This flavor-packed slow cooker beef tips recipe is one every home chef needs.

Succulent beef stew with mushrooms over mashed potatoes in a white bowl, cozy home-cooked comfort food, browned meat, savory recipe.

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can beat the rich, savory flavor of slow cooker beef tips. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is a versatile, hassle-free option. The first step to perfect beef tips is selecting the right cut of meat. While many cuts work well in a slow cooker, the best options are those that become tender and juicy with long, slow cooking. Cuts like round or chuck roast, sirloin tips, or stew meat are ideal for this dish. These cuts have enough marbling to break down during cooking, resulting in tender beef tips full of flavor.

Before placing your beef tips in the slow cooker, taking the time to brown them in a hot skillet can make all the difference. Browning the beef caramelizes the outside, creating a deeper, more complex flavor. While this step is optional, it’s highly recommended for the best results.

Another one of the highlights of beef tips is the rich, gravy-like sauce that accompanies the tender meat. To achieve the perfect consistency, add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking. If you prefer an even thicker sauce, remove the lid to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

Sliced mushrooms, beef stew meat, garlic, onions, herbs, and broth ingredients for beef mushroom stew.

Low and slow

Patience is key when it comes to cooking beef tips in a slow cooker. Cooking on low heat for several hours allows the meat to become tender and succulent, with the flavors marrying together beautifully. While cooking on high might seem like a time-saver, it can result in tougher, more rubbery meat. The low and slow method ensures a moist, flavorful result every time.

The beauty of slow cooker beef tips lies in the layers of flavor you can build throughout the cooking process. The rich broth, Worcestershire sauce, onions, and garlic elevate the dish to something truly special. Plus, the fact that it is all done in the slow cooker saves you time and energy, freeing you up for those other important tasks around the house.

Savory mushroom and beef stew in slow cooker.

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

This slow cooker beef tips recipe is absolutely perfect when made ahead of time. I recommend starting this meal in the morning, then by the time dinner comes around, your meal will be waiting for you. Most slow cookers have a warming function that is perfect for holding your meal at just the right temperature until you are ready to dive in. Once you’ve cooled the leftovers, they can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen and saved in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you sure can. If you do not have a slow cooker, you can still make this gem in a regular pot with a lid. I recommend finding the heaviest pot you have, then browning your meat and adding in all of the rest of the ingredients just as you would a slow cooker. Next, bring it all to a boil, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, and cover. With this method, I also recommend stirring the beef tips every hour or two just to make sure there are no hot spots or uneven cooking.

Savory beef and mushroom stew over mashed potatoes in a white bowl.

Serving Suggestions

Slow cooker beef tips are a fantastic option for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend meals. With the right techniques and ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both flavorful and tender. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and side dishes to make this meal your own. Whether you’re a slow cooker novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe will help you make the best beef tips your family has ever tasted.

Beef tips are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes. Serve them over Mashed Potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a classic comfort meal. For a lighter option, consider serving the beef tips alongside Roasted Vegetables or a delicious fresh Chef Salad.

Until next time, Happy Cooking!

Braised beef with mushrooms and onions in a white bowl, hearty comfort food, savory beef stew on a white plate with salt in a small bowl, rustic kitchen setting.

Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Michael Steliga

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 5

Total Time 5 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings servings

Calories 401 kcal

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 pounds beef stew meat cut into chunks
Salt and black pepper to taste
3 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 small onion diced
2 cups sliced mushrooms
3 cloves garlic minced
1/4 cup water
3 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper, then sear in batches until browned on all sides. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion, mushrooms, and garlic to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours until the beef is tender.
Mix water and cornstarch to create a slurry. Stir into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes.
Serve the beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes or rice.