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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Tips
- Trim and Cut the Beef: If your beef stew meat isn’t already cut into bite-sized cubes, trim off any excess fat and cut the meat into uniform pieces. This will help the beef cook evenly.
- Season the Beef: Sprinkle the beef cubes with salt and pepper. If you’re using a ranch dressing mix, sprinkle a portion of it over the beef for added flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics (Optional)
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent, and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma. This step adds depth to the overall flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it and add everything directly to the crockpot.
Step 3: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
- Combine the Ingredients: In your crockpot, add the beef tips, sautéed onions and garlic (if using), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion soup mix, dried thyme, dried parsley, and any additional seasonings. Stir everything together to combine. The beef broth should cover most of the ingredients, but if you prefer a more soupy dish, you can add an extra cup of water.
- Set the Crockpot: Set your crockpot to low and cook for 6-8 hours. The slow cooking process will break down the beef and allow the flavors to meld together, creating a savory broth base.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
- Check on the Beef: After 6-8 hours, your beef should be tender and ready to incorporate the noodles. Stir the beef mixture to check that the beef is fully cooked and easily falls apart with a fork.
- Add the Noodles: Add 2 cups of egg noodles (or any pasta of your choice) directly into the crockpot. Stir them into the beef mixture. Be sure that the noodles are fully submerged in the liquid to ensure they cook properly.
- Cook the Noodles: Cover the crockpot again and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes on low. This will allow the noodles to cook in the flavorful broth and absorb all the savory goodness.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can create a cornstarch slurry by combining 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl. Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved, then pour it into the crockpot. Stir the mixture and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve
- Once the noodles are cooked and the sauce has thickened, your Tremendous Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is ready to serve! Dish out the beef and noodles onto plates, and drizzle some of the sauce over the top. You can garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Tips and Variations
1. Make It Creamy
For a richer, creamier version of this dish, you can stir in half-and-half, heavy cream, or even a dollop of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will add a luscious texture and make the sauce even more decadent.
2. Add Vegetables
You can easily turn this into a more well-rounded meal by adding vegetables like carrots, celery, or peas to the crockpot. Add them in the last 2-3 hours of cooking so they stay tender but don’t overcook.
3. Use Different Noodles
While egg noodles are the classic choice for this dish, you can switch it up with other pasta types such as penne, rotini, or even cooked rice for a different twist.
4. Add Spice
If you like a little heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a jalapeño to the mix to give the dish a spicy kick.
5. Gluten-Free Option
For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free pasta or serve this dish with mashed potatoes, rice, or quinoa as the base.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
The Tremendous Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles recipe is an easy, comforting, and flavorful dish that can be made with minimal effort, perfect for busy days when you don’t want to compromise on taste. The beauty of a crockpot meal is the slow cooking process that allows the beef to become tender and juicy, while the noodles soak up all the rich, savory broth. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing leftovers for the week, this recipe is sure to impress.
Final Thoughts
This Tremendous Crockpot Beef Tips & Noodles is a complete, hearty meal that combines tender beef, flavorful broth, and perfectly cooked noodles. It’s simple, delicious, and sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this recipe is easy to adjust and makes enough to satisfy everyone’s appetite. So, grab your crockpot, throw in the ingredients, and let the magic happen!
Happy cooking! 🍲🥩
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