Slow-Cooked Beef Tips Dish

This slow-cooked beef tips and noodles recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. The tender beef simmers all day in a rich gravy that melds perfectly with egg noodles for a dinner that satisfies even the pickiest eaters in my household.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic season when my kids had sports every evening. Now it's in our regular rotation because it means I can walk through the door to dinner that's already done and the house smelling amazing.

Ingredients

• Beef Tips: Choosing the right cut makes all the difference. Stew meat works but I prefer cutting my own from beef chuck for more consistent pieces.
• Onion Soup Mix: The secret flavor booster that adds depth without chopping onions. Look for low sodium varieties if watching salt intake.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates the silky base for our gravy. The store brand works fine here.
• Beef Broth: Enhances the meaty flavor. Use low sodium if possible so you can control the salt level.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Just a few dashes adds that umami richness you can't quite place but definitely miss if it's absent.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic beats powder every time for authentic flavor.
• Butter: Adds a velvety richness to the gravy. Use unsalted if your broth is regular sodium.
• Egg Noodles: The perfect vehicle for soaking up all that wonderful gravy. Look for extra wide noodles.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Beef:

Place your beef tips directly into the Crockpot with no browning needed which saves precious morning time. Scatter the minced garlic evenly over the meat so it infuses throughout the long cooking process. Add small pieces of butter distributed across the top which will slowly melt and create richness in every bite of the finished dish.

Create the Gravy Base:

In a separate bowl combine the onion soup mix breaking up any clumps with a fork before adding the cream of mushroom soup. Pour in the beef broth gradually while whisking to ensure a smooth consistency. Add the Worcestershire sauce and give everything a final stir to fully integrate all flavors. This mixture should be pourable but still have some body to it.

Set and Forget:

Pour your gravy mixture over the beef ensuring all pieces are submerged or at least coated. Cover with the lid and set your slow cooker to low for the full 7 to 8 hours if possible as this longer time allows the beef to become incredibly tender. If you're in a rush high for 4 to 5 hours works but the meat may not be quite as meltingly tender.

Perfect the Noodles:

About 15 minutes before serving time bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water which flavors the noodles from within. Cook the egg noodles just until al dente according to package directions usually around 7 to 9 minutes. Slightly undercook them as they will continue absorbing the gravy when served.

Create the Perfect Plate:

Drain your noodles well but do not rinse them as the starch helps the gravy cling better. Place a generous portion of noodles in each bowl or plate forming a bed for the beef. Using a slotted spoon portion the beef tips over the noodles then ladle plenty of the rich gravy over everything. The noodles will absorb some of the gravy creating an integrated dish rather than separate components.

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The Worcestershire sauce is my nonnegotiable ingredient in this recipe. My grandmother always added it to her beef dishes and swore it was her secret weapon. The first time I made this for my husband he immediately identified that distinctive depth and warmth that only comes from this special sauce.

Make-Ahead Options

This beef tips recipe actually improves with time making it perfect for meal planning. You can prepare the entire dish a day ahead and refrigerate it separate from the noodles. The flavors will meld overnight creating an even more delicious gravy. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave and prepare fresh noodles when ready to serve.

Freezer-Friendly Storage

The beef and gravy portion freezes beautifully for up to three months. I recommend portioning into family sized containers for easy thawing. Always freeze without the noodles as they become mushy when frozen and reheated. When ready to enjoy thaw overnight in the refrigerator then warm slowly over medium-low heat until bubbling and prepare fresh noodles for serving.

Vegetable Additions

While delicious as written this recipe welcomes vegetable additions to create a more complete onepot meal. Sliced mushrooms add earthiness and blend perfectly with the existing flavors. Baby carrots or carrot chunks can be added at the beginning of cooking time. For green vegetables like peas or green beans add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking to maintain their color and texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use stew meat, beef chuck, or even sirloin for this dish. Ensure the beef is cut into cubes for easy cooking.

→ Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can use a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Simmer the beef mixture on low heat for a few hours until tender.

→ What type of noodles work best?

Egg noodles are traditional, but you can use other types like tagliatelle or wide pasta noodles based on your preference.

→ How can I thicken the gravy?

If you need a thicker gravy, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the Crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and gravy in advance. Reheat it gently on the stove and cook fresh noodles just before serving.

→ Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup as an alternative.