Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles: A Comfort Food Classic

1. Set it and forget it: The crockpot does all the work for you.
2. Budget-friendly: Uses affordable beef cuts that become tender through slow cooking.
3. Versatile: Easily customized with different seasonings or veggies.
4. Kid-friendly: Simple, savory, and familiar flavors.
5. Great for leftovers: It tastes even better the next day.

What Are Beef Tips?

"Beef tips" typically refer to bite-sized beef cuts from more extensive, tougher cuts like chuck, round, or sirloin. They become incredibly tender when cooked low and slow, making them ideal for crockpot cooking. You might also see "stew meat" labeled in grocery stores—this works just as well for beef tip recipes.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let's take a closer look at what you'll need:

1. Beef

You can use:

• Stew meat
• Chuck roast (cubed)
• Sirloin tips Chuck roast, which is often the most flavorful. Sirloin is leaner but still tenderizes well in a crockpot.

2. Aromatics

• Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth.
• Garlic: It always brings a punch of flavor.

3. Seasonings

Basic pantry seasonings will do the trick:

• Salt & pepper
• Paprika
• Dried thyme
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Optional: A pinch of crushed red pepper for a mild kick.

4. Broth and Sauce

• Beef broth: Use low sodium so you can control the salt level.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and depth.
• Soy sauce (optional): Enhances savoriness.

5. Thickener

To get that rich gravy consistency:

• Cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) or
• Flour mixed into the broth

6. Egg Noodles

Wide egg noodles are a classic. To avoid overcooking, you can cook them separately and stir them in just before serving.

Crockpot Cooking Tips

1. Sear the Beef (Optional but Recommended)

   Searing the beef in a hot skillet before adding it to the crockpot adds flavor. It caramelizes the meat and starts browning, contributing to the overall taste. If you're short on time, you can skip this step, but it's worth it if you have a few extra minutes.

2. Layer Wisely

   Start with onions and garlic on the bottom to infuse the beef as it cooks. Then layer the beef and pour in your liquids.

3. Don't Overdo the Liquid

   The crockpot doesn't allow much evaporation, so less broth is needed than in stovetop recipes. Aim for just enough to cover the meat halfway. You can always add more later if needed.

4. Thicken at the End

   Don't add cornstarch at the beginning—wait until the meat is tender, and then stir in a slurry to thicken the gravy.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat or chuck roast, cubed1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 ½ cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
• 12 oz wide egg noodles
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Sear the Beef (optional): Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the Beef on all sides in batches so as not to overcrowd the pan.
2. Layer the Crockpot: Add diced onions and garlic to the bottom of your crockpot. Place the seared Beef on top.
3. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in all seasonings: salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, onion powder, and garlic powder.
4. Cook:Low for 7-8 hoursHigh for 4-5 hours Cook until Beef is fork-tender.
5. Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir into the crockpot. Cover and cook on high for another 15-20 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
6. Cook the Noodles: While the sauce thickens, cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain.
7. Combine and Serve: Stir cooked noodles into the crockpot or serve the beef tips over a bed of noodles. 
8. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Variations

1. Add Veggies

   In the last hour of cooking, throw in mushrooms, carrots, or peas. Mushrooms especially pair well with the beefy flavor and soak up the gravy beautifully.

2. Creamy Version

   Add ½ cup sour cream or a few ounces of cream cheese at the end for a creamy twist on the gravy.

3. Spicy Kick

   Add a splash of hot sauce or a teaspoon of chili flakes if you like a little heat.

Make-Ahead and Storage

• Make-Ahead: You can prep everything the night before—just store everything (except the noodles) in the crockpot insert in the fridge. Pop it in the cooker in the morning and hit start.
• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
• Freezer Tips: Freeze the beef and gravy mixture (not the noodles) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat and add freshly cooked noodles.

What to Serve with Beef Tips and Noodles

1. Side Salad: Something crisp and fresh to balance the richness.
2. Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: For a pop of color and nutrients.
3. Dinner Rolls or Biscuits: These are used to soak up any leftover gravy.
4. Mashed Potatoes (alternate): Serve the beef tips over mashed potatoes instead of noodles for a different take.

About One Stop Halal

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