Tender Beef Tips and Noodles Crock Pot Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy, comforting, and budget-friendly dinner, this beef tips and noodles crock pot recipe checks every box. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl—tender chunks of beef slow-cooked all day in a rich gravy, served over buttery egg noodles.

Best of all? It’s a true dump-and-go dinner. With just a handful of ingredients, no complicated prep, and almost zero cleanup, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy Sundays, or whenever you need something hearty without the hassle.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make the best crock pot beef tips and noodles using affordable ingredients, the right cut of meat, and smart slow-cooker tricks that guarantee melt-in-your-mouth results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Tips and Noodles Crock Pot Recipe

Comfort Food That Cooks Itself

Few meals deliver so much comfort with so little effort. This beef tips and noodles crock pot dinner brings everything you want to the table:

• Tender, slow-cooked beef
• Rich, savory gravy
• Hearty noodles that soak up all the flavor
• Practically no prep required

It’s the kind of set-it-and-forget-it meal that takes five minutes to start and rewards you with a full pot of deliciousness hours later.

Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping, or just craving something that warms you up inside, this recipe delivers every time.

Ideal for Busy Families and Beginners

You don’t need to be an experienced cook to make this work. With minimal chopping and no stove-top browning, this recipe is a win even for beginners.

It’s also incredibly forgiving. Short on broth? Add water. Want it creamier? Stir in some sour cream or cream cheese at the end. You can make it your own, but the base version is already packed with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Easy Crock Pot Dinner

Core Ingredients for Flavor and Texture

This beef tips and noodles crock pot recipe relies on a few simple ingredients that come together to create deep, comforting flavor.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Beef tips or stew meat	2 to 2.5 lbs	Chuck roast, top sirloin, or stew cuts
Brown gravy mix	1 packet	Thickens and flavors the sauce
Onion soup mix	1 packet	Adds seasoning and depth
Cream of mushroom soup	1 can (10.5 oz)	Adds creaminess and body
Beef broth	2 cups	Low-sodium preferred
Worcestershire sauce	1–2 tbsp	Adds umami and richness
Garlic powder	1 tsp	Optional for extra flavor
Egg noodles	12 oz (cooked)	Added at the end or cooked separately

This mix creates a savory, well-balanced sauce that coats the beef and noodles beautifully.

Optional Add-Ins for Customization

Want to tweak it? Here are some easy upgrades:

• Fresh mushrooms – for extra texture and earthiness
• Chopped onions – boost sweetness and aroma
• Sour cream or cream cheese – stirred in at the end for a creamy version
• Frozen peas or carrots – for added veggies and color
• Red pepper flakes – for a subtle hint of heat, if you like a little spice

These optional ingredients don’t require much effort and help you make the dish your own.

Best Cuts of Beef for Crock Pot Beef Tips

Chuck vs. Sirloin vs. Stew Meat

Choosing the right cut is key to nailing that fork-tender texture. Here are your best bets:

• Chuck Roast or Chuck Steak – Affordable, fatty, and made for slow cooking. This is the #1 choice for juicy results.
• Top Sirloin – Leaner but still flavorful. Good if you want slightly less fat without losing tenderness.
• Stew Meat – Convenient, but can be a mix of cuts. Look for well-marbled chunks.

The longer these cuts cook on low, the more they break down and soak up flavor. That’s why they shine in any beef tips and noodles crock pot recipe.

What to Avoid and Why It Matters

Avoid lean or quick-cooking cuts like round roast, loin, or tenderloin. These dry out in the slow cooker and don’t give you the fall-apart texture that makes this dish so satisfying.

If you’re stuck with a leaner cut, add more broth and check early to prevent overcooking.

Step-by-Step – How to Make Beef Tips and Noodles in the Crock Pot

Prepping the Beef and Sauce

One of the best things about this beef tips and noodles crock pot recipe is that it’s practically hands-off. No need to brown the meat, no sautéing—just combine and let it go.

Here’s how to pull it together:

Step 1: Load the Slow Cooker
Place your beef tips or stew meat (about 2 to 2.5 pounds) into the bottom of your slow cooker. If your chunks are large, cut them into 1–2 inch pieces so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the following:

• 1 packet brown gravy mix
• 1 packet dry onion soup mix
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1–2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Pour this sauce over the beef in the crock pot. Stir gently to make sure the meat is coated.

Step 3: Cover and Cook
Put the lid on and cook:

• On LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or
• On HIGH for 3½ to 4 hours

The beef should be fork-tender and the sauce nice and thick. If you want it even thicker, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).

Step 4: Add the Noodles
If you’re adding cooked noodles directly to the pot, do it at the end. Stir in your prepared egg noodles and let them sit for 5 to 10 minutes to absorb some of that delicious gravy.

Or, you can spoon the beef and sauce over noodles on each plate. Both ways work great—it’s really just preference.

The Perfect Noodles to Pair With Your Beef Tips

Egg Noodles vs. Other Pasta Options

Let’s be real: not all noodles are created equal—especially when you’re pairing them with a rich, meaty sauce like this one. For this beef tips and noodles crock pot meal, egg noodles are the classic choice. They’re soft, buttery, and perfect for soaking up gravy without getting gummy.

That said, if you don’t have egg noodles on hand, you’ve got options:

Noodle Type	Works Well With	Cook Method
Egg Noodles	Classic pairing	Boil separately
Wide Ribbon Pasta	Similar texture	Boil separately
Rotini or Penne	Holds sauce well	Cook separately
Pappardelle	Gourmet twist	Cook separately

The key here? Cook the noodles separately. If you toss them into the crock pot raw, they’ll turn mushy fast. If you absolutely want one-pot convenience, you can stir cooked noodles in during the final 10–15 minutes of cooking to let them absorb some flavor without falling apart.

