave.
4. Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Yes. Try cream of celery or cream of chicken if you prefer a different flavor.
5. How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free gravy and soup packets, and serve over gluten-free pasta or mashed potatoes.
Ready to make this tonight? Trust me — one bite and you’ll be hooked.
