Beef Tips and Noodles: Hearty Comfort in a Bowl

Introduction

Beef Tips and Noodles is a classic comfort food that delivers tender, flavorful beef in a rich gravy served over soft, buttery egg noodles. This dish is the epitome of cozy, home-cooked meals—perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or anytime you crave hearty, satisfying food. Despite its restaurant-quality flavor, it’s surprisingly easy to make, relying on simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

The key to this recipe is using a good-quality beef roast cut into bite-sized pieces, slow-cooked until tender, and paired with a deeply flavorful gravy. Butter, onion, and beef broth form the base of the sauce, while bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper add classic aromatics. The final touch of cornstarch ensures the sauce has the perfect thickness to coat every piece of beef and noodle.

This dish is versatile and forgiving. You can adjust the seasonings to taste, swap noodles for rice or mashed potatoes, or add vegetables like carrots or mushrooms for extra depth. It’s also a great option for meal prep, as the flavors deepen over time.

In this article, you’ll find a detailed guide to making Beef Tips and Noodles, including ingredient insights, step-by-step preparation, tips for perfect results, serving ideas, storage, and frequently asked questions.

Ingredients Overview

1.5 pounds beef roast, cut into 1-inch pieces – Provides the hearty, tender protein central to the dish.

1 tablespoon butter – Adds richness and helps sauté aromatics.

½ onion, diced – Brings sweetness and depth to the gravy.

3 cups beef broth – Forms the flavorful base of the sauce and ensures tender cooking of the beef.

2 bay leaves – Add earthy, aromatic notes that infuse the sauce during simmering.

½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves – Complements the beef with subtle herbal flavor.

½ teaspoon salt – Enhances overall taste.

1 teaspoon black pepper – Adds mild heat and balance.

1 tablespoon cornstarch – Thickens the gravy to a luscious consistency.

¼ cup cold water – Mixed with cornstarch to create a slurry for smooth thickening.

12 ounces extra wide egg noodles – Soft, broad noodles ideal for soaking up the rich gravy.

Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Trim any excess fat from the beef roast and cut it into 1-inch pieces. Pat dry with paper towels to help the meat brown properly.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. This step builds the base flavor for the gravy.

Step 3: Brown the Beef
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the beef pieces to the skillet. Sear on all sides until lightly browned. Browning the beef before simmering enhances the depth of flavor in the sauce.

Step 4: Simmer the Beef
Add the beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 1–1.5 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. Stir occasionally and skim off any excess fat.

Step 5: Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with ¼ cup cold water until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into the beef and broth once the meat is tender. Continue to simmer for a few more minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Cook the Noodles
While the beef simmers, cook the extra wide egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 7: Combine and Serve
Serve the beef tips over a bed of egg noodles, spooning generous amounts of thickened gravy on top. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley for color. Serve immediately while hot.

Why This Recipe Works

The tenderness of the beef combined with a rich, savory gravy and wide, soft noodles creates the ultimate comfort dish. Searing the beef before simmering locks in flavor, while slow cooking allows the meat to become tender and the sauce to develop depth. The cornstarch slurry ensures a smooth, luscious gravy that clings to both beef and noodles.

The use of simple aromatics—onion, thyme, and bay leaves—ensures the flavor profile is classic and familiar, while still being hearty and satisfying.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of steamed green vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, to add freshness.
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls complement the gravy and make the meal more indulgent.
• A simple side salad with vinaigrette adds balance to the rich flavors.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to loosen the gravy if necessary.

This dish is not ideal for freezing, as the texture of the noodles may become soft and mushy. For best results, store the beef and gravy separately from the noodles if freezing.

Tips for Best Results

• Pat the beef dry before browning to achieve a proper sear.
• Avoid overcooking the noodles; they should be slightly underdone before baking or mixing with the gravy.
• Skim excess fat from the surface of the simmering beef for a cleaner, less greasy gravy.
• Gradually add the cornstarch slurry to prevent lumps in the sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the browning step can result in a less flavorful gravy.
• Using too much cornstarch at once can make the gravy overly thick or gummy.
• Overcooking the noodles will result in a mushy texture once combined with the gravy.
• Forgetting to adjust seasoning at the end may result in a bland dish; taste before serving.

Variations and Adaptations

• Add sliced mushrooms or carrots during the simmering stage for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Swap extra wide egg noodles for fettuccine, pappardelle, or rice for a different texture.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to deepen the gravy flavor.

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Conclusion and Frequently Asked Questions

Beef Tips and Noodles is a classic comfort food that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners. With tender beef, rich gravy, and soft noodles, it is simple to prepare but impressive in taste.

Can I use stew meat instead of a beef roast?
Yes, stew meat works well. Simmer slightly longer if needed until tender.

Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, prepare the beef and gravy ahead and reheat gently. Cook noodles fresh or store separately.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is possible if you separate noodles from beef and gravy to maintain texture.

How do I prevent mushy noodles?
Cook noodles al dente and avoid overcooking; combine with gravy just before serving.

Can I thicken the gravy without cornstarch?
Yes, you can use flour or a roux instead, but adjust quantities to achieve desired consistency.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes, carrots, mushrooms, or peas can be added during simmering for added flavor and nutrition.