Ultimate Beef and Noodles Recipe

There are certain dishes that instantly transport you back to childhood, wrapping you in a feeling of warmth and comfort that only home cooking can provide. Beef and noodles recipe is precisely that kind of dish—a timeless classic that has never stopped delighting taste buds across generations. Today, we’re exploring this iconic recipe with various preparation methods that adapt perfectly to your lifestyle and schedule.

Table of Contents

Why Make This Beef and Noodles Recipe?

Simple Yet Effective Ingredients

What makes this recipe beautiful is its disarming simplicity despite its complex flavor. Beef stew meat or beef tips become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked in a rich sauce. You only need a handful of ingredients—most likely already in your pantry—to create a meal that will impress the whole family.

A Dish That Evokes Nostalgic Memories

For many of us, beef and noodles recalls Sunday dinners at grandmother’s house or family meals where everyone gathered around the table. It’s a recipe that transcends time without losing its relevance, adapting to modern kitchens while preserving its traditional soul.

Flexible Cooking Techniques

One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its versatility. Pressed for time? The Instant Pot will allow you to enjoy this dish in a fraction of the usual time. Prefer to let the flavors simmer all day? The slow cooker is perfect. And for purists who prefer traditional methods, the stovetop version yields exceptional results. Whatever your preference, you’ll get a delicious dish with tender beef tips served over a bed of soft noodles.

Ingredients For The Best Ultimate Beef and Noodles Recipe

• 2 pounds beef stew meat or beef tips, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, minced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 pound egg noodles
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Each Method

1) How to Quickly Prepare Beef and Noodles in the Instant Pot

Step 1: Sear the Meat (Beef)

Start by setting your Instant Pot to « Sauté » mode. While it heats up, generously season your beef pieces with salt and pepper. Then add oil to the pot and, in small batches, brown the meat pieces on all sides. This step is crucial as it creates caramelization that develops unparalleled depth of flavor. Transfer the browned meat to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Combine the Remaining Ingredients (except noodles)

Still in « Sauté » mode, add the minced onions to the pot and sauté until they become translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen the caramelized bits—that’s where the flavor hides! Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Pour in some beef broth and scrape the bottom well to loosen all the bits (this step is essential to avoid the « Burn » alert).

Return the meat to the pot, then add the remaining broth, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, and aromatic herbs (thyme, bay leaf). Gently mix all ingredients.

Step 3: Pressure Cooking

Close the Instant Pot lid, make sure the release valve is in the « Sealed » position, then program high-pressure cooking for 35 minutes for standard beef pieces (reduce to 25 minutes if your pieces are smaller). Once cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then proceed with a quick release for the rest.

Step 4: Cooking and Serving the Noodles

While your beef is cooking under pressure, prepare the egg noodles according to package instructions in a separate pot. To serve, you have two options: you can either mix the drained noodles directly into the beef mixture (if your Instant Pot is large enough), or arrange the noodles on plates and top with beef tips and sauce (beef tips over noodles). For a thicker sauce, you can add a mixture of cornstarch and cold water after pressure cooking.

2) Slow Cooker Method: Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Noodles (Crockpot Beef Tips)

Browning the Meat (Beef Tips)

While this step is technically optional with a slow cooker, I strongly advise taking the time to brown your beef pieces in a pan before transferring them to your slow cooker. This simple operation radically transforms the flavor profile of the final dish.

Mixing Ingredients and Starting Slow Cooking

In your slow cooker, combine the browned meat, onions, garlic, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the meat easily breaks apart with a fork.

Cooking Noodles and Serving

About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, prepare your egg noodles in a separate pot according to package instructions. To thicken the sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry to your slow cooker and let it cook for another 15-20 minutes. Serve the beef tips over noodles for a meal that will delight the whole family.

3) Stovetop Method: Beef and Noodles on the Stove

Browning the Meat

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef pieces and brown them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Transfer the browned meat to a plate.

Slow Braising in the Sauce (before adding noodles)

In the same pot, sauté the onions until translucent, then add garlic and stir for a minute. Deglaze with some beef broth, scraping the bottom to release the bits. Return the meat to the pot and add the remaining broth, cream of mushroom soup, and seasonings.

Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and let simmer for about 1½ to 2 hours, until the meat is tender. If necessary, thicken the sauce with a mixture of cornstarch and cold water.

Serving over Noodles

Cook the egg noodles separately according to package instructions. Drain them and serve the beef stew over top to create a delicious dish of beef tips over noodles.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Options (without noodles)

This beef stew improves with time, making it an excellent candidate for advance preparation. You can prepare it up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. For freezing, wait until the dish is completely cooled, then transfer it to airtight containers without the noodles. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Best Reheating Methods

To reheat, first thaw in the refrigerator if necessary. Gently reheat in a pot over medium-low heat, adding a bit of broth if the sauce seems too thick. Prepare fresh noodles to accompany your reheated stew.

Ideal Side Dish Suggestions for Beef and Noodles

• Turkey Salad 
• Potato Cheese Balls
• Caldo de Pollo
• Radish Salad

Nutritional Information

This beef and noodles recipe truly stands the test of time as one of the most comforting and satisfying meals you can bring to your family table. Whether you choose the quick convenience of the Instant Pot, the set-it-and-forget-it ease of the slow cooker, or the traditional stovetop method, you’re guaranteed tender beef tips and a rich, flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with egg noodles.

We hope this beef and noodles recipe becomes a treasured addition to your family cookbook, just as it has for generations of home cooks before you. From our kitchen to yours—happy cooking and even happier eating!