Beef Tips and Noodles is the kind of hearty meal everyone craves after a long day. Tender beef pieces simmer in rich, savory gravy and are served over buttery egg noodles for a warm, homey dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s made entirely on the stovetop and ready in under an hour, so you can enjoy cozy comfort food even on busy weeknights. Each bite blends deep beef flavor, creamy gravy texture, and the perfect chew of noodles for a satisfying family favorite that never disappoints.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Beef Tips and Noodles
Cozy comfort food flavor with simple pantry staples
This recipe brings together basic ingredients—beef, onion, broth, and seasonings—for incredible comfort in every spoonful. You don’t need fancy cuts or complex steps, just real food that tastes like home. The savory gravy clings perfectly to every bite of tender beef and noodles, filling the kitchen with a delicious aroma that promises satisfaction.
Weeknight-friendly timing with tender beef and thick gravy
With about 10 minutes of prep and under an hour of total cook time, these beef tips deliver flavor fast. Simmering gently lets the meat become fork-tender while the broth reduces into a rich, velvety gravy. It’s perfect for nights when you want comfort food without the wait of a slow cooker or oven roast.
Flexible swaps for noodles, veggies, and sauce richness
You can easily adapt this dish for your taste. Swap the egg noodles for mashed potatoes, rice, or even low-carb pasta. Add carrots, mushrooms, or peas for more texture. For an extra creamy twist, mix in a spoonful of cream of mushroom soup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the beef tips and gravy
You’ll need 1.5 pounds of beef roast cut into 1-inch pieces. Browning them in butter creates that deep, savory flavor base. Add diced onion for sweetness and depth. The sauce builds with 3 cups of beef broth, two bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Together, these simmer into a cozy, aromatic gravy. To thicken, combine cornstarch with cold water before stirring it in—this creates a silky, glossy finish. Every element plays its part in layering rich, home-style taste with minimal fuss.
For serving
Use 12 ounces of extra-wide egg noodles. They cook quickly and soak up the sauce beautifully. However, this recipe works great with other noodles like rotini or fettuccine. You can also spoon the beef and gravy over rice, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower mash for a lighter take. The dish is endlessly flexible and still just as comforting.
Best Beef to Use for Beef Tips and Noodles
Beef roast vs. stew meat and what changes, if anything
Beef roast gives the best tenderness and full flavor, but stew meat is a great shortcut. Roast cuts like chuck or sirloin tip work beautifully because they soften during simmering. Stew meat saves prep time and often comes pre-cut, though it might need a few more minutes to tenderize. Either choice delivers a satisfying result.
How to cut beef into even 1-inch pieces for quick, tender results
Use a sharp knife and trim any large pieces of fat before cutting. Then, slice the beef into uniform cubes so they cook evenly. Even pieces brown better and absorb the sauce more evenly. Always pat the beef dry with paper towels before cooking—it helps you achieve that rich, golden sear that boosts flavor.
How to Make Beef Tips and Noodles (Stovetop)
Sauté the onion in butter until translucent
Start with a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and diced onion. Sauté until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t brown too much. This step builds your flavor foundation for the entire dish.
Brown the beef pieces for deeper flavor
Add the beef pieces into the pan with the onions. Stir to coat with the butter and juices. Let them brown for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally to color all sides. Browning is key because it locks in the juices and adds that crave-worthy caramelized flavor that makes the dish so satisfying.
Simmer with broth and seasonings until tender
Once browned, pour in 2 cups of beef broth. Add the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well, bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20–30 minutes until the beef is tender. As the broth reduces, pour in the last cup gradually to maintain a saucy consistency. This slow simmering helps flavors meld beautifully.
Thicken the gravy with a cornstarch slurry
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Slowly stir it into the skillet. Let it cook another 10 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, rich gravy. Stir constantly to prevent lumps and keep the texture silky.
Cook egg noodles al dente and serve everything together
While the beef finishes, cook egg noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain well. Spoon the beef and gravy generously over the noodles. Toss lightly so everything gets coated evenly. Each plate will be full of soft noodles, tender meat, and luscious gravy.
