Beef Tips and Noodles

Few comfort foods hit the spot like a steaming bowl of Beef Tips and Noodles. Imagine fork-tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich, savory gravy and ladled over buttery egg noodles — it’s the kind of hearty, soul-satisfying meal that reminds you of home.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or craving something cozy on a cold evening, this homemade beef tips and noodles recipe is a winner. It’s full of deep, meaty flavor, yet surprisingly easy to make with simple ingredients and just one pot.

This dish strikes that perfect balance between comfort and convenience, making it a timeless classic that never goes out of style.

🥩 Ingredients

For the Beef Tips and Gravy:

• 2 lbs beef sirloin tips or stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for extra depth)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• ¼ cup heavy cream or sour cream (optional for creamy version)

For the Noodles:

• 12 oz wide egg noodles
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Sear the Beef Tips
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef tips in a single layer and sear until browned on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. Do this in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Remove beef and set aside.

2. Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same pan, add diced onions. Cook until softened and golden, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.

3. Make the Roux
Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.

4. Build the Gravy
Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.

5. Simmer the Beef
Return the browned beef tips (and any juices) to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender and the gravy has thickened beautifully.

6. Cook the Noodles
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook according to package directions. Drain, toss with butter, and set aside.

7. Optional Creamy Finish
For a creamier version, stir in the heavy cream or sour cream just before serving.

8. Serve & Garnish
Spoon beef tips and rich gravy over the buttered noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve warm and enjoy pure comfort in a bowl!

🍲 Tips for the Best Beef Tips and Noodles

1. Use the Right Cut: Sirloin tips, chuck roast, or stew meat all work beautifully. The longer they simmer, the more tender they become.
2. Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the beef first adds incredible depth of flavor to your gravy.
3. Low and Slow is Key: Simmering gently ensures the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
4. Deglaze the Pan: Those browned bits at the bottom are flavor gold — stir them into the gravy.
5. Adjust Thickness: If your gravy is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it in near the end.

Beef Tips and Noodles

Tender beef simmered in a rich brown gravy and served over buttery egg noodles — a classic comfort dish made simple and delicious.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 490

Ingredients

  

Beef Tips and Gravy

• 2 lbs beef sirloin tips or stew meat cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp soy sauce optional
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 0.25 cup heavy cream or sour cream optional

Noodles

• 12 oz wide egg noodles
• 1 tbsp butter
• salt to taste
• fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Dutch oven or large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Mixing bowl
• Pot for noodles

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef tips on all sides and remove from pan.
2. Add onions and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually add beef broth, Worcestershire, soy sauce, and seasonings.
4. Return beef to the pot. Add bay leaf, cover, and simmer 45–60 minutes until tender.
5. Cook egg noodles according to package directions, drain, and toss with butter.
6. Stir cream into the beef mixture (optional). Serve beef tips and gravy over noodles, garnished with parsley.

Notes

For deeper flavor, use low-sodium broth and simmer uncovered near the end to thicken gravy.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This dish is hearty enough on its own, but a few side dishes can make it a feast:

• Steamed green beans or buttered peas for a pop of freshness.
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up that luscious gravy.
• Mashed potatoes if you’d rather skip the noodles.
• Simple side salad with balsamic vinaigrette for balance.

💡 Variations

• Creamy Mushroom Version: Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the onions for extra umami flavor.
• Slow Cooker Method: Brown the beef first, then transfer to a slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6–8 hours.
• Pressure Cooker/Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes, then allow a natural release.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

🕒 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze cooked beef and gravy (without noodles) for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth to loosen the gravy. Cook fresh noodles when ready to serve.

🧅 Fun Facts About Beef Tips and Noodles

• The term “beef tips” originally referred to leftover ends of tenderloin cuts, later adapted into a hearty family meal.
• This dish became a diner staple in mid-20th century America for its affordability and rich flavor.
• The combination of beef, noodles, and gravy is found in many cultures — from Hungarian goulash to Swedish meatballs — proving comfort food knows no borders!

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting, hearty, and satisfying.
• One-pot simplicity with minimal cleanup.
• Versatile — perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
• Rich, flavorful gravy that clings perfectly to noodles.
• Customizable for creamy or classic versions.

Once you try these Beef Tips and Noodles, you’ll see why it’s a beloved classic that never goes out of style.