Introduction
Introduce the recipe as an easy, comforting, and hearty slow-cooked dish perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a low-effort meal. Emphasize the tender beef, rich gravy, and how it pairs perfectly with egg noodles.
Ingredients
- Beef Tips or Stew Meat (1-2 lbs): Stew meat is affordable and works well when slow-cooked, but you can use tenderloin or sirloin tips for a leaner option
- Lipton Onion Soup Mix: Provides savory depth and seasoning.
- Brown Gravy Mix: A key ingredient for rich, flavorful gravy.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creaminess and helps thicken the sauce
- Beef Broth: Enhances the gravy’s richness.
- Egg Noodles: Perfect for serving underneath the beef tips and gravy).
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Add your stew meat, Lipton onion soup mix, brown gravy mix, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth into the Crockpot. Stir until well combined.
- Slow Cook: Set the Crockpot on low and cook for 7-8 hours. The slow-cooking process ensures tender, flavorful beef.
- Cook the Noodles: In the last 30 minutes, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, then drain.
- Serve: Ladle the beef tips and gravy over the cooked noodles. Garnish with chopped parsley for extra flavor and presentation.
Tips for Success
- Optional Browning: For added flavor, quickly brown the beef in a skillet before adding it to the Crockpot.
- Thickening the Gravy: If you want a thicker gravy, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) in the last 15-20 minutes.
- Mushrooms: If you love mushrooms, feel free to add an extra can or use fresh mushrooms in the last two hours of cooking.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles and soup to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Add Veggies: You can boost the nutrition by adding carrots, celery, or peas. These will cook well alongside the beef.
- Alternative Proteins: Substitute beef with chicken thighs for a lighter version.
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the beef tips (without noodles) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding beef broth if the gravy becomes too thick.
Conclusion
Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is a cozy, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners. Whether you make it as a set-it-and-forget-it meal or take the time to add extra flavors, this recipe is a guaranteed hit for the whole family.