Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles

Crockpot Beef Tips  Noodles 🍜

Introduction:

This Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles recipe is an easy and comforting dish, perfect for busy days when you want a warm, hearty meal with minimal effort. With tender stew meat slow-cooked to perfection in a savory mix of onion soup, brown gravy, and creamy mushroom sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy. Serve it over egg noodles for the ultimate comfort food experience, paired with your favorite veggies or a green salad!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb stew meat (use 2 lbs for more servings)
• 1 packet Lipton onion soup mix
• 1 packet brown gravy mix
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
• 1 small can mushrooms, drained
• 1 can beef broth (use the soup can to measure)
• Egg noodles

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients in the crockpot:
   Add the stew meat, Lipton onion soup mix, brown gravy mix, mushrooms, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth to the crockpot. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
2. Slow cook:
   Set the crockpot to low and cook for 8 hours. This will allow the stew meat to become tender and flavorful.
3. Prepare egg noodles:
   About 30 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
4. Stir noodles into the beef mixture:
   After the 8 hours of slow cooking, stir the cooked egg noodles into the beef mixture in the crockpot. Mix everything well until the noodles are fully coated with the savory sauce.
5. Serve and enjoy:
   Serve the beef tips and noodles hot, and pair with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.

20 Most Popular Questions and Their Answers:

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
   Yes! You can use chuck roast, sirloin tips, or any cut that’s suitable for slow cooking.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, just substitute the gravy mix, onion soup mix, and noodles with gluten-free versions.
3. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
   Absolutely! Carrots, peas, or green beans would make great additions to the dish.
4. Can I use homemade gravy instead of the packet?
   Yes, homemade gravy can be used if you prefer.
5. Can I freeze the leftovers?
   Yes, you can freeze the cooked beef and noodle mixture for up to 3 months.
6. Can I cook this on high instead of low?
   Yes, you can cook it on high for 4-5 hours, but low heat for 8 hours yields more tender beef.
7. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
   Yes, chicken thighs or breasts can be used, but the flavor will differ.
8. What can I serve with this dish?
   Steamed veggies, green salad, or garlic bread all pair nicely.
9. What if I don’t have egg noodles?
   You can use any pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice as a substitute.
10. Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned?
    Yes, fresh mushrooms work perfectly in this recipe. Sauté them first for extra flavor.
11. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
    If you want a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it in before serving.
12. Can I make this dish in the Instant Pot?
    Yes, cook the beef on the “Meat/Stew” setting for 35 minutes with a natural release, then add noodles at the end.
13. Can I use low-sodium broth?
    Yes, low-sodium broth can be used to reduce the overall salt content.
14. How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
    Cook the noodles separately and stir them in just before serving to avoid mushiness.
15. Can I substitute cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom?
    Yes, cream of chicken works well if you prefer that flavor.
16. How do I store leftovers?
    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
17. Can I add cheese to this recipe?
    Yes, you can sprinkle shredded cheese over the top before serving for a cheesy twist.
18. What type of beef broth should I use?
    Regular or low-sodium beef broth works fine, but bone broth will add extra richness.
19. Can I cook the noodles in the crockpot?
    It’s better to cook them separately, but if you want to cook them in the crockpot, add them 30 minutes before serving.
20. Can I substitute water for beef broth?
    You can, but beef broth will give a richer, more flavorful result.

30 Helpful Tips to Make It Even More Delightful:

1. Sear the beef before placing it in the crockpot for added flavor.
2. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef for a deeper umami taste.
3. Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for more complex flavors.
4. Stir in sour cream at the end for a creamier texture.
5. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a little kick of heat.
6. Add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to balance the richness of the gravy.
7. Use egg noodles made with whole wheat for a healthier version.
8. Swap beef broth for red wine for a more luxurious flavor profile.
9. Throw in a handful of spinach for added greens.
10. Mix in sautéed onions for an extra layer of sweetness.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
12. Add a can of diced tomatoes for a richer, tomato-based sauce.
13. Try using garlic butter when mixing in the noodles for a garlicky flavor.
14. Add carrots and potatoes to the crockpot for a one-pot meal.
15. Substitute Greek yogurt for cream if you want a tangier creaminess.
16. Top with shredded cheddar cheese before serving for a cheesy finish.
17. Add pearl onions for a more elegant touch.
18. Use a mix of button and shiitake mushrooms for added texture.
19. Toast the noodles in butter before boiling for extra flavor.
20. Add a dash of soy sauce for an extra umami kick.
21. Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
22. Toss in a few bay leaves for more aromatic flavor.
23. Use a Dutch oven instead of a crockpot for a more robust, oven-baked version.
24. Sprinkle paprika or smoked paprika for a hint of spice.
25. Cook the noodles in beef broth instead of water for more flavor.
26. Let the stew meat marinate in the seasonings for a few hours before cooking for enhanced flavor.
27. Add a spoonful of Dijon mustard for a tangy contrast.
28. Try using wide pappardelle noodles for a more gourmet feel.
29. Add 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste for a richer, deeper sauce.
30. Serve with roasted garlic for an extra burst of flavor.

30 Secrets to Achieving the Perfect Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles:

1. Use high-quality stew meat for the best texture and flavor.
2. Cut the meat into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
3. Don’t overcook the beef—stick to the 8-hour mark for tender meat.
4. Sear the meat first to lock in the juices.
5. Use fresh mushrooms for better flavor and texture than canned.
6. Make sure the gravy mix is well incorporated to avoid lumps.
7. Add beef broth as needed during cooking to prevent the meat from drying out.
8. Don’t add noodles too early to avoid them getting mushy.
9. Stir occasionally during cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
10. Use unsalted beef broth so you can control the saltiness of the dish.
11. Let the meat rest for 10 minutes after cooking to absorb the flavors.
12. Use a crockpot liner for easy cleanup.
13. Cook the noodles separately to ensure they retain their texture.
14. Deglaze the pan after searing the beef for more flavor.
15. Add garlic powder or fresh garlic to intensify the savory flavor.
16. Use low-sodium versions of the soup mix and broth to avoid over-salting.
17. For an extra thick sauce, use a cornstarch slurry instead of flour.
18. Add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the savory flavors.
19. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy topping.
20. Let the crockpot beef tips cook for the full 8 hours on low for maximum tenderness.
21. Don’t overcrowd the crockpot; leave room for even heat circulation.
22. Cook in batches if necessary for larger portions.
23. If using fresh onions, sauté them first to soften them before adding to the crockpot.
24. Use bone broth instead of beef broth for more depth