Welcome to your next culinary adventure where we'll guide you through making a delightful Beef Tips over Noodles. This dish combines tender beef chunks with flavorful sauce over a bed of comforting noodles, perfect for a satisfying meal. Whether you're a beginner cook or looking to refine your kitchen skills, this guide will walk you through the process in just 5 easy steps.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gathering all your ingredients is crucial. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 to 1.5 pounds of beef tips or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1 cup of red wine (optional, can be substituted with additional broth or water)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 package of egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter or oil for searing
Step 2: Brown the Beef Tips
Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Season the beef with salt and pepper.
- Add the beef to the skillet in batches to ensure it browns rather than steams. Brown each side for about 1-2 minutes.
- Set the seared beef aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add more butter or oil if necessary:
- Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to create a roux and cook off the raw flour taste, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer to thicken.
Step 4: Cook the Beef Tips
Now, it’s time to combine everything:
- Return the beef to the skillet with the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours until the beef is tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles and Serve
As your beef simmers:
- Prepare the egg noodles as per the package instructions. Aim for an al dente texture to pair well with the rich beef sauce.
- Once the noodles are ready, drain them, and optionally toss them with a bit of butter or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Plate the noodles, top with the beef tips and sauce, and serve hot.
🍲 Note: Adjust seasoning just before serving, adding more salt or pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thin, you can make a slurry with a little more flour or cornstarch mixed with water, and stir it in to thicken.
To wrap up our culinary journey, let's reflect on this dish. Beef Tips over Noodles combines comfort, flavor, and simplicity in one pot. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe adapts beautifully to different tastes by tweaking the sauce or swapping noodles with rice or mashed potatoes. Cooking is not just about feeding the body but also nourishing the soul, and this dish does both wonderfully.
Can I use different types of noodles?
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Absolutely, you can use different types of pasta or even rice or mashed potatoes for a base. The sauce pairs well with various textures and flavors.
What can I substitute for red wine?
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If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute with beef broth, chicken broth, or even water for a lighter flavor. Apple cider or cranberry juice can also add a unique twist to the dish.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
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Yes, the beef tips can be prepared a day ahead and reheated when needed. The flavors often meld better after sitting. Just cook the noodles fresh when serving.
