Easy Beef Tips Recipe for Slow Cooker

Craving a hearty meal that cooks itself? This easy beef tips recipe for slow cooker is perfect. It has a 4.98 out of 5 rating from 440 votes. This dish will satisfy your taste buds and make cooking easy.

Imagine tender beef chunks in a rich, flavorful gravy, ready to serve over your favorite starch. This recipe needs only 5 minutes of prep. Your slow cooker will do the rest. Choose high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8 hours for a delicious meal that serves 8.

This recipe is great for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With ingredients like cream of mushroom soup, diced onion, and beef broth, you’ll make a comforting dish. It’s sure to become a family favorite.

Key Takeaways

• Minimal prep time of 5 minutes
• Flexible cooking times: 4-6 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low
• Serves 8 people with 240 calories per serving
• Uses affordable ingredients like stew meat and canned soup
• Can be customized with different vegetables and seasonings
• Ideal for make-ahead meals and freezer-friendly

Introduction to Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Slow cooker beef tips are a delicious dish that mix tender beef with a rich gravy. It’s a favorite for many cooks who want a hearty meal with little work. The slow cooking makes tough meat tender and flavorful.

What are beef tips?

Beef tips are small, bite-sized pieces from tender beef parts like sirloin or tenderloin. They’re great for slow cooking because they soak up flavors and get very tender. In a crockpot, beef tips become tender and flavorful, making them easy to eat.

Benefits of using a slow cooker

Slow cookers are great for beef tips. They cook the meat low and slow, making it tender and juicy. This method lets you cook without much effort, freeing you to do other things. Slow cookers are also good for the planet and can make affordable meat taste amazing.

Why this recipe is perfect for busy households

Crockpot beef tips are great for busy lives. They need only 10 minutes to prepare and 8 hours to cook, so dinner is ready when you get home. It’s easy to make and serves 4, leaving leftovers for quick meals later.

This recipe works well with different beef cuts like chuck roast or sirloin tips. The beef broth, red wine, and seasonings make a rich gravy that goes well with the beef. It’s an easy and tasty way to enjoy slow cooker beef at home.

Ingredients for Beef Tips Recipe Slow Cooker

Starting with the right ingredients is key to making delicious slow cooker beef dinners. Our beef stew slow cooker recipe is easy yet full of flavor. It’s ideal for busy families looking for hearty meals.

• 3 pounds top sirloin steak, cubed
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 package dry onion soup mix
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Seasonings: Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, dried thyme, bay leaf
• Cornstarch for thickening

This mix of ingredients makes a rich, savory base for your beef tips. Slow cooking lets the flavors blend, making the meat tender and the gravy thick and flavorful.

This recipe takes only 20 minutes to prep and cooks in 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. It’s a great way for busy families to enjoy comforting slow cooker beef dinners.

Choosing the Right Cut of Beef

Choosing the perfect cut of beef is key for a tasty slow cooker meal. The right cut can change the game in both texture and flavor when making a beef pot roast slow cooker recipe.

Best cuts for slow cooking

For tender and flavorful results, pick cuts that do well with slow cooking. Top picks are:

• Chuck roast
• Rump roast
• Beef brisket slow cooker
• Tri-tip (3 pounds recommended)
• Sirloin beef roast (3 pounds recommended)

These cuts are perfect for slow cooking, getting tender over time. For example, a beef brisket slow cooker recipe needs 8-9 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high to be just right.

Difference between beef tips and stew meat

Beef tips come from tender parts like sirloin or tenderloin. Stew meat is from tougher cuts. Both are great for slow cooker recipes but have different cooking times.

To prepare beef tips, brown them for about 30 seconds per side until they’re golden. This step boosts flavor and texture. If you want something different, try cooking frozen chicken breasts in an Instant Pot for a fast meal.

The secret to a great slow cooker beef dish is picking the right cut and giving it enough time to cook. This lets the flavors meld and the meat get tender.

Preparing the Beef Tips

Are you ready to make a delicious beef tips recipe in your slow cooker? Begin by picking out 4 lbs of top round stew beef. Cut it into 1-inch chunks, removing any big fat pieces. This size ensures even cooking and tender results in your slow cooker beef recipes.

Season your beef tips with a mix of spices. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle this mix over the beef chunks, making sure each piece gets coated. This seasoning will make your slow cooker beef recipe taste amazing.

To add more flavor, consider searing the beef tips before putting them in the slow cooker. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the meat in batches. This step is optional but can make your dish even tastier.

After preparing your beef tips, they’re ready for the slow cooker. Use a 6-quart or larger slow cooker for the best results. This size fits the beef and other ingredients well, ensuring even cooking and great flavor in your beef tips recipe slow cooker.

Creating the Perfect Gravy Base

A rich, flavorful gravy is key to many slow cooker beef dishes. It’s the heart of a delicious beef stew slow cooker. Let’s explore how to make a savory sauce that’ll make your beef tips irresistible.

Key Ingredients for Flavorful Gravy

The base of a tasty gravy includes these ingredients:

• Beef broth: Gives a deep, meaty flavor
• Brown gravy mix: Adds thickness and taste
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy, umami kick
• Red wine (optional): Deepens flavor complexity

For more flavor, try using a mix of chicken and beef broth. Some cooks recommend Kitchen Bouquet Browning and Seasoning Sauce for the perfect color and taste.