Flavor Boosts – Gravy Mixes, Broths, and Sauces

How to Build Rich, Savory Flavor

What makes this beef tips and noodles crock pot recipe really shine is the gravy. It’s simple, but when you balance the right ingredients, it tastes like something out of a slow-simmered roast dinner.

Here’s how to give it that deep, comforting flavor:

• Gravy Mix + Onion Soup Mix: This duo does the heavy lifting. It builds a base that’s salty, savory, and beefy.
• Beef Broth: Don’t skip this. Water won’t give you the same depth. Use low-sodium broth if you’re watching salt.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash adds a bold, umami layer that rounds everything out.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creaminess and body. Even if you’re not a mushroom fan, you’ll barely notice it—but you’ll miss it if it’s gone.

Savory vs. Creamy Variations

You can keep the gravy classic and beefy, or make it creamy and rich—it’s up to you.

Want it more savory?

• Use extra gravy mix
• Add chopped onions or a few mushrooms
• Skip the cream of mushroom and use broth-only

Want it creamy?

• Stir in ½ cup sour cream or 4 oz cream cheese after the beef is done
• Let it melt into the gravy before adding noodles

Both versions are cozy, filling, and absolutely delicious. You can even split the batch and try it both ways.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Leftovers

How to Store It Right

One of the best parts about this beef tips and noodles crock pot recipe is how well it holds up as leftovers. The flavors deepen overnight, and it reheats beautifully.

Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerator: Transfer the beef and noodles to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Separate into meal-sized portions in freezer-safe containers or zip bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

If you’re planning to freeze, consider storing the noodles and beef tips separately to avoid mushy texture when thawed.

Reheating Without Drying It Out

To keep it just as good the next day:

• Microwave: Add a splash of beef broth or water, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
• Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium-low heat with a bit of broth, stirring occasionally.
• Oven: Place in a covered dish and warm at 300°F for about 20–25 minutes.

Avoid high heat or overcooking—it can make the beef rubbery and the noodles overdone.

Easy Variations to Try Next Time

Tired of the same old? Switch things up with one of these simple, delicious variations:

Mushroom & Onion Beef Tips

Add 1–2 cups of fresh sliced mushrooms and ½ diced onion to the crock pot with the beef. It adds incredible depth and a hearty texture.

Stroganoff-Style Beef Tips

After cooking, stir in ½ cup sour cream and serve over wide noodles. You’ll get a creamy, tangy twist that feels like comfort food deluxe.

Low-Sodium Version

Use reduced-sodium broth, skip the onion soup mix, and season with fresh garlic, thyme, and a pinch of salt. Great if you’re watching your intake but still want full flavor.

Veggie-Boosted Version

Toss in chopped carrots, frozen peas, or green beans for color, nutrients, and texture—just add them during the last hour so they don’t get mushy.

These variations keep the meal exciting while sticking to the same base method.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Crock Pot Beef Tips

Even simple recipes can go sideways if you’re not careful. Here’s what to watch out for:

Overcooking the Noodles

Don’t cook noodles in the crock pot. Always boil them separately and stir them in at the end—or just spoon the beef and gravy over the noodles on your plate. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a mushy mess.

Using the Wrong Cut of Beef

Lean cuts like round roast dry out and turn chewy. Stick with chuck or sirloin for tender, juicy results.

Not Enough Liquid

If you skimp on broth, your sauce won’t have the right consistency, and the beef could dry out. Always stick with at least 2 cups of liquid in the slow cooker.

Crowding the Pot

Cramming too much in can prevent even cooking. Make sure there’s room for everything to simmer gently.

Keep these in mind, and your beef tips and noodles crock pot dinner will come out perfect every time.

FAQs: Beef Tips and Noodles Crock Pot Recipe

Can you put noodles in the crock pot with beef tips?

Technically yes, but it’s not ideal. Noodles can overcook easily. It’s better to cook them separately and stir them in during the last few minutes or right before serving.

What kind of beef is best for crock pot beef tips?

For the best results, use chuck roast, top sirloin, or other well-marbled stew meat. These cuts break down beautifully and develop rich flavor with slow, extended cooking.

How long should beef tips cook in a slow cooker?

Cook on low for 6–7 hours, or on high for 3½–4 hours. Low and slow gives the best results.

Is it possible to overcook beef tips in a crock pot?

Yes, especially on high heat or if you use lean cuts. Stick to the recommended time and check for tenderness near the end.

Do you have to brown the beef tips first?

Not in this recipe. It’s a true dump-and-go dish. That said, you can brown the meat for extra flavor if you’ve got time.

Can this be made ahead and frozen?

Absolutely. Just freeze the cooked beef and gravy separately from the noodles for the best texture later.

Conclusion

This beef tips and noodles crock pot recipe is everything a comforting dinner should be: easy, hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just need something simple that hits the spot, this recipe checks all the boxes.

It’s flexible, beginner-friendly, and endlessly customizable. You can stick to the classic version or play with creamy twists, added veggies, or even a stroganoff-style finish.

The next time you’re craving something rich and filling without standing over a stove, pull out the slow cooker and let this recipe do the work. One bite, and it’ll be in your regular dinner rotation for good.

Want to switch things up next time? Try the baked version—our no peek beef tips recipe is a reader favorite.