This easy crockpot beef tips recipe is a winner! Tender beef cooks slowly with tasty seasonings, making it juicy and delicious. Paired with soft noodles, it’s comfort food at its best!
I love how this dish practically makes itself! Just toss everything in the crockpot, set it, and let the magic happen. It’s perfect for busy days when you want to enjoy a warm meal. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Look for cuts like chuck or round. They become tender when cooked low and slow. If you prefer, you can use ground beef, but it will change the texture.
Red Wine: This adds depth to the flavors! If you don’t have it, beef broth or grape juice works as a substitution. I sometimes skip wine for family-friendly meals, and the dish still tastes great!
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce adds a savory umami flavor. If you’re out, soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can be used instead. Just adjust the salt since soy sauce is salty.
Egg Noodles: While I recommend egg noodles for their softness, you can try other types like wide pappardelle or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just make sure you adjust cooking times accordingly.
How Do I Get the Beef So Tender?
Achieving tender beef in a crockpot requires the right timing and technique. Here’s what you need to do:
- Choose cuts of beef that have some fat, as they will stay moist when cooked. Chuck roast is a good choice.
- Searing the beef beforehand adds flavor and locks in moisture. Don’t rush this step; it’s key to a delicious result!
- Set the crockpot to low and let it cook for 6 to 8 hours. Slow cooking allows the collagen in the meat to break down, resulting in tenderness.
Be sure to let it rest after cooking, as this helps juices redistribute, making every bite flavorful and tender!
Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Tender Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more beef broth)
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 8 oz egg noodles or wide noodles
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for prep and then requires 6 to 8 hours of slow cooking in the crockpot on low, or 3 to 4 hours on high. Make sure to set aside time for the noodles to cook about 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, coat the beef stew meat lightly with flour, shaking off any excess. Once the oil is hot, sear the beef in batches until it’s browned on all sides, which should take about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned beef to the crockpot when done.
2. Cook the Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet where you cooked the beef, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes or until they become soft and fragrant. This step adds great flavor to your dish!
3. Make the Sauce:
Now it’s time to create the flavorful sauce! Pour in the beef broth, red wine (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. All that flavor is gold!
4. Combine Everything in the Crockpot:
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef in the crockpot. Add in the dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to mix well.
5. Slow Cook:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The beef should be tender and delicious!
6. Prepare the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they’re just tender. Once cooked, drain them and set aside.
7. Combine Noodles and Beef:
Stir the cooked noodles gently into the crockpot with the beef tips. Let them warm through for about 5-10 minutes so they soak up all that delicious sauce!
8. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste the beef and sauce, and adjust seasoning if needed. You might want a little more salt or pepper, depending on your taste!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Lastly, serve your hearty beef tips over the tender noodles, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a bit of color and flavor. Enjoy your delicious meal!
There you go! A warm and fulfilling dish perfect for any day. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef tips! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. If you’re short on time, you can also sear the frozen chunks directly in the skillet, but be aware that it may take a bit longer to cook in the crockpot.
Can I Substitute the Noodles?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use different types of pasta like penne or fettuccine. For gluten-free options, consider using rice noodles or gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, since different noodles have varying cooking durations.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Beef Tips?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. You may need to add a splash of beef broth to loosen the sauce!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish the night before! Simply follow the cooking instructions up to the point of adding the ingredients to the crockpot. Refrigerate the mixture overnight, and then cook on the day you plan to serve it. Just be sure to give it a little extra time in the crockpot if it’s starting from cold!
