If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen, this Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, savory beef tips slowly cooked to perfection mingle effortlessly with soft, flavorful noodles soaked in a rich, tangy sauce that’s packed with umami. This dish turns simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals when you want to savor every bite without fuss. Trust me, once you try this, the Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles Recipe will become a cherished favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each item plays a vital role — the beef brings deep, meaty richness, the noodles offer a tender groundwork, and the combination of savory, sweet, and herbal elements elevates this dish beyond the ordinary.
- 2 lbs beef tips: Choose quality stew beef cut into bite-sized pieces for tender, juicy bites after slow cooking.
- 6 oz uncooked noodles: Ziti or penne work wonderfully, providing sturdy yet tender texture that holds up in the crockpot.
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds savory depth and moisture to meld all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce: Infuses the dish with salty, umami-rich complexity.
- 1/4 cup water: Balances the sauce’s intensity and helps create the perfect simmer.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste: Brings a subtle tang and sweetness to brighten the beef’s natural flavors.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey: Adds a gentle sweetness that harmonizes with soy sauce and tomato paste.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Provides aromatic warmth and a punch of savory goodness.
- 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary: Adds a fragrant herbal note that lifts the dish beautifully.
How to Make Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot and Brown the Beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat with a little oil if needed, then brown the beef tips. This step is crucial as it locks in flavor and creates a delicious caramelized crust. Once browned, transfer the beef to your crockpot — the slow cooker will do the magic of tenderizing the meat and blending flavors.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Seasoning Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, water, tomato paste, brown sugar or honey, minced garlic, and dried herbs. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly to create a well-balanced seasoning sauce that’s both savory and slightly sweet, setting the stage for rich, flavorful beef tips.
Step 3: Pour the Sauce and Add Noodles
Pour this seasoning mixture over the browned beef in the crockpot, making sure every piece is coated in that wonderful sauce. Then, layer your noodles evenly on top — the heat and moisture will transform them into perfectly tender pasta, infused with all those savory juices.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender
Set your crockpot to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours, or use the high setting for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time. The slow cooking melts the beef to fork-tender perfection while allowing the noodles to absorb the delightful sauce. You’ll be rewarded with a dish bursting with deliciousness and comforting warmth.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once done, give everything a gentle stir and serve hot. This is the moment you get to enjoy the tender beef and luscious noodles together, each bite rich with layers of flavor that can only come from slow, patient cooking.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the top before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor contrast. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese also works beautifully, bringing a nutty, salty note that complements the beef’s richness.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with crusty bread to mop up the savory sauce or a crisp green salad to add refreshing crunch and lighten the plate. Steamed or roasted vegetables, like green beans or carrots, balance the meal nicely and add a nutritious element to the hearty beef and noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual bowls garnished with microgreens and a drizzle of garlic butter. You can also turn it into a bake by placing the cooked beef tips and noodles in a casserole dish topped with shredded cheese and broiled until bubbly and golden. Either way, it’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles Recipe cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes for convenient and flavorful next-day meals that taste just as comforting as fresh.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers either in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently to warm evenly and prevent sticking, ensuring every bite tastes just as delicious as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While stew beef or beef tips are recommended for tenderness, you can substitute flank or sirloin steak cut into cubes. Just adjust cooking times accordingly since leaner cuts may cook faster.
Do I need to cook the noodles before adding them to the crockpot?
In this recipe, uncooked noodles are added directly to the crockpot so they finish cooking alongside the beef, soaking up all the amazing sauce. If preferred, you can use par-cooked noodles to shorten cooking time or prevent over-softening.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap regular soy sauce for gluten-free tamari and use gluten-free pasta. This makes the dish accessible for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising flavor.
How can I make this Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles Recipe vegetarian?
Try replacing beef tips with hearty mushrooms, jackfruit, or plant-based meat substitutes, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Adjust seasoning to taste, and you’ll have a delicious meat-free version that’s just as comforting.
What are some common mistakes to avoid with this recipe?
Be careful not to overcook the beef to avoid toughness — slow cooking times and browning first help with tenderness. Also, be sure to taste and adjust seasoning before cooking, as under-seasoning can result in a flat dish lacking depth.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles Recipe is a true winner for anyone who appreciates effortless cooking paired with bold, satisfying flavors. It’s a dish that brings people together with every tender bite and creamy noodle coated in rich sauce. I encourage you to give it a try, bake it into your meal plans, and share it with family or friends — it’s guaranteed to quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Print
Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles recipe is a comforting and hearty slow-cooked meal featuring tender beef tips simmered in a savory sauce with noodles. The dish combines rich flavors from beef broth, soy sauce, tomato paste, and herbs, creating a perfect family-friendly dinner that requires minimal hands-on prep and cooks all day in your slow cooker for tender, flavorful results.
Ingredients
Beef and Noodles
- 2 lbs beef tips (or stew beef, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 6 oz uncooked noodles (such as ziti or penne)
Seasoning Mix
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Ensure the crockpot is clean and ready for use. Plug it in and have it set to low or high depending on your cooking time preference.
- Brown the beef tips: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil if needed. Add the beef tips and brown them on all sides to develop flavor, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Transfer beef to crockpot: Once browned, carefully move the beef tips into the crockpot insert.
- Season the beef: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, water, tomato paste, brown sugar or honey, minced garlic, dried thyme or rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.
- Add seasoning to crockpot: Pour the seasoned liquid mixture evenly over the beef tips in the crockpot, ensuring the beef is well coated.
- Add noodles: Layer the uncooked noodles on top of the beef and sauce in the crockpot without stirring.
- Cook low and slow: Cover the crockpot and set to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Cook until the beef is tender and the noodles are fully cooked, absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
- Serve: Once cooked, gently stir if desired to combine noodles and beef. Serve the beef tips and noodles hot alongside crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked beef tips or flank steak for quicker cooking times.
- For a vegetarian or vegan version, replace beef tips with mushrooms, jackfruit, lentils, or chickpeas.
- To make gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.
- Low-carb alternatives include keto-friendly noodles or spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles.
- Avoid overcooking beef to prevent toughness. Check tenderness toward the end of cooking.
- Taste the sauce before cooking to adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Reheat leftover portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
