Cooker Beef Tips and Noodles: A Comforting Slow-Cooker Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can match the warmth and heartiness of Cooker Beef Tips and Noodles. This slow-cooker recipe combines tender beef tips with rich, flavorful gravy served over a bed of egg noodles, making it a perfect dish for family dinners or cozy evenings at home.

Ingredients Overview

To create this delicious meal, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 lbs lean stewing beef, cubed
• 1 can (10 3/4 oz) cream of mushroom soup (low-fat if preferred)
• 1 envelope (1 1/4 oz) dry onion soup mix
• 1 envelope (1 oz) mushroom gravy mix or beef gravy mix
• 3/4 cup beef broth (or a mix of beef broth and Burgundy wine)
• 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 12 oz wide egg noodles

Ingredient quality is crucial in this recipe. Choosing the right cuts of beef, such as lean stewing beef, ensures the meat remains tender after hours in the slow cooker. For a more budget-friendly option, consider using chuck roast, which becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked.

Preparing the Ingredients

Before setting up the slow cooker, you’ll need to prepare the ingredients:

• Prep the beef: Cut the lean stewing beef into bite-sized cubes.
• Prepare the vegetables: Slice the mushrooms and chop the onion.
• Mix the sauces: In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup mix, and gravy mix. Stir in the beef broth until well blended.

The Slow-Cooking Process

Once the ingredients are prepped, it’s time to start the slow-cooking process:

1. Set up the slow cooker: Place the cubed beef at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add the mixture: Pour the soup and gravy mixture over the beef, ensuring all the meat is covered.
3. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.

Avoiding overcooking is essential. Cooking on low heat for a longer time ensures the beef tips become incredibly tender without drying out. To enhance the flavor, you can add a bay leaf, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, or some freshly cracked pepper.

Creating the Perfect Gravy

The gravy is a crucial component of this dish. A well-made gravy not only adds flavor but also brings all the ingredients together:

• Thicken the gravy: If the gravy is too thin, consider adding 2-3 tablespoons of minute tapioca during the last hour of cooking. This will help achieve a thicker, richer consistency.
• Adjust the flavor: Taste the gravy before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it’s too salty, a splash of wine or more beef broth can help balance the flavors.

For more tips on achieving the perfect gravy, check out these tips for making homemade gravy.

Cooking the Noodles

Egg noodles are the classic choice for this dish. Their wide, flat shape holds the gravy well and complements the tender beef:

• Cook the noodles: Boil the 12 oz of wide egg noodles according to the package instructions.
• Alternatives: If you’re looking for a twist, consider serving the beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes or rice.

For additional guidance on cooking noodles perfectly every time, refer to this guide on how to cook egg noodles.

Serving Suggestions

When it’s time to serve, presentation can elevate your dish from simple to special:

• Serve over noodles: Spoon the beef tips and gravy generously over the cooked noodles.
• Garnishing ideas: Fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated parmesan can add a burst of color and flavor.
• Side dishes: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, and a slice of crusty bread or a soft dinner roll.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences:

• Wine and beef broth combination: For a richer flavor, replace half of the beef broth with Burgundy wine.
• Adding vegetables: Enhance the dish by adding carrots, peas, or even bell peppers during the last hour of cooking.
• Dairy-free option: Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free alternative and use olive oil instead of butter if sautéing vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be just as delicious, if not more so, the next day:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I add raw noodles to the slow cooker?
   • It’s best to cook the noodles separately. Adding raw noodles directly to the slow cooker can result in uneven cooking and a mushy texture.
2. How can I make the recipe less salty?
   • Use low-sodium versions of the beef broth and onion soup mix. You can also increase the amount of fresh vegetables to dilute the saltiness.
3. What can I use instead of onion soup mix?
   • You can substitute with a mix of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder. A splash of soy sauce can also add depth to the flavor.

Conclusion

Cooker Beef Tips and Noodles is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender beef, rich gravy, and satisfying noodles into one delightful dish. With a few simple ingredients and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can create a meal that’s both hearty and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients and make it your own!