There’s something magical about a slow cooker meal—just toss everything in, let it simmer for hours, and come home to a meal that smells like pure comfort. And when that meal is tender, savory beef tips smothered in a rich, flavorful gravy, you know you’re in for a treat.
This Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles recipe is one of those effortless, crowd-pleasing dishes that never fails. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it slow cooks in a deep, savory broth infused with garlic, onions, and just the right amount of seasoning. Ladled over buttery egg noodles, it’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out—perfect for chilly nights or when you just need a little extra comfort.
Now, let’s talk about why you’ll love this recipe:
- Easy to Make – Just a few minutes of prep, then let the crockpot do all the work.
- Incredibly Flavorful – The combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire, and slow-simmered beef creates an unbeatable depth of flavor.
- Perfect for Busy Days – Set it in the morning, and dinner is ready when you are
- Great for Leftovers – It tastes even better the next day!
Alright, let’s get started!
Step 1: Sear the Beef (Optional, But So Worth It!)
Now, I know the whole point of a crockpot meal is convenience, but hear me out—searing the beef before slow cooking makes a huge difference. This step adds a rich, caramelized crust to the meat, locking in even more flavor. But if you’re short on time, no worries—just toss everything in and let the slow cooker do its thing.
How to Sear Beef for Maximum Flavor:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil.
- Lightly season the beef tips with salt and pepper.
- Sear the beef in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan!) until all sides are nicely browned—about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the seared beef straight into the crockpot.
Pro Tip: Let the beef sit undisturbed for a minute before flipping—it helps develop that beautiful brown crust.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Now for the fun part—dumping everything in the crockpot! Once your beef is in, add:
- 1 large onion, chopped – This adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Because everything is better with garlic!
- 1 cup beef broth – The base of our rich, savory gravy.
- ½ cup soy sauce – Brings a salty, umami-packed depth of flavor.
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – Enhances the beefiness of the dish.
- 1 tsp dried thyme – A little herby goodness.
- ½ tsp black pepper – For just a hint of warmth.
Give everything a good stir to coat the beef evenly in that flavorful mixture.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Beef
This is the easiest part—just set it and forget it! Depending on your schedule, you have two cooking options:
- LOW for 6–8 hours – Best for super tender, deeply flavored beef.
- HIGH for 3–4 hours – A quicker option if you’re short on time.
The longer, lower setting is always my go-to because it gives the beef time to absorb all those incredible flavors. But if you need dinner on the table in a hurry, the high setting still works beautifully.
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Tips:
- If you have time, give everything a stir once or twice during cooking to ensure even distribution of flavor.
- Check for tenderness around the 6-hour mark (on low) or 3-hour mark (on high). If the beef isn’t quite fall-apart tender, let it go a little longer.
- If you’re around while it’s cooking, your house is going to smell absolutely amazing—fair warning!
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional, But Delicious!)
After slow cooking, you’ll notice the sauce has a rich, beefy flavor but is still relatively thin. If you love a thick, gravy-like consistency, this step is for you!
How to Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to make a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the crockpot about 30 minutes before serving.
- Let it cook for the remaining time, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
If you prefer a looser, broth-like sauce, feel free to skip this step—either way, it’s delicious!
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
About 15 minutes before serving, it’s time to cook the egg noodles. These are the perfect companion for our tender beef tips because they soak up all that delicious sauce.
How to Cook Perfect Egg Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add 12 oz of egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 6–8 minutes).
- Drain and toss with a little butter or olive oil to keep them from sticking together.
You could also serve this dish with mashed potatoes or rice if you’re feeling adventurous—whatever sounds best to you!
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Now for the best part—plating up this cozy, comforting meal!
- Divide the cooked noodles onto plates or into bowls.
- Spoon those juicy, tender beef tips and rich gravy over the top.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness (optional but highly recommended).
FAQ – Common Questions About Slow Cooker Beef Tips
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat or beef tips are great for slow cooking, you can also use chuck roast, sirloin tips, or even round steak. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for the best texture.
2. How can I make this recipe even richer in flavor?
If you want to take the flavor up a notch, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the broth. You can also sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the crockpot for an extra layer of depth.
3. What if I don’t have cornstarch? Can I use something else to thicken the sauce?
Yes! You can use flour instead of cornstarch. Just mix 2 tablespoons of flour with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Another great option is instant mashed potato flakes, which naturally thicken the sauce without altering the flavor.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
5. Can I freeze Crockpot Beef Tips?
Definitely! Let the beef and sauce cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in a slow cooker on low.
6. What can I serve with this dish besides noodles?
While egg noodles are a classic pairing, this dish also goes beautifully with:
- Mashed potatoes – Perfect for soaking up that delicious gravy.
- Rice – A great option if you prefer a gluten-free side.
- Crusty bread – Because who doesn’t love sopping up sauce with warm bread?
Final Thoughts – Why You’ll Love This Recipe
And there you have it—a foolproof, flavor-packed, ultra-comforting meal that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction. Whether you’re making this for a cozy family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to a bowl of slow-cooked goodness, Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles will never disappoint.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below and let me know your favorite way to serve it. Happy cooking!