If you’re craving a comforting meal that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and satisfies every bite, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Buttered Egg Noodles Recipe. It’s a hearty, tender beef dish simmered to perfection alongside rich, buttery egg noodles that soak up all the savory goodness. This recipe brings together simple ingredients, slow-cooked magic, and a buttery finish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become your go-to comfort food for cozy nights or whenever you need a little extra deliciousness in your life.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beauty of this recipe — minimal but mighty ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor. Each element, from the rich beef broth to the aromatic thyme, plays a crucial role in building a stew that’s deeply savory and satisfying. The egg noodles and butter elevate the dish with creamy texture and buttery richness, making every forkful pure indulgence.
- 1 lb beef stew meat or sirloin tips: Choosing tender cuts ensures your beef tips become melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow cooking.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For searing the beef; helps develop a beautiful caramelized crust packed with flavor.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with that unmistakable aromatic punch.
- 1 cup beef broth: The savory base that nurtures the beef while enhancing the sauce.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Brings tangy, umami-packed complexity to the sauce.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Earthy herb that complements the richness of the beef beautifully.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all flavors.
- 8 oz egg noodles: Perfect for soaking up the thick, flavorful sauce.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Tossed with the noodles for luscious flavor and shine.
- Salt, to taste (for noodles): Ensures the buttered noodles are perfectly seasoned.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Buttered Egg Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Tips
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef pieces on every side until they develop a rich, caramelized crust—this step seals in the juices and adds incredible depth to your dish. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside. This little step makes a world of difference in flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent and soft, about three minutes. Then, toss in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you can smell that comforting garlicky fragrance filling your kitchen. These aromatics build the foundation of your sauce.
Step 3: Simmer the Beef
Return the seared beef back to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, sprinkle in the dried thyme, and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours. You’re aiming for that tender beef that almost falls apart and a sauce thick enough to coat every bite.
Step 4: Prepare the Noodles
While your beef is simmering away, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. When drained, toss the noodles back into the pot and stir in unsalted butter until melted and coating every strand with silky richness. Don’t forget to season the noodles lightly with salt to bring out all the buttery flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Plate a generous helping of those buttered egg noodles and top with savory, tender beef tips and the delicious sauce. The combination of the luscious sauce and comforting noodles is simply unbeatable. If you like, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme to brighten the dish visually and add a fresh note.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Buttered Egg Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or thyme can add a burst of freshness and color to your Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Buttered Egg Noodles Recipe. It will elevate the presentation and provide a hint of herbal brightness that plays beautifully against the rich beef tips.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty dish with lightly steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for a wonderful textural contrast and vibrant color. A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also refresh your palate and round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve the beef tips and noodles in deep bowls to show off the sauce’s glossy richness. For a more elegant feel, add a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche on top and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for a touch of sophistication and creaminess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Buttered Egg Noodles Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The beef tips and sauce actually taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Make sure the noodles are stored separately to prevent them from soaking up too much sauce and becoming mushy.
Freezing
You can freeze the beef tips and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s best to freeze the buttered egg noodles separately as they tend to lose their perfect texture after freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the beef tips and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. For the noodles, toss them briefly in a pan with a little butter or water to bring back their buttery, tender texture. This way, you’ll enjoy your Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Buttered Egg Noodles Recipe just as deliciously as the first time.
FAQs
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this version uses the stovetop for searing and simmering, you can transfer the browned beef, sautéed onions, garlic, and liquids to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours for incredibly tender beef. Just add the noodles fresh when serving.
What type of beef is best for beef tips?
Look for stew meat or sirloin tips since they’re tender and cook beautifully over low heat until fork-tender. Avoid tougher cuts as they may not achieve the same tender texture without longer cooking.
Can I substitute egg noodles with something else?
You can use wide egg pasta, pappardelle, or even mashed potatoes if you want a lower-carb option. Just remember the buttered noodles add a special creamy touch that complements the beef tips perfectly.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the beef tips nicely without being watery. If it seems too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce and thicken.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Mushrooms, carrots, or peas make wonderful additions that add color, texture, and nutrition. Add them during the simmering stage so they cook perfectly alongside the beef.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Buttered Egg Noodles Recipe is a soul-soothing dish that brings comfort and joy to any table. The tender beef, savory sauce, and silky buttered noodles come together in perfect harmony and are guaranteed to become a favorite. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you’ll be rewarded with hearty, homemade goodness that feels like a celebration in every bite!
Print
Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Buttered Egg Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Slow Cooker Beef Tips recipe featuring tender beef simmered in a flavorful broth with onions, garlic, and herbs, served over buttery egg noodles. This dish combines rich, savory flavors perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Beef Tips
- 1 lb beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Noodles
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Tips: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef pieces and sear until browned on all sides, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, approximately 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Simmer the Beef: Return the seared beef to the skillet. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then add dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens into a rich gravy.
- Prepare the Noodles: While the beef simmers, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and return them to the cooking pot. Add unsalted butter and toss the noodles until the butter is fully melted and they are evenly coated. Season with salt to taste.
- Serve: Place a portion of the buttery egg noodles on each serving plate. Top with the savory beef tips and generous spoonfuls of the thickened sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired to add a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma.
Notes
- Searing the beef before simmering locks in flavor and creates a richer sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning with Worcestershire sauce and salt according to your taste preferences.
- For a thicker sauce, allow the beef to simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme make a beautiful garnish and enhance freshness.
- Egg noodles can be substituted for other pasta varieties like fettuccine or pappardelle based on availability.
