Nothing says comfort food like a steaming plate of Crockpot Beef with Gravy and Egg Noodles. This slow-cooker recipe transforms humble beef into melt-in-your-mouth bites, smothered in a luscious gravy that pairs perfectly with tender egg noodles. Ready with just 15 minutes of prep, it’s a lifesaver for busy days, delivering restaurant-quality flavor at home. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a winner. It’s naturally high in protein, can be made gluten-free with simple swaps, and is budget-friendly to boot. Join me as we explore how to make crockpot beef tips and noodles, with expert tips to ensure tender beef, silky gravy, and perfectly cooked noodles every time!
Ingredients for Crockpot Beef with Gravy and Egg Noodles
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting dish, listed in order of use with substitutions for flexibility.
- 2 lbs beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes (or chuck roast for richer flavor)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter option)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or gluten-free cream soup)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for gluten-free)
- ¼ cup water
- 12 oz egg noodles (or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles?
Follow these straightforward steps to create a delicious, tender beef tips dish with silky gravy and perfectly cooked noodles. Each step is concise, with bolded actions for clarity.
- Prepare the beef: Pat beef cubes dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown beef tips in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Cook the aromatics: In the same skillet, add onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Scrape into the slow cooker.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and paprika into the slow cooker. Stir in cream of mushroom soup. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
- Thicken the gravy: In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir into the slow cooker and cook on high for 15-20 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Cook the noodles: Boil egg noodles in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Serve: Spoon beef tips and gravy over a bed of egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, if desired.
What’s the Best Meat for Beef Tips?
The best meat for beef tips is sirloin or chuck roast. Sirloin is lean, tender when slow-cooked, and budget-friendly, making it a top choice for this recipe. Chuck roast is slightly fattier, offering a richer flavor and ultra-tender texture after long cooking. Can you use stew meat for beef tips? Yes, stew meat (often pre-cut chuck) works well, but it may require trimming excess fat and slightly longer cooking to reach tenderness. Always cut into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
Do You Need to Brown Beef Tips Before Slow Cooking?
Browning beef tips before slow cooking is highly recommended but not mandatory. Searing the beef in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side enhances flavor through caramelization, locks in juices, and gives the dish a richer color. It takes about 5-7 minutes total. If you’re pressed for time, you can skip browning, but the flavor will be less robust. Pat the beef dry before searing to achieve a good crust.
How Long to Cook Beef Tips in Crockpot?
Cook beef tips in a crockpot for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Low and slow is ideal for maximum tenderness, especially for lean cuts like sirloin. The beef should be fork-tender when done. Overcooking beyond 8 hours on low can make the meat overly soft, so check for doneness around the 6-hour mark if using a high-quality cut.
How to Thicken Gravy for Beef Tips?
To achieve a rich, velvety gravy, use a cornstarch slurry (2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup water). Stir it into the crockpot during the last 15-20 minutes on high to thicken the gravy. For a gluten-free option, use arrowroot powder. If the gravy is still thin, cook uncovered on high to reduce excess liquid or add more slurry in small increments. Avoid adding flour directly, as it may clump.
Can You Cook Noodles in Crockpot with Beef?
While it’s possible to cook noodles in the crockpot, it’s not recommended for egg noodles. Can you cook noodles in crockpot with beef? Yes, but egg noodles absorb liquid quickly and can become mushy if cooked too long. If you choose to add them, stir in dry noodles during the last 20-30 minutes on high, ensuring there’s enough liquid (add 1-2 cups extra broth). For best results, boil noodles separately on the stove to maintain their texture.
How to Keep Egg Noodles from Getting Mushy?
To prevent mushy egg noodles:
- Cook separately: Boil noodles in salted water just until al dente (8-10 minutes), then drain and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking.
- Don’t overcook: Follow package instructions and check for doneness a minute early.
- Serve immediately: Add noodles to plates and top with beef and gravy right before eating to avoid soaking.
- Store separately: Keep leftover noodles and beef tips in separate containers to prevent sogginess.
Can You Freeze Beef Tips and Gravy?
Yes, beef tips and gravy freeze beautifully! To freeze:
- Cool completely to room temperature.
- Portion into airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving space for expansion.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat with a splash of broth to loosen the gravy. Freeze without noodles, as they can become mushy when thawed. Cook fresh noodles when serving.
What Can I Serve with Beef Tips and Noodles?
Pair beef tips and noodles with sides that complement their rich, savory flavors:
- Vegetables: Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or glazed carrots for color and crunch.
- Low-Carb: Mashed cauliflower or zucchini noodles for a lighter meal.
- Classic: Garlic bread, dinner rolls, or a crisp green salad with vinaigrette.
- Starchy: Mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes for extra comfort. These sides balance the meal, adding nutrients and variety.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 380 (with egg noodles)
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 15g
Final Thoughts
Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy and Egg Noodles is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender beef, silky gravy, and perfectly cooked noodles in a dish that’s as effortless as it is delicious. Its slow-cooker simplicity makes it a go-to for busy weeknights, while its rich flavors impress at any gathering. With options for gluten-free and low-carb diets, this recipe is versatile enough for any table. Whether you’re meal-prepping or feeding a crowd, this hearty, protein-packed meal delivers satisfaction in every bite. So, grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and savor the cozy, home-cooked goodness of this classic dish!
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Crockpot Beef with Gravy and Egg Noodles
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef sirloin cut into 1-inch cubes (or chuck roast)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup (or gluten-free cream soup)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder for gluten-free
- ¼ cup water
- 12 oz egg noodles or gluten-free pasta
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare beef: Pat beef cubes dry and season with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown beef tips for 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Cook aromatics: In the skillet, sauté onion for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Scrape into the slow cooker.
- Add liquids: Pour beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and paprika into the slow cooker. Stir in cream of mushroom soup. Mix well.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until beef is tender.
- Thicken gravy: Whisk cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir into slow cooker and cook on high for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
- Cook noodles: Boil egg noodles in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain.
- Serve: Spoon beef tips and gravy over noodles. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze (without noodles) for 3 months.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cream soup, tamari, and gluten-free pasta.
- Low-Carb: Swap egg noodles for zucchini noodles or mashed cauliflower.
- Tip: Brown beef for richer flavor, but skip if short on time.
- Serving: Pair with steamed veggies or a green salad for a balanced meal.
