Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. Tender chunks of beef slowly cook in a rich, savory mushroom and onion gravy, then get served over soft egg noodles for a hearty, satisfying meal the whole family will love.
This easy slow cooker recipe uses simple ingredients, including beef stew meat, onion soup mix, brown gravy mix, and cream of mushroom soup. Just add everything to your Crockpot, let it cook until the beef is fork-tender, and prepare the noodles shortly before dinner.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy Sunday dinner or an easy meal after a long day, these Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles are sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy preparation: Add the beef and gravy ingredients to the slow cooker with minimal prep.
- Tender beef: Slow cooking helps tougher cuts of beef become soft and flavorful.
- Rich, creamy gravy: Mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and brown gravy mix create a delicious sauce.
- Perfect comfort food: Served over egg noodles, this meal is hearty and satisfying.
- Family-friendly: Simple flavors make this recipe a great choice for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1–2 pounds beef stew meat: Cut into bite-sized pieces. Use 2 pounds for a meatier meal.
- 1 packet onion soup mix: Adds savory onion flavor and seasoning.
- 1 packet brown gravy mix: Helps create a rich, flavorful gravy.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup: Gives the sauce its creamy texture.
- 1 small can sliced mushrooms, drained (optional): Adds extra mushroom flavor.
- About 10.5 ounces beef broth: Use the empty cream of mushroom soup can to measure.
- 12 ounces egg noodles: Wide egg noodles work especially well with the thick gravy.
- Black pepper, to taste: Adds a little extra seasoning.
- Fresh parsley or chopped chives (optional): For garnish.
How to Make Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles
Step 1: Add the Beef
Place the beef stew meat in the bottom of a large slow cooker. If the pieces are large, cut them into evenly sized chunks so they cook consistently.
For extra flavor, you can brown the beef in a hot skillet with a little oil before adding it to the Crockpot. This step is optional.
Step 2: Add the Seasoning Mixes
Sprinkle the onion soup mix and brown gravy mix evenly over the beef. These seasoning packets provide the savory flavor that makes the gravy so delicious.
Step 3: Add the Cream of Mushroom Soup
Spoon the cream of mushroom soup over the beef. Add the drained sliced mushrooms if you’re using them.
Step 4: Pour in the Beef Broth
Fill the empty cream of mushroom soup can with beef broth and pour it into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine the soup, broth, and seasonings around the beef.
Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
Cooking on LOW is recommended when you have enough time because it allows the beef to become tender without rushing the process. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of the beef pieces.
Step 6: Cook the Egg Noodles
About 15 minutes before serving, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until tender.
Drain the noodles well. For extra flavor, toss them with a little butter if desired.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Taste the gravy and add black pepper if needed. Be cautious with extra salt because the soup mix, gravy mix, and broth already contain seasoning.
Divide the egg noodles among serving bowls and spoon the tender beef and rich gravy over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Beef Tips and Noodles
- Choose the right beef: Beef stew meat or chuck roast cut into chunks works well for slow cooking.
- Cook on LOW when possible: The longer, gentler cooking time helps the beef become tender.
- Keep the lid closed: Repeatedly opening the slow cooker releases heat and can increase cooking time.
- Cook noodles separately: This prevents them from becoming mushy, especially if you have leftovers.
- Taste before adding salt: The packaged seasoning mixes can already be quite salty.
- Make the gravy thicker if needed: A cornstarch slurry can help thicken the sauce near the end of cooking.
How to Thicken the Gravy
If your gravy is thinner than you’d like, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl until smooth.
Stir the mixture into the slow cooker during the final 15–20 minutes of cooking. Cover and allow the gravy to thicken before serving.
Add the slurry gradually if you prefer a thinner sauce, since the gravy may continue to thicken as it cools.
What to Serve with Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles
These beef tips are delicious on their own, but a simple side dish can make the meal even better.
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted carrots
- Garlic broccoli
- A crisp garden salad
- Dinner rolls or crusty bread
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
You can also serve the beef and gravy over mashed potatoes or steamed rice instead of egg noodles.
Variations
Garlic Beef Tips
Add 1–2 minced garlic cloves or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for an extra savory flavor.
Beef Tips with Fresh Mushrooms
Replace the canned mushrooms with sliced fresh mushrooms. Add them to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
Extra Beefy Beef Tips
Use 2 pounds of beef stew meat for a heartier meal with plenty of beef in every serving.
Lower-Sodium Version
Choose low-sodium beef broth and, when available, reduced-sodium soup. Because the seasoning packets contribute considerable salt, avoid adding extra salt until you taste the finished gravy.
Beef Tips over Mashed Potatoes
Skip the egg noodles and serve the tender beef and mushroom gravy over creamy mashed potatoes for another comforting dinner option.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftover beef and gravy in an airtight container for 3–4 days. For the best texture, store the noodles separately.
Freezer: Freeze the cooled beef and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months for best quality. Noodles are best prepared fresh because freezing can change their texture.
Reheating: Warm the beef and gravy in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave until thoroughly heated. Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much. Reheat the noodles separately and combine just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen beef stew meat?
For best results and food safety, thaw the beef in the refrigerator before adding it to the slow cooker. Slow cookers may heat too slowly when frozen meat is added.
Can I cook the noodles in the Crockpot?
Cooking the noodles separately is recommended. Adding them too early can make them overly soft and cause them to absorb too much gravy.
Can I use another cream soup?
Yes. Cream of celery or cream of chicken soup can be used instead of cream of mushroom soup, although the flavor will be slightly different.
Why is my beef still tough?
The beef may need more cooking time. Continue cooking until it is fork-tender. Tough stew meat often becomes softer with additional slow cooking.
Can I prepare this recipe the night before?
You can measure the ingredients and cut the beef ahead of time. Keep the ingredients refrigerated separately until you’re ready to cook. For best results, assemble and start cooking according to your slow cooker’s instructions.
Can I make this recipe without mushrooms?
Yes. Simply leave out the optional sliced mushrooms. The cream of mushroom soup will still provide a mild mushroom flavor, or you can use another cream soup if preferred.
Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Total Time: Approximately 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes on LOW
Servings: 4–6
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1–2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 small can sliced mushrooms, drained (optional)
- About 10.5 ounces beef broth
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chopped chives, optional
Instructions
- Place the beef stew meat in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the onion soup mix and brown gravy mix over the beef.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup and optional sliced mushrooms.
- Fill the empty soup can with beef broth and pour it into the slow cooker. Stir gently.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
- About 15 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles according to the package directions. Drain well.
- Taste the gravy and add black pepper if desired.
- Serve the beef and gravy over the noodles and garnish with parsley or chives.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles is an easy, comforting dinner that turns simple ingredients into a hearty homemade meal. Tender beef, creamy mushroom gravy, and soft egg noodles make a satisfying combination that is perfect for family dinners and chilly evenings.
Let your slow cooker do most of the work, cook the noodles just before serving, and enjoy a warm bowl of classic comfort food with very little effort.