Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for those days when you want a delicious meal with minimal effort. This recipe brings together tender beef tips simmered in a rich, savory sauce with mushrooms, served over egg noodles. It’s a meal that’s both filling and satisfying, making it ideal for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb stew meat: This cut of beef is ideal for slow cooking, as it becomes tender and flavorful as it simmers.
- 1 pack of Lipton onion soup mix: This adds depth and a savory onion flavor to the dish, enhancing the taste of the beef.
- 1 pack of brown gravy mix: Provides a rich, thick gravy that complements the stew meat perfectly.
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz can): Adds creaminess and a slight mushroom flavor, which enriches the sauce.
- 1 small can of mushrooms: These add a hearty texture and an earthy flavor that pairs well with the beef.
- 1 can’s worth of beef broth (simply pour the broth into the cream of mushroom can): The beef broth helps to thin out the cream of mushroom soup, creating a perfectly balanced sauce.
- Egg noodles: The perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious sauce and complement the tender beef.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. If you prefer fresh mushrooms, you can substitute the canned mushrooms with about 1 cup of sliced fresh mushrooms.
- Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot:
- Place the stew meat in the bottom of your crockpot. This will ensure that the meat cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors.
- Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix evenly over the stew meat. The dry mix will dissolve into the liquids as it cooks, infusing the meat with a savory onion flavor.
- Next, sprinkle the brown gravy mix over the onion soup mix. This will help thicken the sauce as it cooks, giving it a rich consistency.
- Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the meat. Use a spatula or spoon to spread it evenly over the top.
- Add the mushrooms on top. If you’re using fresh mushrooms, they will release some liquid as they cook, adding even more flavor to the sauce.
- Add the Beef Broth:
- Fill the empty cream of mushroom soup can with beef broth and pour it over the contents of the crockpot. This will help to create the perfect consistency for your sauce, as it blends with the cream of mushroom soup and gravy mix.
- Cook in the Crockpot:
- Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours. Cooking on low heat for a longer period will result in more tender meat, as the beef has time to break down and absorb all the flavors.
- About halfway through the cooking time, you can give the contents a gentle stir to ensure that the flavors are well-distributed, but this step is optional.
- Cook the Egg Noodles:
- About 20 minutes before the beef tips are done, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt the water for the noodles, as this will enhance their flavor.
- Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Combine and Serve:
- Once the beef tips are fully cooked and tender, give the mixture a final stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to suit your preference.
- To serve, plate a generous portion of egg noodles and ladle the beef tips and mushroom gravy over the top. The noodles will soak up the flavorful sauce, making each bite rich and satisfying.
- Garnish and Enjoy:
- For an extra touch of flavor, you can garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting, rich flavors of this Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles dish.
Tips for Success:
- Choosing the Meat: While stew meat is recommended for its tenderness when slow-cooked, you can also use chuck roast, cut into cubes, for an equally delicious result.
- Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and stir it into the crockpot about 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time. This will thicken the sauce without altering the flavor.
- Additional Veggies: To add more vegetables to the dish, consider adding sliced carrots or celery along with the mushrooms. They will cook down and blend seamlessly with the other flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Effortless Cooking: The crockpot does all the work in this recipe, allowing you to go about your day while a delicious meal cooks in the background.
- Comforting Flavors: This dish is the epitome of comfort food. The tender beef tips and rich mushroom gravy create a cozy and satisfying meal, perfect for any night of the week.
- Versatile: While egg noodles are a classic pairing, you can also serve the beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or even a bed of roasted vegetables for a lower-carb option.
Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weekdays or a relaxed weekend dinner. The combination of tender beef, creamy mushroom gravy, and hearty egg noodles makes it a meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your home.