Tips for the Best Tender Beef and Smooth Gravy
Don’t rush the simmer, and keep the liquid level steady
Tender beef comes from slow, gentle cooking. Keep the simmer low and check the broth level so it never dries out. Add a splash of water or broth if needed. This ensures the beef stays juicy.
Slurry technique for glossy, lump-free gravy every time
Always mix cornstarch with cold water first, never add it directly to the hot pan. Stir continuously after adding it so it blends evenly. This creates a velvety, lump-free gravy that coats perfectly.
Quick flavor boosts
A dash of Worcestershire sauce adds depth, or stir in onion soup mix for quick richness. Extra black pepper can bring warmth too. Little tweaks like these turn a simple dinner into something special.
Easy Variations and Add-Ins
Creamier version
For a creamier texture, stir in a can of cream of mushroom soup after thickening the gravy. It adds an earthy richness that turns the dish into an even cozier comfort meal.
Make it a full meal with vegetables
Toss in chopped carrots, peas, or broccoli in the last 10 minutes of simmering. They cook gently in the gravy and add color, flavor, and nutrition.
Alternative proteins and shortcuts
Ground beef works well for a faster version. Use the same seasonings and broth for the same deep flavor. You can also swap beef broth for chicken or vegetable broth if needed.
What to Serve with Beef Tips and Noodles
Simple sides that balance the rich gravy
Serve this dish with a light salad or steamed vegetables to balance the hearty flavors. Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread are perfect for soaking up extra gravy. Pair it with mashed potatoes for extra indulgence.
Make Ahead, Storage, and Freezing
Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days and reheat without drying out
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. It keeps the beef juicy and flavorful.
Freezing best practice
Freeze only the beef and gravy without noodles in freezer-safe containers. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat slowly, and cook fresh noodles to serve underneath.
Recipe Snapshot and Key Details
Prep time, cook time, total time, servings, and what makes this recipe “classic comfort food”
Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 45 minutes. Total: about 55 minutes. Serves 6. It’s the ultimate comfort food—savory, filling, and family-friendly. Each bite offers tender beef, creamy gravy, and warm noodles.
FAQs About Beef Tips and Noodles
What are beef tips and noodles?
It’s a dish of tender beef in gravy served over noodles.
What do you eat with beef tips and noodles?
Salad, rolls, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully.
What kind of beef is in beef and noodles?
Roast or stew meat works best.
What is a beef and egg noodle dish called?
Commonly known as beef tips and noodles or beef stroganoff.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
Beef Stroganoff Recipe — Creamy & Tender Beef Dinner
Smashburger Quesadillas – Quick, Cheesy Beef Dinner
Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole – Savory Ground Beef Dinner
Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls – Flavorful Steak Dinner
Easy Baked Pork Tenderloin – Juicy Weeknight Dinner
Final Thoughts
Quick recap of why it works, encouragement to customize, and a friendly prompt to save, rate, or share
These Beef Tips and Noodles bring everything you love about home-cooked meals—warm, hearty, flavorful, and ready fast. You can easily make it your own with veggie add-ins or creamy upgrades. Try it this week, and if your family loves it, save or share the recipe on Pinterest so others can enjoy it too.
Beef Tips and Noodles
Equipment
- Large skillet For browning beef and simmering the sauce
- Medium pot For cooking egg noodles
- Wooden spoon For stirring while cooking
- Small bowl For making cornstarch slurry
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds beef roast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 0.5 medium onion, diced
- 3 cups beef broth, divided
- 2 bay leaves
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 0.25 cup cold water
- 12 ounces extra wide egg noodles
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and diced onion, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add beef pieces to the skillet with the onions and brown for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until evenly colored.
- Pour in 2 cups of beef broth, add bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–30 minutes until beef is tender. Add remaining 1 cup of broth gradually as needed.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the simmering beef and cook for another 10 minutes until the gravy thickens and becomes glossy.
- Meanwhile, cook egg noodles in a separate pot according to package directions until al dente, then drain. Serve the beef tips and gravy over the noodles.
