Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Noodles

Learn how to cook a delicious slow cooker beef tips and noodles recipe passed down from generation to generation. Perfect for busy weeknights and family meals.

If there’s one thing that many of us strive for, it’s finding the perfect balance between our busy lives and preparing a delicious, home-cooked meal for our families.

Today, we’re diving into a nostalgic and comforting dish that not only bursts with flavor but is also incredibly convenient to prepare—Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Noodles. Let’s explore how this hearty dish can streamline your dinner routine and bring joy to your table.

The Story Behind the Recipe

This recipe holds a special place in Crystal’s heart as it comes from a family cookbook compiled by her grandmother’s siblings and their children. Crystal’s grandmother was the youngest of five sisters, and this specific recipe has been a family favorite for years. The cookbook is a treasure trove of the family’s culinary history, and the Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Noodles shine as a particular standout.

Ingredients and Initial Preparations

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the common ingredients that most of us have in our pantries. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to get started:

• Two cans of cream of mushroom soup: Though you could substitute with cream of chicken if necessary, cream of mushroom pairs perfectly with beef.
• Garlic and seasoning salt: To elevate the flavors, Crystal adds garlic and seasoning salt, along with a few other spices.
• Stew meat or beef chunks: Essential for that hearty, meaty texture.

The Ease of a Slow Cooker

Using a slow cooker is a game-changer for busy days. Crystal recommends cooking the beef “low and slow” to ensure it remains tender. Quick, high-temperature cooking can toughen the meat, but a whole day in the slow cooker melts it to perfection. Here’s how you layer the ingredients:

1. Place your stew meat or beef chunks in the slow cooker.
2. Mix the cream of mushroom soup with your chosen spices and pour it over the beef.
3. Set your slow cooker on low and let it work its magic all day long.

From Slow Cooker to Dinner Table

As your workday winds down, it’s time to prepare the remaining elements of this satisfying meal. Here’s how Crystal does it:

Cooking the Egg Noodles

About 20 minutes before you’re ready to eat, start boiling water for your wide egg noodles. These noodles are the perfect bed for your tender beef tips and savory gravy.

Adding Creaminess

Just before serving, add some sour cream to the beef and gravy mixture. If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute that adds a similar creamy texture.

Prepping the Sides

To round out the meal, Crystal reheats leftover vegetables from a sheet pan dinner the night before. She uses parchment paper on a cookie sheet for easy cleanup and then pops the veggies into a preheated oven.

Biscuits and Buttered Noodles

Add a can of biscuits into the oven alongside the veggies for a complete meal.

While the noodles are cooking, Crystal prepares to strain and butter them. Buttering the noodles prevents them from sticking together and adds a rich, silky texture. If you prefer, you can use olive oil instead.

Crafting the Salad

Bagged Caesar salad kits are a lifesaver for busy families. Crystal uses a Tupperware salad spinner, which doubles as a bowl, to mix her pre-washed salad. For added flavor, she includes leftover cucumbers that have been marinated in ranch dressing overnight. This simple step ensures a crisp and delicious side salad.

Bringing It All Together

Once everything is prepared, it’s time to assemble plates:

1. Lay down a bed of buttered egg noodles.
2. Top with the tender beef tips and creamy gravy.
3. Add reheated veggies, a baked biscuit, and a side salad.

For extra convenience, Crystal often makes her younger children’s plates, while the older kids sometimes serve themselves. This routine not only makes dinner smoother but also allows her to keep a watchful eye on the portion sizes and nutritional balance.

Final Touches and Clean-Up Tips

During the final stages of preparation, Crystal keeps an eye on everything, taste-testing as needed to ensure the meal is just right. She emphasizes the importance of cleaning up as you go. This might mean loading the dishwasher or simply gathering dirty dishes into the sink to prevent a massive post-dinner cleanup project.

Serving and Enjoying

Dinner time becomes a cherished moment where the family comes together over a hearty, delicious meal. Crystal notes that this dish reheats very well, making it ideal for leftovers the next day, a bonus for busy families looking to stretch their meals a bit further.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Noodles is not just a meal; it’s a testament to the power of family traditions and practical cooking.

This recipe’s ability to deliver a nutritious, flavorful dinner with minimal fuss makes it a staple for any busy household. So next time you’re pressed for time but still want to offer something wholesome and delicious, remember this family favorite that brings the comfort of grandma’s kitchen to your table.