Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Posted on January 27, 2026

Craving classic winter comfort food? These Slow Cooker Beef Tips are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly delicious! Perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings, this dish brings out rich flavors and tender beef that everyone will love. With minimal effort, you can create a hearty meal that warms the soul and satisfies the taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: Simply sear and toss all ingredients into the slow cooker for a hands-off cooking experience.
Rich Flavor: The combination of beef broth, spices, and aromatics creates a deliciously savory sauce that complements the beef perfectly.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy these beef tips over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to suit your preference.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes enough servings for leftovers, ideal for busy weeknights or lunch.
Family-Friendly: Packed with flavors that appeal to both adults and kids, making it a great choice for family meals.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right kitchen tools can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some essential tools you’ll need to make these Slow Cooker Beef Tips.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Slow cooker
Large skillet
Slotted spoon
Medium bowl
Whisk

Why These Tools Matter

Slow cooker: Allows for long, slow cooking that results in tender meat and rich flavors without constant supervision.
Large skillet: Perfect for searing the beef tips evenly before placing them in the slow cooker, enhancing the overall taste.
Slotted spoon: Ideal for transferring cooked meat without excess oil or liquid, ensuring your dish is not greasy.
Whisk: Essential for combining cornstarch with water smoothly, preventing lumps in your sauce.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
– 3 pounds beef stew meat
– 1 tsp kosher salt
– ½ tsp black pepper
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 1¼-oz. envelope dry onion soup mix
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 small white onion (diced)
– 16 oz. sliced baby bella mushrooms
– 2½ tsp minced garlic
– ¼ cup water
– 3 Tbsp cornstarch
– {optional} 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Step 1: Sear the Beef Tips

Using a large skillet, add vegetable oil and place over medium-high heat. Once hot:
1. Add half of the beef tips and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until they are nicely seared.
2. Use a slotted spoon to transfer these beef tips to a slow cooker.
3. Repeat this process with the remaining beef tips.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add the following ingredients directly into the slow cooker:
* Beef broth
* Worcestershire sauce
* Dry onion soup mix
* Dried thyme
* Diced onions
* Sliced mushrooms
* Minced garlic

Stir until well combined.

Step 3: Cook Until Tender

Set the slow cooker to cook:
* Low for 5-6 hours
or
* High for 3-4 hours

Check occasionally to see if the beef is fork-tender.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together water and cornstarch until smooth:
1. Pour this cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker.
2. Continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens noticeably.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Serve these delicious beef tips over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Tips

These Slow Cooker Beef Tips are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a hearty meal or a light option, there are plenty of serving suggestions to make your dish shine.

Over Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes provide a perfect base for the rich beef tips, soaking up the savory sauce.

With Rice

Serve the beef tips over fluffy white or brown rice to enjoy a filling and satisfying meal.

On Pasta

Toss the beef tips with your favorite pasta for a delightful twist on comfort food.

In Sandwiches

Pile the beef tips onto crusty bread for a delicious sandwich that’s great for lunches or casual dinners.

With Grilled Veggies

Pair with grilled vegetables for a lighter option that complements the hearty flavors of the beef tips.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or other herbs on top for an added burst of flavor and color.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Achieving tender and flavorful Slow Cooker Beef Tips is all about technique. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

Sear the Meat: Browning the beef before slow cooking enhances flavor and texture.
Use Quality Broth: Opt for low-sodium beef broth for better control over saltiness while still adding depth.
Adjust Cooking Time: Monitor your slow cooker; different models may cook at varying speeds.
Thicken the Sauce: Use cornstarch mixed with water to achieve a rich, thick gravy.
Add Vegetables: Feel free to include carrots or potatoes in the slow cooker for extra nutrition and taste.
Rest Before Serving: Letting the dish rest helps meld flavors together before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Complement your Slow Cooker Beef Tips with some delicious side dishes. The right sides can elevate your meal even further.

Garlic Bread
A warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up flavorful juices from the beef tips.
Steamed Broccoli
Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition, balancing the richness of the beef dish.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts offer a crispy texture and slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with beef.
Coleslaw
A crunchy coleslaw provides freshness and a tangy contrast to the savory beef tips.
Quinoa Salad
A light quinoa salad adds protein and fiber while keeping your meal well-rounded and nutritious.
Cauliflower Mash
For a low-carb alternative, serve creamy cauliflower mash as a lighter base for your beef tips.
Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn on the cob adds a fun element to your plate, contrasting nicely with hearty flavors.
Baked Sweet Potatoes
Baked sweet potatoes bring sweetness that complements savory dishes like these beef tips beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Beef Tips, it’s easy to overlook certain details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

Bold Cooking too High: Cooking on high heat for too long can result in tough beef. Always follow recommended cooking times and adjust based on your slow cooker.
Bold Neglecting Searing: Skipping the searing step can lead to a lack of flavor. Take time to brown the beef tips before adding them to the slow cooker.
Bold Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Adding too much meat can prevent even cooking. Ensure there’s enough space for heat circulation.
Bold Ignoring Seasoning: Under-seasoning the dish can make it bland. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving for best flavor.
Bold Not Using Enough Liquid: Insufficient liquid can cause the beef to dry out. Ensure there’s enough broth or water for a moist outcome.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Bold Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
Bold Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish, covered, in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Bold Stovetop: Warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Slow Cooker Beef Tips?

Slow Cooker Beef Tips are tender pieces of beef cooked slowly with rich flavors from broth and seasonings, resulting in a hearty meal.

Can I customize Slow Cooker Beef Tips?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots or potatoes for extra nutrition and flavor. Feel free to adjust spices to suit your taste.

How do I know when my beef is tender?

Beef is tender when it easily pulls apart with a fork. This usually takes about 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Beef Tips?

These beef tips pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. You can also serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Can I use other meats instead of beef?

Yes! Chicken or lamb can be used as alternatives if you prefer different flavors or proteins.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Beef Tips are not only comforting but also versatile enough to adapt to your family’s tastes. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies and sides!