Old-Fashioned Beef Tips and Noodles: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic

There’s something undeniably heartwarming about a bowl of tender beef tips smothered in rich, savory gravy and served over buttery egg noodles. It’s the kind of meal that makes the whole house smell like home — cozy, nostalgic, and deeply satisfying. This Beef Tips and Noodles recipe is an old-fashioned favorite that’s stood the test of time. With melt-in-your-mouth beef, a deeply flavorful gravy, and simple pantry ingredients, it’s everything you want in a comfort meal — hearty, easy, and budget-friendly.

Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something soul-soothing, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The secret? A slow simmer that tenderizes the beef until it practically falls apart in a thick, rich sauce. Pair that with perfectly cooked noodles, and you’ve got a timeless classic that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🥘 Classic comfort food – Deeply savory, rich, and satisfying.
• 💸 Budget-friendly – Uses affordable cuts of beef and simple ingredients.
• ⏱️ Easy prep – Minimal steps, big flavor payoff.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family favorite – Loved by both kids and adults.
• 🍴 Versatile – Great with mashed potatoes, rice, or even cauliflower mash for a low-carb twist.

This recipe is designed to bring back those Sunday dinner vibes — when the pot simmers slowly on the stove, and everyone comes to the table hungry and happy.

Ingredients

For the Beef and Gravy

• 2 lbs beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional for depth)
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp cornstarch + 3 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)

For the Noodles

• 12 oz wide egg noodles
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt, to taste

For Garnish

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Sear the Beef:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in batches to avoid crowding. Sear each side for 3–4 minutes until browned. Transfer browned beef to a plate.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
   In the same skillet, add onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Build the Sauce:
   Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Stir for 1 minute to caramelize slightly — this deepens the flavor.
4. Add Liquid:
   Pour in beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan (they add tons of flavor). Stir in Dijon mustard and thyme.
5. Simmer:
   Return the seared beef and any juices to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 60–75 minutes, or until the beef is fork-tender.
6. Thicken the Gravy:
   Mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Slowly stir it into the simmering sauce until it thickens into a silky gravy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
7. Cook the Noodles:
   Meanwhile, cook egg noodles in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain, toss with butter, and set aside.
8. Combine and Serve:
   Spoon the tender beef and rich gravy over the buttery noodles. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve hot!

Beef Tips and Noodles

Tender beef simmered in rich gravy and served over buttery egg noodles — a hearty, old-fashioned comfort meal everyone loves.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 430

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Beef and Gravy

• 2 lbs beef sirloin or stew meat cut into cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard optional
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp cornstarch for slurry
• 3 tbsp water for slurry

Noodles

• 12 oz egg noodles
• 1 tbsp butter

Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon
• Pot for noodles

Method

 

1. Sear beef in olive oil until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté onions and garlic until softened.
3. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce; stir well.
4. Add beef broth, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Return beef to pot.
5. Simmer covered for 60–75 minutes until beef is tender.
6. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
7. Cook noodles, toss with butter, and serve with beef and gravy.

Notes

For extra flavor, add red wine or mushrooms. Perfect over mashed potatoes too!

Tips for Perfect Beef Tips and Noodles

• Choose the right cut: Sirloin, chuck roast, or stew meat work best. They become incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
• Brown the beef well: Don’t skip this step! It locks in flavor and gives your gravy that deep, rich color.
• Simmer low and slow: Patience pays off here — low heat helps the meat tenderize naturally.
• For thicker gravy: Add a touch more cornstarch slurry or simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
• Add veggies: Mushrooms, carrots, or peas make excellent additions for extra texture and nutrition.

Variations

• 🥩 Creamy Beef Tips: Stir in ¼ cup of sour cream or heavy cream at the end for a velvety finish.
• 🍄 Mushroom Lovers: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms during the onion step for earthy richness.
• 🥕 Loaded Veggie Version: Stir in cooked peas or carrots for color and balance.
• 🔥 Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
• 🍷 Beef Bourguignon Style: Replace ½ cup of broth with red wine for deeper, richer flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice.
• Pair with a green vegetable like roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans for balance.
• Add a slice of garlic bread to soak up every drop of that delicious gravy.
• For an elegant touch, sprinkle with shaved Parmesan or fresh thyme before serving.

Storage and Reheating

To Store:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To Freeze:
Cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

To Reheat:
Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy thickens too much.

Make It in the Slow Cooker

Love set-and-forget meals? This recipe adapts beautifully to the slow cooker.

1. Brown beef and sauté onions/garlic as above.
2. Transfer everything (except noodles and slurry) to the slow cooker.
3. Cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until beef is tender.
4. Stir in cornstarch slurry in the last 15 minutes to thicken.
5. Serve over cooked noodles and enjoy!

Why This Dish Never Goes Out of Style

Beef Tips and Noodles has been a family favorite for generations. Its roots trace back to humble kitchens where home cooks made the most of simple ingredients. A bit of beef, some pantry staples, and time — that’s all it takes to create something comforting and deeply flavorful.

It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps. Just wholesome, real food that fills your kitchen with the smell of nostalgia. Whether you make it on a chilly Sunday or for an easy weeknight meal, it’s guaranteed to please.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort meal that’s easy, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor, this Old-Fashioned Beef Tips and Noodles is your answer. With tender beef, rich homemade gravy, and buttery noodles, it’s proof that simple recipes are often the best.

This dish tastes like love in a bowl — hearty, homey, and undeniably satisfying. Once you try it, you’ll want it on repeat all year long.