Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is a warm and hearty meal that features tender beef, rich seasonings, and soft egg noodles in a creamy sauce, making it a comforting dinner option.

FULL RECIPE

Ingredients

1.5 to 2 lbs beef stew meat or beef tips
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 packet brown gravy mix
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10.5 oz) beef broth (or water)
2 cups uncooked egg noodles
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Place the beef stew meat or beef tips in the Crockpot.
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and brown gravy mix over the beef, then add the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth or water. Stir everything together.
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the beef to become tender.
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked egg noodles, ensuring they are fully submerged in the sauce. Continue cooking on low until the noodles are soft.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving hot.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 544
Total Fat: 21 g
Sodium: 1,284 mg
Protein: 77 g
Fiber: 2 g

History and Popularity of Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles

Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles has been a staple comfort food for generations. The origins of beef tips come from the use of smaller, less expensive cuts of beef that become tender through slow cooking. Early American kitchens and farmhouses frequently used this technique to maximize the use of available ingredients. The introduction of the Crockpot made it even easier to prepare meals with deep, rich flavors while requiring minimal supervision. Over time, this dish became a favorite in many households due to its convenience, affordability, and satisfying taste. The combination of beef with egg noodles creates a well-balanced and filling meal, ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is a favorite for many families because of its ease of preparation and delicious taste. The hands-off cooking method makes it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a simple yet flavorful meal. This dish is also highly versatile, allowing customization to suit individual preferences. Some variations include adding mushrooms, onions, or garlic for extra flavor depth. Different cuts of beef, such as chuck roast or sirloin, can be used depending on availability.

The Benefits of Cooking with a Crockpot

The Crockpot has become an essential kitchen tool due to its ability to create flavorful meals with little effort. Slow cooking ensures the beef becomes exceptionally tender while the flavors blend seamlessly. The benefits of using a slow cooker for this dish include saving time since the ingredients cook without constant monitoring. It is also budget-friendly, as slow cooking tenderizes tougher cuts of beef, making them taste just as good as pricier options. Cooking at a low temperature over several hours allows for enhanced flavor development, and the convenience of a Crockpot simplifies meal preparation, especially for large gatherings.

Best Meat Cuts for This Recipe

Selecting the right cut of beef is crucial to achieving the best texture. Tougher cuts that break down over time work best for slow cooking. Recommended options include beef stew meat, which is pre-cut and readily available in stores. Chuck roast, a well-marbled cut, becomes extremely tender when slow-cooked. Sirloin tips provide a leaner option but may require a slightly shorter cooking time. Round steak, which is tougher, also benefits from the slow cooking process, becoming tender over time.

How to Customize This Recipe

Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is easy to adjust based on personal preferences. To add more texture and flavor, vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, or mushrooms can be included. For those who enjoy spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can provide extra heat. While egg noodles are traditional, other pasta types like rotini, fettuccine, or even rice can be used. If a thicker gravy is desired, a cornstarch slurry made with one tablespoon of cornstarch and one tablespoon of water can be added near the end of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is filling on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides can enhance the meal. Garlic bread is a great addition, providing a crispy contrast to the creamy sauce. Green beans offer a fresh vegetable side that balances the richness of the beef. Mashed potatoes serve as a hearty alternative to noodles if a different texture is preferred. A simple side salad with a light dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is an excellent make-ahead meal that stores well. To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freezing is an option for up to three months, though it is best to freeze the beef and sauce separately from the noodles to maintain the best texture. When reheating, warm the dish on the stovetop over low heat or use a microwave. If the gravy has thickened too much, adding a bit of beef broth or water can help restore its consistency.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Despite its simplicity, a few common mistakes can affect the final dish. Choosing the wrong cut of meat can result in a dry texture; lean cuts like sirloin can become tough if overcooked, so well-marbled cuts like chuck roast are preferred. Skipping extra seasoning can lead to a bland dish, so additional flavors like garlic powder, onion powder, or Worcestershire sauce can be beneficial. Overcooking the noodles can make them mushy, so they should be added only in the last 30 minutes of cooking to retain their ideal texture.

Conclusion

Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is the ultimate comfort meal, offering deep, rich flavors with minimal effort. Slow cooking ensures the beef is tender, while the creamy sauce and noodles create a hearty dish the whole family will enjoy. This recipe is ideal for easy weeknight dinners, feeding a crowd, or making a customizable meal to suit individual preferences. Additionally, its ability to be stored and reheated makes it a fantastic option for meal prepping, providing a satisfying and stress-free meal any time.

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