Beef tips and noodles is a classic comfort food dish cherished across American kitchens. This hearty meal features tender chunks of beef simmered in a savory, rich gravy and served over buttery egg noodles. Popular in the Midwest and Southern U.S., it’s often associated with home-style cooking and Sunday suppers.
With its deep umami flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this dish is a favorite for both its simplicity and satisfaction. It’s also versatile, allowing for tweaks to suit various palates and dietary needs.
Ingredients
For the beef and gravy:
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1.5 lbs beef sirloin tips or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
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2 tbsp olive oil or butter
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1 medium onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp soy sauce
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp dried thyme
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1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the noodles:
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12 oz wide egg noodles
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1 tbsp butter
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Salt, to taste
Optional Garnish:
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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Grated parmesan cheese
Substitutions:
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Beef: Use mushrooms or seitan for a vegetarian version.
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Gluten-Free: Swap egg noodles with gluten-free pasta and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
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Low Carb: Serve over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Sear the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper. Sear in batches for 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside. -
Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté onions for 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. -
Deglaze and Simmer:
Add beef broth, Worcestershire, soy sauce, and seasonings. Scrape up browned bits from the pan. Return beef to pot. Cover and simmer on low for 45–60 minutes until tender. -
Make Gravy:
Stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer uncovered for another 5–10 minutes until thickened. -
Cook the Noodles:
In a separate pot, cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with butter and salt. -
Combine and Serve:
Plate buttered noodles and spoon beef tips and gravy generously over the top. Garnish as desired.
Avoid These Mistakes:
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Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning meat; it’ll steam instead of sear.
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Avoid boiling the beef—low and slow simmering ensures tenderness.
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Don’t skip the slurry; it’s essential for that rich, silky gravy.
Pro Tips and Cooking Techniques
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Use a Dutch oven for even cooking and better heat retention.
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Marinate the beef in a bit of Worcestershire for an hour for deeper flavor.
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Deglaze with a splash of red wine for added richness.
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Let the beef rest for 5 minutes after simmering to reabsorb juices.
Variations and Customizations
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Creamy Version: Add 1/2 cup of sour cream or heavy cream at the end.
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Spicy Twist: Stir in crushed red pepper or cayenne.
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Vegetarian: Swap beef with portobello mushrooms or jackfruit.
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Asian Fusion: Add ginger, swap noodles for rice, and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.
Serving Suggestions
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Sides: Serve with roasted green beans, sautéed spinach, or a crisp garden salad.
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Beverages: Pair with red wine (like cabernet) or dark beer.
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Presentation: Garnish with parsley or grated parmesan and serve in deep bowls for a rustic, comforting look.
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
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Calories: 520
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Protein: 38g
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Carbohydrates: 40g
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Fat: 22g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sodium: 790mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat first, then add everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Can I use stew meat?
Absolutely. Just ensure it simmers long enough to become tender.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I freeze beef tips and noodles?
Yes, freeze the beef and gravy separately from the noodles for best texture.
Closing Thoughts
Beef tips and noodles is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers rich flavor, hearty satisfaction, and plenty of opportunities to make it your own.
Give this recipe a try and share your spin on it! Leave a comment or post your results—I’d love to hear how it turned out.
