Nana’s Beef Tips with Noodles
A rich, comforting classic recipe with tender beef in a savory gravy served over buttery egg noodles.
“Nana’s Beef Tips with Noodles” is the kind of old-fashioned comfort food that fills your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. Slow-simmered beef becomes incredibly tender, coated in a thick, flavorful gravy, and served over soft egg noodles that soak up every delicious drop. This dish is perfect for Sunday dinners, family gatherings, or cozy weeknight meals.
Below is a detailed, step-by-step recipe just like you’d find in a full cooking guide.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Beef Tips:
- 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional but recommended)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Noodles:
- 12 oz (340g) egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt for boiling water
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Pat the beef pieces dry with paper towels. Dry meat browns better and creates more flavor. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add beef in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan).
- Sear each side for 2–3 minutes until nicely browned.
Remove the beef and set aside. Browning builds deep flavor for the gravy.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
In the same pan:
- Add chopped onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- If using mushrooms, add them now and cook until slightly browned.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
- Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir well.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and paprika.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Return the beef to the pan.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45–60 minutes (or until beef is fork-tender).
Stir occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more broth. If too thin, let it simmer uncovered to thicken.
The slow simmer is what makes this dish truly “Nana-style” — tender and comforting.
Step 6: Cook the Noodles
While the beef finishes cooking:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually 7–9 minutes).
- Drain and toss with butter to prevent sticking.
How to Serve
- Spoon a generous portion of buttered egg noodles onto a plate.
- Ladle the beef tips and rich gravy over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or Parmesan if desired.
Serve with:
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted carrots
- Mashed potatoes (as an alternative to noodles)
- A slice of crusty bread
Tips for the Best Flavor
Use sirloin tips for a more tender result.
For deeper flavor, replace ½ cup broth with red wine.
Slow cooker option: Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours.
Add a splash of heavy cream at the end for a creamier gravy.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months (store noodles separately if possible).
Variations
- Add sour cream at the end for a stroganoff-style version.
- Use wide pappardelle instead of egg noodles.
- Add carrots or peas for extra vegetables.
- Make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
Nana’s Beef Tips with Noodles is the ultimate comfort dish — tender beef, rich homemade gravy, and buttery noodles all in one satisfying meal. It’s simple, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it a timeless family favorite.
If you’d like, I can also give you a Crockpot version or a creamy mushroom version!