Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles

Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles is a comforting slow-cooker dinner featuring tender pieces of beef simmered in a rich mushroom and onion gravy. Served over warm egg noodles, this simple recipe makes a hearty family meal with very little hands-on preparation.

Ingredients

• 1–2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 1 packet brown gravy mix
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 small can sliced mushrooms, drained (optional)
• About 10.5 oz beef broth
• 12 oz egg noodles
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or chopped chives, optional for garnish

Instructions

1. Place the beef stew meat in the bottom of a large slow cooker. If the pieces are very large, cut them into smaller, evenly sized chunks so they cook at the same rate.
2. Sprinkle the onion soup mix and brown gravy mix evenly over the beef.
3. Add the cream of mushroom soup and sliced mushrooms, if using.
4. Fill the empty cream of mushroom soup can with beef broth and pour it into the slow cooker. Stir gently until the soup, broth, and seasonings are combined.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef is very tender and the gravy is rich and flavorful.
6. Stir the beef and gravy near the end of cooking. Taste before adding additional salt because the soup mix, gravy mix, and broth already contain seasoning. Add black pepper if desired.
7. About 15 minutes before serving, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package directions until tender.
8. Drain the noodles well and divide them among serving plates or bowls.
9. Spoon the tender beef tips generously over the noodles, adding plenty of the mushroom and onion gravy.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired and serve immediately while hot.

Tips for Tender Beef Tips

Slow cooking is the key to making inexpensive stew meat tender. For the softest beef, use the LOW setting when you have enough time. Avoid repeatedly lifting the slow cooker lid because releasing the heat can increase the cooking time.

If you prefer a stronger beef flavor, you can brown the stew meat in a hot skillet with a small amount of oil before adding it to the crockpot. This step is optional but adds another layer of savory flavor.

How to Thicken the Gravy

The gravy normally thickens naturally from the cream of mushroom soup and gravy mix. If you prefer it thicker, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water. Stir the mixture into the crockpot during the final 15–20 minutes of cooking and allow the gravy to thicken.

Serving Suggestions

Egg noodles are the classic choice because they hold the savory gravy beautifully. The beef tips can also be served over mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or creamy polenta. Green beans, roasted carrots, broccoli, or a simple salad make excellent side dishes.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover beef and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For the best texture, keep the cooked noodles in a separate container. Reheat the beef gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy becomes too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of beef works best?

Beef stew meat or chuck roast cut into chunks works especially well. These cuts become tender and flavorful after several hours of slow cooking.

Can I add fresh mushrooms?

Yes. Sliced fresh mushrooms can replace the canned mushrooms. Add them directly to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.

Should I cook the noodles in the crockpot?

Cooking the noodles separately is recommended. This prevents them from becoming overly soft and allows you to store leftover beef and noodles separately.

Can I make this without mushrooms?

Yes. Simply leave out the sliced mushrooms. If desired, you can also substitute another condensed cream soup for the cream of mushroom soup.