Beef Tips and Noodles

Ingredients :

For the noodles:

• 4 cups water
• 1 package noodles (Martha Gooch’s Kluski noodles, 8 oz.)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil (for noodle pot)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ stick butter (for cooked noodles)

For the beef tips:

• 1 rib eye steak, 6 oz. (adjust for more servings)
• 1 large portobello mushroom (use half of a large one)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons butter

For the gravy:

• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 2 cups water (divided)
• 2 tablespoons corn starch
• ¼ teaspoon Kitchen Bouquet
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Prepare Noodles

• Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add noodles, 1 teaspoon oil, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook per package directions, plus an additional 8 minutes for desired texture.

2. Cook Steak

• In a frying pan, cook rib eye steak to medium-rare. Remove from pan and slice into 1/4″ by 1/4″ cubes.

3. Cook Mushrooms

• Slice and cube portobello mushroom into 1/4″ by 1/4″ pieces. Sauté mushrooms in 1 teaspoon olive oil and 2 teaspoons butter over medium heat for 10 minutes. Add cubed rib eye to the mushroom pan and keep warm.

4. Prepare Beef Broth

• Microwave two beef bouillon cubes in 1/2 cup water for two minutes to dissolve.

5. Make Gravy

• Add beef broth to the pan where steak was fried. Bring to a low simmer and add 1 additional cup of water.

6. Thicken Gravy

• Mix 2 tablespoons corn starch with 1/2 cup cold water to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the pan at a low simmer, stirring and increasing heat to thicken the gravy.

7. Finish Gravy

• Add 1/4 teaspoon Kitchen Bouquet to darken the gravy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The gravy should yield about 2 cups.

8. Combine and Serve

• Drain noodles and stir in 2 tablespoons butter. Plate the buttered noodles, top with steak and mushroom mixture, and generously cover with gravy.

Prep Time: 10 min | Cooking Time: 45 min | Total Time: 55 min | Servings: 2

Serving and Storage Tips :

Serving Tips:

1. Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle chopped parsley or fresh thyme over the plated dish for a burst of color and added flavor.
2. Pairing Suggestions: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. A glass of red wine complements the flavors well.
3. Presentation Matters: Use a wide, shallow bowl or plate to showcase the buttery noodles, tender beef tips, and savory gravy.
4. Portion Control: Adjust servings by increasing the amount of rib eye steak and noodles for larger groups, ensuring each serving has ample gravy and mushrooms.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the noodles are well-covered in gravy to maintain moisture.
2. Freezing: Beef tips and noodles can be frozen, but the texture of the noodles may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
3. Reheating: To reheat, gently warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the noodles appear dry. Alternatively, microwave with a damp paper towel covering the dish to retain moisture.

Variations :

1. Vegetarian Twist: Replace rib eye steak with meaty portobello mushrooms or tofu cubes for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for the gravy.
2. Creamy Option: Add a touch of heavy cream or sour cream to the gravy for a creamy texture. Stir it in just before serving to enrich the dish.
3. Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the mushroom sauté for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
4. Cheese Lover’s Delight: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella over the plated dish just before serving for a cheesy indulgence.
5. Herb Infusion: Infuse the gravy with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage during cooking to impart an aromatic depth to the dish.
6. Asian Fusion: Replace noodles with cooked rice or lo mein noodles. Use soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in the gravy for an Asian-inspired twist. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
7. Tex-Mex Flavors: Add a Tex-Mex flair by seasoning the steak with chili powder and cumin. Serve over cilantro-lime rice instead of noodles and top with salsa and avocado slices.
8. Mushroom Medley: Use a mix of different mushrooms such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms for a more complex mushroom flavor.
9. Comforting Additions: Stir in peas, carrots, or pearl onions into the gravy for added texture and a pop of color.
10. Low-Carb Option: Serve the beef tips and mushrooms over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.

FAQs :

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe? Yes, you can use sirloin, tenderloin, or even stew meat if you prefer. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the beef is tender.
2. How can I make this dish gluten-free? Substitute gluten-free noodles and ensure the beef broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend for thickening the gravy.
3. What if I don’t have Kitchen Bouquet? Kitchen Bouquet adds color and flavor to the gravy. If unavailable, you can omit it or substitute with a small amount of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce.
4. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the components ahead and assemble just before serving. Store noodles, beef, mushrooms, and gravy separately in the refrigerator.
5. How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, especially for the noodles.
6. Can I freeze Beef Tips and Noodles? Yes, you can freeze this dish. Ensure it’s tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
7. What side dishes pair well with Beef Tips and Noodles? A fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread are excellent accompaniments. A glass of red wine complements the meal nicely.
8. How do I adjust the recipe for more servings? Simply increase the quantities of noodles, beef, mushrooms, and gravy ingredients proportionally. Double or triple as needed.
9. Can I make this dish dairy-free? Use a dairy-free butter substitute or omit butter altogether when preparing the noodles. Ensure all other ingredients, including the noodles, are dairy-free.
10. How can I make the gravy thicker or thinner? To thicken the gravy further, make an additional cornstarch slurry and gradually add it while simmering. For a thinner consistency, add a bit more water or broth.

In conclusion, Beef Tips and Noodles is not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings together tender steak, savory mushrooms, and flavorful gravy over perfectly cooked noodles. Whether enjoyed for a cozy dinner for two or scaled up for a crowd, this dish promises to satisfy with its hearty flavors and homemade goodness. Embrace the comfort of homemade cooking with Beef Tips and Noodles, and enjoy every comforting bite.