If you are on the lookout for a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Buttered Egg Noodles Recipe. Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef stew meat slowly simmered in a savory broth combines perfectly with rich, buttery noodles for a dish that’s both wonderfully simple and deeply satisfying. This recipe transforms everyday ingredients into an unforgettable family favorite that’s perfect for busy weekdays and cozy weekend dinners alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Buttered Egg Noodles Recipe is a breeze thanks to the straightforward ingredients—all of which play a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. Each component is carefully chosen to elevate the dish from simple stew to a comforting classic.
- 1 lb beef stew meat or sirloin tips: The star of the dish, delivering tender, flavorful bites after slow cooking.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Essential for searing the beef to lock in juices and add a beautiful caramelized crust.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and aroma when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A little punch of savory depth that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup beef broth: The liquid base that keeps everything moist and infuses rich beefy goodness throughout.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: A tangy umami boost that deepens the taste profile.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Herbs bring warmth and balance to the dish’s rustic nature.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that make all the flavors shine.
- 8 oz egg noodles: These delicate noodles soak up the sauce perfectly and provide that soft, silky texture we love.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Added to the noodles for a rich, velvety finish that keeps each bite luscious.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Buttered Egg Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Begin by grabbing a large skillet and heating the olive oil over medium-high heat. Gently brown the bite-sized beef pieces on all sides—this isn’t just about color but about developing those lovely deep flavors that come from the Maillard reaction. Once your beef is gorgeously golden, set it aside and get ready for the next step.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and cook until it turns translucent. This step releases the onion’s natural sweetness, forming the backbone of the sauce. Add in the minced garlic just before the onion finishes cooking, allowing that garlic to warm and soften without burning. You’ll immediately notice the kitchen fill with an irresistible aroma.
Step 3: Simmer the Beef
Now, return your seared beef to the pan and pour in the beef broth along with the Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, then bring everything to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and cover the skillet, letting the beef simmer for about an hour to an hour and a half until it’s irresistibly tender and the sauce thickens into a savory, rich gravy.
Step 4: Prepare the Noodles
While the beef simmers, cook your egg noodles according to the package directions—they only take a few minutes, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Once drained, toss the noodles back into the pot and stir in the unsalted butter until it melts completely, coating every strand with silky richness. Don’t forget to season with a pinch of salt to bring out their flavor.
Step 5: Serve
To plate, spoon a generous mound of buttered egg noodles onto each dish and then ladle the sumptuous beef tips and their sauce on top. For an extra touch of freshness and color, sprinkle some chopped parsley or thyme over the dish. This presentation turns your Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Buttered Egg Noodles Recipe into a meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Buttered Egg Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives make fantastic garnishes for this dish—they add a burst of color and brighten the deep, savory flavors of the beef and buttered noodles. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top can also give it a subtle kick that complements the slow-cooked beef beautifully.
Side Dishes
While the beef tips and noodles are hearty enough on their own, pairing this recipe with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables adds freshness and balance. Think roasted carrots, green beans, or even a light cucumber salad to keep the meal feeling complete without overwhelming the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the beef tips over the noodles in shallow bowls, allowing each guest to mix the buttery noodles with the savory sauce at the table. You could also serve the noodles on a platter and spoon the beef and sauce on top family-style for a more communal, casual vibe that’s sure to spark conversation and smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Buttered Egg Noodles Recipe can be stored easily in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the beef and noodles together will help the flavors continue to meld, though you might want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen the sauce a bit.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it a great candidate for meal prep. Separate the beef tips and buttered noodles into freezer-safe containers or bags, and you can keep them frozen for up to three months. Just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the beef tips slowly on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a little broth to maintain that saucy texture. Heat the buttered noodles separately or together with the beef, depending on your preference, to keep that luscious buttery coating intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat or sirloin tips are ideal for slow cooking as they become tender, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes for a similar tender result after slow simmering.
Is it necessary to brown the beef before slow cooking?
While you can skip browning for convenience, searing the beef first adds incredible depth of flavor and a richer color to the final dish, which really makes the Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Buttered Egg Noodles Recipe stand out.
Can I make the noodles ahead of time?
You can cook the noodles in advance, but it’s best to toss them with butter just before serving to keep them from becoming gummy or sticking together. Alternatively, reheat them gently with a bit of butter or broth.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, tamari or soy sauce mixed with a tiny bit of vinegar can provide a similar umami kick and slight tang.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Simply whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce. Cook for a few minutes until it reaches your desired thickness—it’s an easy trick to get that perfect gravy consistency.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully comforting about this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Buttered Egg Noodles Recipe—each bite brings together tender beef, savory sauce, and rich buttered noodles in a way that just feels like home. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for sharing, and always leaves everyone asking for seconds. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and enjoy the cozy, satisfying flavors that only a slow-cooked meal like this can deliver.
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
This comforting Beef Tips with Buttered Egg Noodles recipe features tender seared beef simmered in a rich, savory sauce with aromatic onions and garlic. Served over buttery egg noodles, it makes for a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce
- 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
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley or thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Tips: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef pieces and sear them until browned on all sides to lock in flavor. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, infusing the base with aromatic goodness.
- Simmer the Beef: Return the seared beef to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then add the dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens to a rich consistency.
- Prepare the Noodles: While the beef simmers, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and return them to the pot. Add the unsalted butter and toss until melted and the noodles are well-coated. Season with salt to taste.
- Serve: Place a portion of buttery noodles on each serving plate. Top the noodles with the savory beef tips and sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired to add a fresh herbal touch.
Notes
- Use sirloin tips for a leaner cut or stew meat for more flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust the seasoning and thyme according to your taste preference.
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce before serving.
- Fresh herbs make a lovely garnish but are optional.
- Make sure to brown the beef well to develop deep flavors.
