If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that practically makes itself while you relax, then this Easy Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. Tender chunks of beef slowly simmered to perfection in a rich, creamy mushroom gravy, all poured over soft, buttery egg noodles — it’s the kind of dish that hugs you from the inside out. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and full of classic flavors that never go out of style.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that luscious, savory flavor and tender texture that makes this dish so unforgettable. From the hearty beef stew meat to the creamy mushroom soup, every element comes together effortlessly.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or sirloin tips: Choose well-marbled cuts for the juiciest, most tender results after slow cooking.
- 1 packet onion soup mix: Adds a burst of savory onion flavor and seasoning magic that deepens the dish’s richness.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup: This brings creaminess and a subtle earthiness to the gravy that pairs perfectly with beef.
- 2 cups beef broth: The base liquid that infuses the meat with flavor and keeps everything moist.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A warm, mellow garlic note to enhance the overall taste without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: A gentle spice to balance the richness.
- 1½ cups sliced mushrooms (optional): Fresh mushrooms add texture and an umami boost to the sauce.
- 12 ounces egg noodles: Soft, tender noodles that soak up every bit of the luscious gravy.
- 1½ tablespoons cornstarch: Used as a thickener to give the sauce that perfect velvety consistency.
- 2 tablespoons water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry that thickens the gravy gently.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Mushrooms
Start by trimming any excess fat from your beef to prevent a greasy sauce. Cut the meat into bite-sized cubes if you’re not using pre-cut stew meat. If you’ve opted for fresh mushrooms, slice them now so they’re ready to add to the crockpot.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Place the beef in the crockpot and pour in the beef broth. Sprinkle the onion soup mix over the top, followed by the cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, black pepper, and mushrooms if using. Stir everything gently to make sure the flavors are evenly distributed but try not to break up the beef chunks.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Beef
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or if you’re short on time, on high for 4 to 5 hours. The goal is fork-tender beef that melts in your mouth and juicy mushrooms that soak up all that savory goodness.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot to thicken the gravy. Cover and cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent lumps and ensure the sauce becomes irresistibly smooth.
Step 5: Cook the Egg Noodles
While the sauce thickens, prepare the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them well, then set aside, ready to be smothered in that rich beefy gravy.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Dish out a generous portion of egg noodles onto each plate, then ladle the tender beef tips and mushroom sauce over the top. If you like, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme adds a lovely herbal brightness that complements the deep, savory flavors. For a touch of decadence, a dollop of sour cream stirred in at serving time can make the dish extra creamy and luscious.
Side Dishes
Crisp steamed green beans, buttered broccoli, or a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette provide the perfect balance to the richness of the beef tips and noodles. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also work beautifully to scoop up any leftover gravy.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this classic into a cozy casserole by layering the beef tips and noodles in a baking dish topped with shredded cheese, then broiling until bubbly and golden. For a lighter twist, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep the flavors but dial back the carbs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator. They should stay delicious for up to 4 days, making this recipe fantastic for meals on busy days.
Freezing
This dish freezes remarkably well. Portion the beef and gravy separately from the noodles for best texture upon thawing. Store them in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the sauce thickened too much in the fridge, stir in a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. Noodles can be reheated separately in the microwave or quickly sautéed with a little butter.
FAQs
Can I use another cut of beef?
Absolutely! While stew meat or sirloin tips work best because they become tender over slow cooking, you can use chuck roast cubed or even brisket. Just be sure to cook low and slow for the best texture.
Do I have to add mushrooms?
Mushrooms add wonderful earthiness and texture, but they are completely optional. If you’re not a fan, feel free to omit them and the dish will still be rich and flavorful.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot by using the sauté function for browning if you like and then pressure cooking the beef tips for about 35-40 minutes. Use the sauté mode after cooking to thicken the sauce with the cornstarch slurry.
What noodles work best?
Egg noodles are classic for this dish because they’re tender and soak up the sauce beautifully. Other pasta like pappardelle or even wide fettuccine can work well too. Just cook according to package directions.
How to make it gluten-free?
Swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or spiralized veggies, and use gluten-free versions of the onion soup mix and cream of mushroom soup. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so you don’t need to change the thickener.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe is truly a love letter to slow-cooked comfort food. The hands-off cooking means you can go about your day while your home fills with incredible aromas, and the result is a luscious, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try — I promise it will become a cherished favorite at your table.
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Easy Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles recipe offers tender, flavorful beef cooked slowly in a savory mushroom and onion soup gravy. Perfect for a comforting family meal, it combines slow-cooked beef stew meat with rich cream of mushroom soup, aromatic seasonings, and optional mushrooms, served over perfectly cooked egg noodles. A simple cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce to create a luscious finish.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or sirloin tips
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1.5 cups sliced mushrooms (optional)
Noodles
- 12 ounces egg noodles
Thickening Slurry
- 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the beef and mushrooms: Trim any excess fat from the beef and cut into cubes if using a whole roast. If using fresh mushrooms, slice them evenly to ensure they cook well in the crockpot.
- Combine ingredients in crockpot: Place the beef into the crockpot. Pour in the beef broth, then add the packet of onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, black pepper, and sliced mushrooms if using. Stir everything gently to combine well.
- Cook the beef: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 7–8 hours, or on high heat for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Thicken the sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, prepare a cornstarch slurry by whisking together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the crockpot mixture, cover, and cook for another 20–30 minutes to thicken the gravy.
- Cook the egg noodles: While the sauce thickens, cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Serve: Spoon the tender beef tips and rich mushroom gravy over the egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Using sirloin tips will give a slightly leaner cut but stew meat works well and is typically more affordable.
- Feel free to add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth in the gravy.
- To save time, mushrooms are optional and can be omitted or substituted with canned mushrooms.
- The slurry is key for a nice thick gravy; do not skip this step.
- Leftovers taste delicious reheated and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
