Slow Cooker Beef Tips are a comforting and delicious dish perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a hearty meal with minimal effort. With tender beef, savory broth, and flavorful vegetables, this recipe makes a satisfying dinner that everyone will love. The best part? You can set it and forget it while your slow cooker works its magic.
Why Make This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to make Slow Cooker Beef Tips. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. You can simply brown the meat, toss everything into the slow cooker, and go about your day. Additionally, slow cooking allows the beef to become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors from the ingredients. Finally, it’s a versatile dish that can be served over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes, making it adaptable to your family’s preferences.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds stew meat
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 (2-ounce) packet onion soup mix (about 4 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup diced onion (about 1 small onion)
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- ¼ cup water
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Directions:
- Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Season 3 pounds of stew meat with 1 ½ teaspoons of salt and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper.
- Add the meat to the skillet in batches and cook just until the outside is browned. Then, transfer the beef to a 4-quart slow cooker.
- In the slow cooker, add 3 cups of beef broth, 1 packet of onion soup mix, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 cup of diced onion, 2 cups of sliced mushrooms, and 3 teaspoons of minced garlic.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before the beef is done, mix ¼ cup of water with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker, cover, and let it cook and thicken for the final 30 minutes.
- Serve warm over pasta or mashed potatoes.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Tips
Slow Cooker Beef Tips are best served over a bed of warm pasta or creamy mashed potatoes. You can also garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated parmesan for added flavor. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
How to Store Slow Cooker Beef Tips
To store leftovers, let the Beef Tips cool to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the beef tips. Just place them in freezer-safe containers, and they can last for several months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips
- Make sure to brown the beef in batches to get a nice sear, which adds flavor to the dish.
- You can adjust the seasoning to your preference by adding more salt or pepper.
- Adding extra vegetables like carrots or bell peppers can enhance the flavor and nutrition.
- For a richer sauce, try adding a splash of red wine before cooking.
Variation
For a different twist, you can replace the stew meat with beef tips, short ribs, or even chicken. You can also experiment with different soup mixes, such as mushroom or French onion, for varied flavors.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it will take longer to cook. Make sure to adjust the time accordingly.
2. Is it necessary to brown the meat before slow cooking?
While it is not necessary, browning the meat adds more flavor to the final dish.
3. Can I cook this recipe on a rainy day?
Absolutely! Slow Cooker Beef Tips are great to make anytime. Enjoy the comforting warmth on a cold or rainy day.
Slow Cooker Beef Tips
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 pounds stew meat Cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For browning the meat
- 1.5 teaspoons salt Adjust to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper Adjust to taste
- 3 cups beef broth Low-sodium preferred
- 1 packet onion soup mix About 4 tablespoons
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup diced onion About 1 small onion
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 0.25 cup water For the cornstarch slurry
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch For thickening the sauce
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Season 3 pounds of stew meat with 1 ½ teaspoons of salt and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper.
- Add the meat to the skillet in batches and cook just until the outside is browned. Transfer the beef to a 4-quart slow cooker.
- In the slow cooker, add 3 cups of beef broth, 1 packet of onion soup mix, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 cup of diced onion, 2 cups of sliced mushrooms, and 3 teaspoons of minced garlic.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before the beef is done, mix ¼ cup of water with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch in a small bowl to create a slurry.
- Stir this mixture into the slow cooker, cover, and let it cook and thicken for the final 30 minutes.
Serving
- Serve warm over pasta or mashed potatoes, and garnish with fresh parsley or grated parmesan if desired.
