There’s something magical about coming home to the rich aroma of tender beef tips simmering in a savory sauce. Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles is the kind of hearty, satisfying meal that brings people together and turns a regular weeknight into something special. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor with minimal effort.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
If you’re a fan of set-it-and-forget-it meals, this Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles recipe is tailor-made for you. It’s perfect for busy parents, working professionals, college students with a slow cooker, or anyone who craves a comforting bowl of homemade goodness without slaving over the stove.
Not only is this dish easy to prepare, but it also offers an incredible depth of flavor thanks to the slow-cooking process. The beef turns melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the sauce thickens into a rich, savory gravy that clings beautifully to the noodles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water (for thickening)
- 12 oz egg noodles
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Crockpot / Slow Cooker (6-quart recommended)
- Medium saucepan (for noodles)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Whisk (for cornstarch slurry)
- Strainer (for noodles)
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles
Prep and Load the Crockpot
Place the beef tips into your slow cooker. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the onion soup mix, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Pour the mixture over the beef and stir to coat.
Note: You can add sliced mushrooms or onions here for extra flavor and texture.
Let It Simmer to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The beef should be fall-apart tender and the sauce rich and savory.
Thicken the Gravy
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix the cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry. Stir it into the crockpot to thicken the sauce. Cover and let it continue cooking.
Cook the Noodles
About 15 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the beef tips and gravy over a bed of noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Pair with a glass of red wine or your favorite soft drink, and dig in!
Tips and Shortcuts
- Meat Options: Chuck roast, sirloin steak, or stew meat all work great.
- Want extra veggies? Toss in carrots, peas, or mushrooms during the last 1-2 hours.
- Low sodium swap: Use low-sodium broth and soup if watching your salt intake.
- No cream of mushroom? Sub in cream of onion or even cream of celery.
How to Store Leftovers
Transfer cooled leftovers into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Tip: Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too—just be sure to cover and stir halfway through.
What to Serve with Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles
This dish is rich and savory, so pairing it with something fresh or bright can balance the meal:
- Side Dishes: Steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp garden salad.
- Bread Options: Crusty French bread or fluffy dinner rolls for sopping up the gravy.
- Drink Pairings: A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a cold iced tea.
Recipe Variations
- Beef Tips and Rice: Swap noodles for white or brown rice.
- Creamier Version: Add ½ cup of sour cream at the end of cooking for a stroganoff twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne or a spoonful of horseradish to the gravy.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles and make sure your soup and soup mix are gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What cut of beef is best for Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles?
The best cuts for this dish are beef stew meat, chuck roast, or sirloin tips. These cuts become incredibly tender when slow-cooked over several hours, making them perfect for crockpot recipes.
Can I use frozen beef in the slow cooker?
While it’s technically possible, it’s not recommended for food safety reasons. Always thaw frozen beef in the refrigerator before adding it to your crockpot to ensure even cooking and to avoid bacterial growth.
Do I have to brown the beef before putting it in the crockpot?
Browning the beef first is optional. It adds extra depth of flavor and caramelization, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still have a delicious dish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free egg noodles and make sure your onion soup mix and cream of mushroom soup are certified gluten-free. You can also use a homemade soup base as a substitute.
How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too runny?
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to form a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking and let it simmer until thickened.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prep the ingredients the night before, store them in the fridge, and then start the slow cooker in the morning. This is great for busy schedules.
How long can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles is the kind of recipe that never goes out of style. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or when you just want something warm and comforting without a lot of fuss. With just a few simple ingredients and your slow cooker doing most of the work, you’ll have a meal that tastes like it took hours of effort—because it did, just not from you!
This dish is also incredibly versatile. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with variations like adding veggies, using rice instead of noodles, or giving it a stroganoff-style twist, you really can’t go wrong. It’s a family favorite for a reason.
So, give this recipe a try! Let it fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aroma, and your table with happy, satisfied smiles.
Print
Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles
- Total Time: 6hours 25minutes
Description
This Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles recipe features tender, slow-cooked beef in a rich, savory gravy served over hearty egg noodles. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 1 (0.87-ounce) packet brown gravy mix
- 1 (1-ounce) packet au jus mix
- 1 cup water
- 1 (12-ounce) package wide egg noodles
Instructions
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In the crock of a 4 to 6-quart slow cooker, stir together the meat, gravy mix, au jus mix, and water. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
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Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Serve the beef and gravy over the noodles.
Notes
- For a reliable and consistent flavor, I recommend using McCormick Brown Gravy Mix and McCormick Au Jus Mix.
- Watching your sodium intake? Choose the reduced-sodium versions of both mixes.
- If your gravy turns out a bit too thin, just whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold broth or water. Stir it into the slow cooker, cover, and turn the heat to high for about 20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Prep Time: 10minutes
- Cook Time: 6hours 15minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles