Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles

Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender beef tips with savory gravy and noodles, all cooked to perfection with minimal effort. This meal is ideal for those busy days when you crave a homemade dinner but don't have the time to spend hours in the kitchen. Let's dive into the details of making this delicious, slow-cooked meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb stew meat (increase to 2 lbs for a meatier dish without altering other ingredient amounts)
• 1 pack of Lipton onion soup mix
• 1 pack of brown gravy mix
• 1 can of cream of mushroom (10.5 oz can)
• 1 small can of mushrooms
• 1 can's worth of beef broth (simply refill the empty cream of mushroom can with beef broth)
• Egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions for serving

Preparation:

Step 1: Start by preparing your crockpot. There's no need to preheat it, but you might want to give it a quick spray with cooking oil or line it with a crockpot liner for easier cleanup.

Step 2: Place the stew meat into the crockpot. There's no need to brown the meat beforehand, as it will cook thoroughly and tenderize over the long cooking period.

Step 3: Add the Lipton onion soup mix, brown gravy mix, cream of mushroom, and the can of mushrooms (with its liquid) to the crockpot. These ingredients will combine to create a rich and flavorful gravy as the dish cooks.

Step 4: Pour the beef broth over the other ingredients in the crockpot. The liquid is essential for cooking the meat to tender perfection and forming a savory gravy.

Step 5: Mix all the ingredients well to ensure the meat is coated and the mixes are starting to dissolve into the broth and cream of mushroom.

Step 6: Set your crockpot to low and cook the mixture for approximately 8 hours. This slow cooking process allows the meat to become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 7: About 30 minutes before the beef tips are done, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them and keep them warm until the beef tips are ready.

Step 8: Once the beef tips are tender and the gravy has thickened, gently stir the mixture to combine everything nicely. Serve the beef tips and gravy over the cooked egg noodles.

COOKING Note:

The slow cooking process is key to achieving tender beef and a flavorful gravy. If you find the gravy too thick, you can adjust its consistency by adding a little more beef broth towards the end of the cooking time.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Tips:

• For a thicker gravy, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the crockpot 30 minutes before the end of cooking.
• If you prefer a creamier dish, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes

Nutritional Information:

This dish is rich in protein and iron from the beef, with the gravy providing a savory complement. The exact nutritional content will vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is a fantastic meal for anyone looking for the comfort of a home-cooked dinner without the need to spend hours in the kitchen. With its tender beef, flavorful gravy, and hearty noodles, it's a dish that's sure to satisfy the whole family. The simplicity of preparation and the delightful results make this recipe a must-try for anyone who loves the convenience of crockpot cooking combined with the rich, comforting flavors of classic beef and noodles.