Savory Beef Tips with Buttery Noodles Recipe

Savory Beef Tips with Buttery Noodles is one of those meals that can easily become a family favorite. It’s a classic combination of tender beef tips, a rich, savory gravy, and perfectly cooked noodles that soak up all the flavorful juices. This dish is comforting, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy dinner after a long day. The beef is seared until golden brown and then simmered in a savory sauce made with broth, herbs, and spices. Paired with buttery noodles, this meal is the epitome of comfort food.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Tips

1. Season the Beef:
   • Start by cutting your beef into 1-inch cubes, making sure to trim away any excess fat. This will help ensure the beef becomes tender when cooked.
   • Season the beef generously with salt, pepper, and ground thyme. If you have fresh thyme, you can use that for a more aromatic flavor. You can also add rosemary for extra depth.
2. Sear the Beef:
   • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The goal is to sear the beef cubes to develop a rich, brown crust on the outside, which will add flavor to the dish.
   • Once the oil is hot, add the beef in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will prevent the beef from searing properly. Brown the beef on all sides for 4-5 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Make the Savory Gravy

1. Sauté Onions and Garlic:

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   • In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
   • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Deglaze the Pan:

   • Once the onions and garlic are softened, it’s time to deglaze the pan. Add the Worcestershire sauce and allow it to cook for 1-2 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to lift any flavorful brown bits.
   • If you’re using red wine, pour it in now. Stir and allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. This will add a rich depth of flavor to the sauce. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with additional beef broth.

3. Add the Broth and Tomato Paste:

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   • Add the beef broth to the pan, followed by the tomato paste. Stir to combine, making sure the tomato paste is fully incorporated into the sauce. The tomato paste will add a subtle richness and tang to the gravy.
   • Add the bay leaf to the pot, then stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

4. Return the Beef to the Skillet:

   • Once the sauce is simmering, return the seared beef tips to the skillet. Stir everything to combine and coat the beef in the sauce.
   • Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet or Dutch oven. Allow the beef to simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef becomes tender and the flavors meld together. Check occasionally to ensure the sauce doesn’t reduce too much. If it starts to get too thick, add a little more beef broth or water to maintain the desired consistency.

Step 3: Prepare the Noodles

1. Boil the Noodles:

   • While the beef is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the water is boiling, add the egg noodles (or any pasta of your choice) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually 7-10 minutes.
   • Once the noodles are done, drain them and set aside. Be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the noodles later.

2. Toss the Noodles in Butter:

   • In a separate large skillet or pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the cooked noodles and toss them in the melted butter until fully coated. If you’d like extra creaminess, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream and toss again until the noodles are nicely coated. You can also use some of the reserved pasta water to help create a more luscious texture.

3. Season the Noodles:

   • Season the buttery noodles with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you like, you can also add a bit of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Step 4: Combine the Beef and Noodles

1. Serve the Beef Tips and Noodles:

   • Once the beef tips have simmered to perfection, remove the bay leaf from the pan. Give the sauce one final taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
   • Serve the savory beef tips and sauce over the buttery noodles. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

2. Garnish:

   • For an added touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top of the beef and noodles. This will give the dish an additional layer of flavor and richness.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes:

  • This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or carrots. The earthy flavors of the vegetables complement the richness of the beef and the creamy noodles.
  • A simple garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the beef and noodles. The freshness of the salad will provide a nice contrast to the heaviness of the dish.

• Wine Pairing:

  • For wine lovers, this savory beef tips with buttery noodles pairs nicely with a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or a Zinfandel. The tannins and acidity in these wines help cut through the richness of the dish and complement the beef’s savory flavors.

Tips and Variations

• Choosing the Right Beef:

  • For the best results, use beef cuts that are ideal for slow cooking, such as sirloin, stew meat, or chuck. These cuts become tender and juicy when simmered for a long period of time.
  • You can also use flank steak or skirt steak if you prefer a leaner cut. Just remember that the cooking time may be shorter for these cuts, so keep an eye on the beef while it simmers.

• Add More Vegetables:

  • To make this dish a bit more hearty, you can add vegetables to the beef stew. Carrots, mushrooms, or potatoes can be added alongside the beef and cooked in the gravy, giving the dish extra texture and flavor.
  • To incorporate mushrooms, add them after sautéing the onions and garlic. They’ll soak up the savory sauce and provide a meaty, earthy flavor to the dish.

• Make It Spicy:

  • If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef gravy. This will introduce a subtle spiciness to the dish that pairs well with the savory beef and buttery noodles.

• Slow Cooker Option:

  • If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can make this dish in a slow cooker. After searing the beef, transfer it to the slow cooker along with the onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, wine, beef broth, and herbs. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender. Cook the noodles separately and toss them with butter just before serving.

• Gluten-Free Option:

  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta for the buttery noodles. There are many excellent gluten-free noodle options available that will still give you a satisfying texture. Additionally, be sure to check the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to ensure they are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Savory Beef Tips with Buttery Noodles is a comforting and hearty meal that brings together the rich, savory flavors of tender beef in a flavorful gravy, complemented by the creamy, buttery goodness of egg noodles. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, a family meal, or even a special occasion. It’s the perfect balance of flavors, with the richness of the beef and the lightness of the buttery noodles creating a satisfying and delicious meal.

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Savory Beef Tips with Buttery Noodles Recipe

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Savory Beef Tips with Buttery Noodles is one of those meals that can easily become a family favorite. It's a classic combination of tender beef tips, a rich, savory gravy, and perfectly cooked noodles that soak up all the flavorful juices. This dish is comforting, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy dinner after a long day. The beef is seared until golden brown and then simmered in a savory sauce made with broth, herbs, and spices. Paired with buttery noodles, this meal is the epitome of comfort food.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Beef Tips:
• 1 lb beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• For the Buttery Noodles:
• 8 oz egg noodles (or any pasta of your choice)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef Tips:

• Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
• Season the beef tips with salt and pepper. Once the skillet is hot, add the beef in batches, browning the pieces on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to coat. (This will help thicken the sauce later.)
• Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir to combine.
• Return the beef tips to the pan and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash more beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

2. Cook the Noodles:

• While the beef is simmering, cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• In a separate pan, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss to coat them in the buttery sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Assemble the Dish:

• Serve the savory beef tips on a plate with a generous portion of buttery noodles on the side.
• Garnish the beef with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Substitute for Beef: You can use other cuts of beef like flank steak or tenderloin for a more tender option.

For Extra Flavor: Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the beef broth for more depth of flavor.

Make It a One-Pan Meal: If you want to make it a one-pan dish, cook the noodles right in the beef sauce at the end by adding a bit more broth, and then stir in the cooked noodles to let them absorb the savory flavors.

Vegetables: Add vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, or peas to the beef mixture for added color and nutrition.