If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, beef tips and noodles is the perfect dish to make. This classic combination of tender beef chunks simmered in a rich gravy, served over soft egg noodles, is a beloved comfort food that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you want to cook it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or even an Instant Pot, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step with simple ingredients and clear instructions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To start, gather these basic ingredients:
– Beef chuck roast or sirloin tips, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1.5 to 3 pounds)
– Olive oil or butter for browning
– Onion, diced
– Garlic, minced
– Beef broth or stock (about 6 to 8 cups)
– Flour or cornstarch for thickening
– Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, bay leaf, and parsley
– Wide egg noodles (around 12 ounces)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: Worcestershire sauce, paprika, or mustard for extra flavor
These ingredients create a flavorful base that simmers into a rich gravy coating the tender beef and noodles.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Stovetop Beef Tips and Noodles
- Brown the Beef: Season the beef pieces generously with salt and pepper, then toss them in flour to coat lightly. Heat oil or butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches until all sides are nicely seared. This step locks in flavor and texture.
- Sauté Aromatics: Remove the beef and set aside. In the same pot, add diced onions and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in beef broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Return the beef to the pot along with herbs like thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a low simmer, cover, and cook gently for 2 to 2.5 hours until the beef is fork-tender and shreddable.
- Shred the Beef: Remove the beef and shred it with two forks. Discard the bay leaf and thyme stems.
- Cook the Noodles: Add more beef broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Combine and Season: Stir the shredded beef back into the pot with the noodles and gravy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Dish out the beef tips and noodles hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or extra black pepper.
Slow Cooker Method for Effortless Comfort
If you prefer a hands-off approach, the slow cooker is your best friend:
– Brown the beef in a skillet first for extra flavor.
– Transfer the beef, onions, garlic, herbs, and seasonings to the slow cooker.
– Add beef broth and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours until beef is tender.
– Cook noodles separately just before serving.
– Stir noodles into the beef mixture and enjoy a cozy, melt-in-your-mouth meal.
The slow cooker method allows the flavors to deepen and the beef to become incredibly tender without much active cooking time.
Instant Pot Option for Speed and Convenience
For those short on time, the Instant Pot can deliver tender beef tips and noodles in under an hour:
– Brown the beef using the sauté function.
– Add broth, cream of mushroom soup (optional for creaminess), onion dip mix, and seasonings.
– Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes.
– Quick release pressure, then stir in cooked noodles.
– This method is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner without sacrificing flavor.
Tips for the Best Beef Tips and Noodles
– Use a cut of beef suitable for slow cooking, like chuck roast or sirloin tips, for tender results.
– Don’t skip browning the beef; it adds rich flavor and color.
– Adjust the thickness of the gravy by adding more broth or thickening with a flour or cornstarch slurry.
– Wide egg noodles hold the sauce well and provide a classic texture.
– Customize with herbs and spices like paprika, Worcestershire sauce, or mustard for extra depth.
Why Beef Tips and Noodles Are a Timeless Favorite
This dish is the ultimate comfort food because it combines tender, flavorful beef with soft noodles in a savory gravy that warms you from the inside out. It’s perfect for family dinners, cozy nights, or anytime you need a satisfying meal made from simple ingredients. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your kitchen tools and preferences.
Enjoy making beef tips and noodles your go-to comfort dish—you’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how delicious it tastes!
Beef tips and noodles bring warmth and satisfaction to the table with every bite. Give this recipe a try and savor the comforting flavors of home-cooked goodness.