Crockpot cooking has revolutionized meal preparation for busy households. One such gem in the world of slow-cooked wonders is the delectable dish of Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles. This hearty and comforting meal combines tender beef tips with savory sauce, served over a bed of perfectly cooked noodles. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this mouthwatering dish, providing you with a hassle-free culinary experience.
Ingredients
To get started, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds of beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1/2 cup of red wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 ounces of wide egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Equipment
Make sure you have the following equipment on hand:
- Crockpot or slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Cooking oil
- Wooden spoon
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Colander
Step-by-Step Instructions
Searing the Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of cooking oil.
- Add the beef tips in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 1-2 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Transfer the seared beef to the crockpot.
Sauteing Onions and Garlic
- In the same skillet, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Saute for 2-3 minutes until softened and aromatic.
Creating the Flavor Base
- Deglaze the skillet by adding beef broth, red wine (if using), soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Combining Ingredients in the Crockpot
- Pour the flavorful mixture from the skillet over the beef tips in the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Slow Cooking Magic
- Set your crockpot to low heat and let the ingredients simmer for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and infused with the rich flavors of the sauce.
Preparing the Noodles
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook the wide egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain in a colander and set aside.
Thickening the Sauce (Optional)
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the crockpot and allow the sauce to thicken for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Serving and Enjoying
Once the beef tips are tender and the sauce is perfect, it’s time to plate up this delightful dish. Spoon the beef tips and sauce over a generous portion of cooked noodles. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and added flavor.
Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles is a true testament to the magic of slow cooking. Its tender beef, flavorful sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles make it a standout comfort food option. With this recipe, you’re equipped to create a memorable meal that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Give it a try and savor the deliciousness!