I came across this recipe on a chilly Sunday at my in-laws’ house after helping my father-in-law stack firewood for winter prep. His old kitchen smelled of woodsmoke and family history, and my sister-in-law slid a bowl of steaming noodles with beef towards me. One bite and I was all in the kind of comfort that sinks into your chest. I’d barely tucked my jacket away before I asked for the leftovers’ recipe.

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Later that afternoon, I recreated it in my own kitchen with my kids helping, counting out noodles, grabbing parsley, and asking when dinner would be ready. My husband called it a hug in a bowl, and I tucked the recipe into my mental notebook. It’s easy, practical, and those beef chunks practically melt, they’re so tender after slow cooking.

Now, it’s my go-to on school mornings when I want dinner waiting in the crockpot. This dish brings warmth, simplicity, and a reminder that sometimes the best meals come from sharing.

Short Description

Crockpot Beef Tips And Noodles features tender beef, savory mushrooms and onions, cream-of-mushroom richness, and soft egg noodles—all slow-cooked into a comforting, hands-off meal.

Key Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck roast or stew meat, cut into bite-size pieces
1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup beef broth
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp black pepper
8 oz egg noodles
2 Tbsp butter (for finishing)
Salt, to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Tools Needed

5–6 quart crockpot
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula or stirring spoon
Strainer for noodles

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Cut beef into uniform bite-sized pieces. Chop onion, mince garlic, and slice mushrooms if using. No browning needed, though searing adds flavor.

Step 2: Combine in Slow Cooker
Layer beef, onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Add cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and black pepper. Stir gently to mix.

Step 3: Slow-Cook the Beef
Cover crockpot and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Beef should be tender and easily fall apart.

Step 4: Add Noodles
Approximately 30 minutes before serving, stir in the egg noodles. Cover and cook until noodles are tender and have soaked up sauce.

Step 5: Finish with Butter
Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and glossy. Taste and season with salt as needed.

Step 6: Serve
Ladle beef tips and noodles into bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley for color and flavor, then serve warm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Comfort: Toss it all in and let the crockpot do the work.

Hearty & Filling: Beef with noodles delivers cozy, satisfying flavors.

Kid-Friendly: Easy textures and flavors work well at the dinner table.

Budget-Friendly: Affordable cuts of meat turn tender and delicious.

Freezer-Friendly: Portion leftovers and toss into the freezer for later.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Tough Meat: Use chuck roast or stew meat and cook low and slow for tenderness.

Mushy Noodles: Add noodles late in the cooking process—about 30 minutes before serving.

Watery Sauce: If it’s too soupy, cook 15–20 minutes uncovered to reduce.

Over-seasoning Early: Salt after cooking, flavor concentrates during slow-cook.

Sticky Noodles: Stir noodles gently, and ensure even sauce coating.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with green beans or a side salad for freshness.

Offer crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the sauce.

Ideal for family-style meals—leave garnishing ingredients on the table.

Pair with iced tea or a light red wine for adult dinners.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freeze: Let cool, then freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months.

Reheat: Microwave or gently warm in a saucepan; add splash of broth if it seems thick.

FAQs

1. Can I substitute cream of celery soup?
Yes, flavor shifts slightly, but it works well.

2. What if I can’t use mushrooms?
Skip them or replace with peas for color.

3. Can I use wide egg noodles?
Absolutely, adjust cooking time, but they yield hearty texture.

4. Is this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free egg noodles and GF cream soup.

5. Can I prepare ahead?
Assemble early in the day, refrigerate, and start morning of serving.

Tips & Tricks

Sear meat before slow cooking for added depth.

Add a handful of frozen peas or carrots in the last 30 minutes for vegetables.

Stir in fresh parsley at the end to brighten flavors.

Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels.

Reheat with a splash of broth to refresh textures.

Recipe Variations

Creamy Italian Beef Tips:
Swap sour cream and Italian seasoning for mushroom soup and thyme.

Beef Stroganoff Style:
Stir in ½ cup sour cream after cooking and serve with egg noodles.

Spicy Beef Tips & Noodles:
Add ½ tsp crushed red pepper and serve with pickled jalapeños.

Vegetable Boost:
Add 1 cup baby spinach and diced carrots in the last hour of cooking.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Beef Tips And Noodles is my go-to when I want hearty comfort without fuss. I’ve delivered this to neighbors recovering from surgery and brought it to potlucks where it’s always a hit.

My kids appreciate how tender the meat is, and my husband says it’s like a warm hug at the end of the day. Cooking this reminds me that simple ingredients, slow cooking, and a bit of patience can turn humble dishes into family favorites. I hope your family finds the same comfort in every spoonful.

Comforting Crockpot Beef Tips And Noodles