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There’s something deeply satisfying about a warm, hearty meal that practically cooks itself—and that’s exactly what you get with crockpot beef tips & noodles. This comforting classic is a set-it-and-forget-it dinner that delivers tender, flavorful beef in a rich, savory gravy, served over a bed of noodles. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight staple or a crowd-pleasing dish for a family gathering, this recipe checks all the boxes for convenience, flavor, and comfort.

The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, gently simmering the beef tips with broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and rich beef bouillon until fork-tender. Add in brown gravy mix or a cornstarch slurry, and the sauce thickens into a luscious gravy that clings perfectly to the noodles. It’s a one-pot wonder that transforms humble ingredients into a cozy, satisfying meal. Minimal prep, maximum reward.

From picky eaters to seasoned foodies, crockpot beef tips & noodles never disappoints. It’s the kind of meal that makes the whole house smell amazing and brings everyone to the table hungry and happy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: The crockpot does the work—just set it and forget it.
Tender, Juicy Beef: Slow cooking ensures melt-in-your-mouth meat.
Rich, Savory Gravy: Bold flavor from bouillon, broth, garlic, and Worcestershire.
Versatile and Customizable: Pair with different noodles or serve over mashed potatoes or rice.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Easy to make in bulk, and leftovers reheat beautifully.

Ingredients

Beef tips
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic cloves
Low-sodium beef broth
Worcestershire sauce
Beef bouillon or bouillon cubes
Low-sodium brown gravy packets or cornstarch

Variations

Mushroom Gravy Version: Add sliced mushrooms during the last 2 hours of cooking.
Creamy Style: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream at the end.
Wine Flavor Boost: Replace ½ cup of broth with red wine for added depth.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Vegetable Mix-In: Add frozen peas or carrots in the last hour for a full meal.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Beef

Season beef tips with salt and pepper and place them in the crockpot.

Step 2: Add Flavor

Add minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and bouillon (paste or cubes) over the beef.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until beef is fork-tender.

Step 4: Thicken the Gravy

Thirty minutes before serving, whisk in brown gravy mix or a cornstarch slurry (if using cornstarch) to thicken the sauce. Stir well and cover again.

Step 5: Serve

Serve hot over cooked egg noodles or your preferred pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Brown the beef in a skillet before slow cooking for extra flavor (optional).
Don’t lift the lid frequently—let the crockpot maintain its heat.
Use low-sodium ingredients to better control the salt level.
Stir in thickener slowly to avoid lumps.
Cook noodles separately and add just before serving to avoid mushiness.

How to Serve

Over Egg Noodles: Classic and comforting.
With Mashed Potatoes: For extra richness and heartiness.
On Rice or Quinoa: A great gluten-free or high-protein option.
As an Open-Faced Sandwich: Serve on toasted bread for a savory twist.
With a Side Salad: Balance out the richness with something fresh and crisp.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled beef and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the gravy if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use stew meat instead of beef tips?

Yes, stew meat works well and becomes tender during slow cooking.

2. Do I need to brown the beef first?

It’s optional but adds a deeper flavor if you have the time.

3. What can I use instead of gravy packets?

You can use cornstarch (½ cup slurry) to thicken the sauce as an alternative.

4. Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, cook on high for 4–5 hours instead of low for 7–8 hours.

5. What type of noodles should I use?

Egg noodles are traditional, but you can also use fettuccine, pappardelle, or even rice noodles.

6. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, the base recipe is dairy-free. Just avoid adding cream or butter-based extras.

7. How can I make it gluten-free?

Use cornstarch instead of gravy packets and serve with gluten-free noodles or rice.

8. Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?

Yes, add hearty veggies like carrots or mushrooms in the last 2–3 hours of cooking.

9. Is it okay to leave this in the crockpot on warm?

Yes, once it’s cooked, it can stay on warm for 1–2 hours without drying out.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just ensure your crockpot is large enough and extend cooking time slightly if needed.

Conclusion

Crockpot beef tips & noodles is the ultimate comfort food made easy. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this dish delivers tender beef and rich, savory gravy that pairs perfectly with noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. It’s a reliable, flavorful meal that works for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or meal prepping. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving something warm and hearty, this slow-cooked favorite is sure to become a regular in your kitchen.