Beef Tips and Noodles: A Simple, Flavorful Recipe
This recipe for beef tips and noodles is a classic comfort food, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. It's easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. This dish is also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking with different vegetables or spices. Let's dive into the delicious details!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes (Sirloin tip, chuck, or eye of round work well)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional, but adds a nice sweetness and color)
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry sherry or white wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb egg noodles
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Sear the Beef:
- Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef cubes in batches and sear on all sides until browned. This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor. Remove the seared beef from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer:
- Return the seared beef to the skillet.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, sherry (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or until the beef is fork-tender. The longer it simmers, the more tender the beef will become.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles:
- While the beef is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to package directions.
Step 5: Combine and Serve:
- Once the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, drain the cooked noodles and add them to the skillet.
- Gently toss to combine the beef, sauce, and noodles.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for the Best Beef Tips and Noodles:
- Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the beef. Work in batches to ensure proper browning.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
- Add other vegetables! Mushrooms, carrots, and peas would all be delicious additions.
- Use different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile. Rosemary, oregano, or paprika would all work well.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
This Beef Tips and Noodles recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations using #BeefTipsAndNoodles!