Creamy Beef Tips with Egg Noodles is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines tender, slow-cooked beef sirloin tips with a rich and flavorful sauce. The creamy base, made with condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and a touch of red wine, creates a luscious coating for the beef, making every bite melt in your mouth. Served over egg noodles, this dish is a perfect comfort meal for family dinners, special occasions, or cozy nights at home.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 pounds sirloin tips, cubed
- ½ yellow onion, chopped
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup red wine
- 1 (1.25-ounce) package beef with onion soup mix
- 2 (16-ounce) packages egg noodles
Directions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté beef sirloin tips with onion in the hot skillet until the beef is browned, about 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, red wine, and beef with onion soup mix. Pour the mixture into the skillet and stir to coat the beef.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and cook for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and continue cooking until the beef pulls apart easily with a fork, at least 4 hours more.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, usually about 5 minutes. Drain.
- Serve the beef tips mixture over the egg noodles and enjoy.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 684 kcal
- Total Fat: 17g (22% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 5g (27% DV)
- Cholesterol: 146mg (49% DV)
- Sodium: 902mg (39% DV)
- Total Carbohydrates: 91g (33% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 4g (15% DV)
- Total Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 38g (76% DV)
- Vitamin C: 2mg (2% DV)
- Calcium: 109mg (8% DV)
- Iron: 7mg (38% DV)
- Potassium: 653mg (14% DV)
The Appeal of Creamy Beef Tips
This dish is a favorite among home cooks for many reasons. First, it’s an easy one-pot meal that doesn’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. The combination of beef sirloin tips, cream of mushroom soup, and onion soup mix creates a sauce that’s both creamy and full of umami flavor. The touch of red wine adds a rich, slightly tangy undertone that elevates the dish to restaurant-quality levels.
Another reason for its popularity is its versatility. It pairs well with a variety of side dishes and can be customized to suit different tastes. Whether you prefer a thicker sauce, extra seasonings, or a different type of pasta, this dish is highly adaptable.
A Dish Rooted in Classic Comfort Food
Beef tips with noodles have been a staple in American comfort cooking for decades. The combination of tender beef and a creamy, savory sauce has been enjoyed in various forms, from beef stroganoff to classic pot roast-style dishes. The addition of condensed soup and soup mix in this recipe reflects a mid-century American cooking style that prioritizes convenience without sacrificing taste.
The concept of serving beef over egg noodles also has European roots, particularly in dishes like Hungarian goulash and German beef stroganoff. This recipe takes those traditional ideas and simplifies them for modern home cooks. The result is a rich, flavorful, and satisfying meal that feels both nostalgic and timeless.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
The secret to the success of this recipe lies in the combination of ingredients and cooking techniques. Here’s why it turns out so delicious:
- Slow Cooking the Beef: Cooking the sirloin tips for an extended period allows the meat to become incredibly tender and flavorful. The low-and-slow method ensures that the beef absorbs all the rich flavors from the sauce.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup as a Base: This ingredient provides a creamy texture and a deep, umami-rich taste that complements the beef perfectly.
- Onion Soup Mix for Seasoning: The pre-packaged soup mix adds depth of flavor and seasoning, eliminating the need for multiple spices.
- A Touch of Red Wine: The red wine not only enhances the sauce’s richness but also balances out the creamy and savory elements with a slight acidity.
- Egg Noodles as the Perfect Pairing: The soft, buttery texture of egg noodles soaks up the sauce beautifully, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
Customizing Your Creamy Beef Tips Recipe
One of the great things about this dish is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ways to put your own spin on the recipe:
- Use a Different Cut of Beef: If sirloin tips aren’t available, you can use stew meat, chuck roast, or even short ribs for a more indulgent version. Just keep in mind that different cuts may require longer cooking times.
- Make it Even Creamier: Adding sour cream or cream cheese near the end of cooking will make the sauce even richer and tangier.
- Add Mushrooms or Other Vegetables: Fresh mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas can add extra flavor and texture to the dish.
- Swap Out the Wine: If you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute beef broth for a similar depth of flavor.
- Try a Different Pasta or Side: While egg noodles are a classic choice, this dish also pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or even cauliflower mash for a low-carb alternative.
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Beef Tips with Egg Noodles
To ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Brown the Beef First: Searing the beef before slow cooking helps develop a deeper, richer flavor. Be sure to cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Use a Slow Cooker for Convenience: While the stovetop method works well, this dish is also perfect for slow cookers. Simply brown the meat, combine all ingredients (except noodles), and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Egg noodles cook quickly, so be sure to cook them just until al dente. Overcooked noodles can become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Let the Sauce Thicken Naturally: As the dish simmers, the sauce will thicken on its own. If you prefer an even thicker consistency, you can add a cornstarch slurry (a mix of cornstarch and water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Health Considerations and Modifications
While this dish is undeniably delicious, it can be rich in calories and carbohydrates due to the creamy sauce and egg noodles. However, there are a few ways to make it healthier without sacrificing flavor:
- Use a Leaner Cut of Beef: Choosing leaner cuts like sirloin or top round can reduce the fat content.
- Opt for Low-Sodium Ingredients: Using a low-sodium soup mix and beef broth can help control the salt levels in the dish.
- Swap the Noodles for a Healthier Alternative: Whole wheat egg noodles, zucchini noodles, or mashed cauliflower can make this dish a bit lighter.
- Add More Vegetables: Incorporating extra veggies, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach, can increase the fiber and nutrient content.
Perfect Occasions for Serving Creamy Beef Tips
This dish is perfect for a variety of occasions, whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests.
- Weeknight Dinners: Since this dish can be prepared in advance or in a slow cooker, it’s a great option for busy weeknights.
- Family Gatherings: Its comforting flavors and hearty texture make it a crowd-pleaser for family meals.
- Potlucks and Holiday Dinners: This dish is easy to transport and can be kept warm in a slow cooker, making it ideal for gatherings.
- Cold Weather Comfort Food: Nothing beats a warm, creamy dish on a chilly evening!
Conclusion
Creamy Beef Tips with Egg Noodles is a classic comfort dish that delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. With its tender, slow-cooked beef, rich and creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked egg noodles, it’s a meal that feels indulgent yet easy to make. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this dish is sure to become a staple in your home.