You want a meal that’s stupidly easy but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Beef tips and noodles in a crock pot deliver exactly that. Tender beef, rich gravy, and buttery noodles—all while you do literally nothing.
No babysitting the stove, no fancy techniques, just dump and go. Who said delicious can’t be lazy? If you’re still reading, you’re either hungry or skeptical.
Either way, stick around. This recipe is about to become your weeknight hero.
Why This Recipe Slaps
First, the beef melts in your mouth like butter on a hot skillet. The slow cooker does all the work, breaking down tough cuts into something magical.
Second, the gravy. It’s rich, savory, and clings to every noodle like it’s got separation anxiety. Third, it’s customizable.
Swap ingredients, tweak flavors, and still end up with a meal that impresses. And let’s be real—anything that cooks itself while you binge Netflix deserves a trophy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (or sirloin tips for extra fancy points)
- 1 packet brown gravy mix (or homemade if you’re feeling extra)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (the secret weapon)
- 1 cup beef broth (because water is sad)
- 1 onion, diced (optional, but highly recommended)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (unless you’re a vampire)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (for that umami punch)
- 12 oz egg noodles (or whatever pasta you’ve got)
- Salt and pepper (to taste, unless you hate flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Toss the beef into the crock pot. No browning needed—this isn’t a steakhouse.
- Add the gravy mix, soup, broth, onion, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir like you mean it.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5. The longer, the better.
Patience, grasshopper.
- Boil the noodles separately when the beef is done. Don’t dump them in raw unless you enjoy mush.
- Mix noodles with the beef and gravy. Serve immediately. Congrats, you’ve just won dinner.
How to Store This Masterpiece
Got leftovers?
Lucky you. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to revive the gravy.
Freezing works too—just leave out the noodles, or they’ll turn into sad, soggy blobs. Frozen beef tips keep for 2-3 months. Pro tip: Label the container unless you enjoy freezer roulette.
Why You Should Make This ASAP
It’s cheap, easy, and feeds a crowd.
Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or when you’re too tired to adult. The crock pot does 95% of the work, and the ingredients are pantry staples. Plus, it’s comfort food that actually tastes good—unlike that “healthy” casserole your aunt brings to every family gathering.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the noodles. They should be al dente, not baby food.
- Skimping on seasoning. Taste the gravy before serving.
Bland food is a crime.
- Using lean cuts. Fat = flavor. Stew meat or chuck roast is your friend.
- Adding noodles too early. They’ll dissolve into a sad, starchy mess.
Swaps and Tweaks
No cream of mushroom soup? Use cream of celery or golden mushroom soup.
Vegetarian? Swap beef for portobello mushrooms (but let’s be real, it’s not the same). Want more veggies?
Throw in carrots or peas. Hate egg noodles? Try rice, mashed potatoes, or even gnocchi.
The world is your oyster, but hopefully not literally—oysters in this would be weird.
FAQs
Can I use frozen beef?
Yes, but thaw it first unless you want to wait an extra 2 hours for cooking. Frozen beef = uneven cooking = sadness.
Can I make this without a crock pot?
Sure, use a Dutch oven on low heat for 3-4 hours. But then you lose the “set it and forget it” magic.
Why is my gravy too thin?
You probably skipped the gravy mix or added too much broth.
Fix it with a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water, stirred in and cooked for 5 minutes).
Can I add wine?
Absolutely. A splash of red wine adds depth. Just don’t drink the whole bottle while cooking—unless it’s that kind of day.
Final Thoughts
Beef tips and noodles in a crock pot is the ultimate “looks fancy, takes zero effort” meal.
It’s forgiving, flexible, and foolproof. Even if you burn toast regularly, you can’t mess this up. So grab your crock pot, embrace the laziness, and let dinner cook itself.
Your future self (and your hungry family) will thank you.