Tips for Thickening the Sauce

Getting the right gravy consistency is important. Here are some tips:

• Cornstarch slurry: Mix with cold water and add at the end
• Flour: Coat the beef tips before cooking for gradual thickening
• Reduction: Remove the lid and let excess liquid evaporate

The gravy will thicken as it cools. If you want a gluten-free option, check out this gluten-free chicken pot pie recipe. It uses different thickening methods.

Pro tip: For a richer gravy, sear the beef tips before adding them to the slow cooker. This step creates flavorful brown bits that elevate your sauce to restaurant-quality levels.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Are you ready to make delicious crockpot beef tips? Let’s get started with the cooking process. This method is great for busy households, offering a hearty meal with little effort.

Begin by browning 2 pounds of beef stew meat in a skillet. This step boosts flavor, making a rich base for your dish. After browning, move the meat to your slow cooker.

Then, mix cream of mushroom soup, brown gravy mix, a beef bouillon cube, and water in a bowl. Pour this mix over the beef, making sure it’s well-covered. Add chopped onions for more flavor.

1. Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 8 hours
2. If short on time, cook on high for 4 hours (meat may be less tender)
3. Stir occasionally if possible
4. Add vegetables halfway through cooking to prevent overcooking

For extra flavor, add Worcestershire sauce and garlic. If you like mushrooms, sauté them and add them to the slow cooker near the end.

Before serving, check if the gravy is too thin. Mix cornstarch with broth or water, then stir it in. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

This crockpot beef tips recipe makes tender, flavorful meat. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Enjoy your homemade comfort food!

Variations and Add-ins

Slow cooker beef recipes are perfect for making your own unique dish. You can change them to fit your taste and dietary needs. Let’s look at some fun ways to make your beef tips even better.

Vegetable Options

Add fresh veggies to your slow cooker beef tips for more flavor. Mushrooms are a great choice, adding a rich taste. Carrots and peas add color and sweetness. Diced potatoes make the dish more filling and nutritious.

Herb and Spice Combinations

Try different herbs and spices to make your beef tips stand out. Fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme can add a lot of flavor. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning. Worcestershire sauce or red wine can also make the dish taste amazing.

These slow cooker beef recipes are easy to play with. Feel free to mix and match ingredients you like. Whether you want a classic comfort meal or something fancy, these recipes can be adjusted to satisfy any craving.

Serving Suggestions

Make your slow cooker beef dinners even better with these tasty serving ideas. The tender, flavorful beef tips from your slow cooker deserve sides that make the meal special.

Try serving your beef tips over creamy mashed potatoes for a classic taste. The smooth potatoes and rich gravy make a great pair. Or, go for fluffy white rice or buttery egg noodles to soak up the sauce.

Add some color and health to your meal with steamed green veggies. Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus go well with the beef tips. For a light option, a crisp salad with mixed greens and a vinaigrette dressing is refreshing.

Don’t skip the bread! A crusty baguette or warm dinner rolls are great for the gravy. Top it off with fresh parsley for color and freshness.

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

The beef chuck roast slow cooker recipe is both tasty and nutritious. A single serving has about 194 calories, making it a good choice for a meal. It also has 33 grams of protein, which helps with muscle growth and repair.

It’s great for those on a ketogenic diet too. Each serving has only 2 grams of carbs and 7 grams of fat. The recipe uses 2 pounds of beef round cubed, giving you lots of protein and important nutrients.

Slow cooking makes the dish even more nutritious. It uses 3 cups of beef bone broth, adding collagen and minerals to the meat. Plus, 8 ounces of baby portobello mushrooms add flavor and vitamin D.

This recipe is full of herbs and spices like garlic powder, thyme, oregano, basil, and parsley. These add flavor and offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. Adding 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce also enhances the taste without adding many calories.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Enjoying your beef tips recipe slow cooker doesn’t end with the first meal. Proper storage and reheating techniques can make your dish last longer. This is great for busy households. Let’s look at how to keep your slow cooker beef dishes fresh and tasty.

Proper Storage Techniques

After enjoying your slow cooker beef dishes, put leftovers in airtight containers. This is key for keeping them fresh. Store these containers in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a good choice. Beef tips can be frozen for up to three months, keeping their flavor and texture.

Best Methods for Reheating

When reheating leftovers, it’s important to do it right to keep the taste and texture. For stovetop reheating, use low heat. Add a bit of broth to keep the meat moist. Stir now and then to heat it evenly.

If you’re using a microwave, cover the dish with a lid that won’t melt. Add a little broth too. Heat in short bursts, stirring between each one.

Make sure the beef is heated to 165°F for safety. An instant-read thermometer can help make sure it’s fully heated. With these tips, your slow cooker beef dishes will be just as tasty the second time around!

Freezing and Make-Ahead Tips

Meal prep lovers, rejoice! Our beef stew slow cooker recipe is ideal for freezing and making ahead. With a few easy steps, you can enjoy this hearty dish anytime, without losing its delicious taste.

Freezing this slow cooker beef recipe is easy. After cooking and cooling, divide the stew into airtight containers or freezer bags. It keeps fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. To enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat.

For make-ahead prep, put all ingredients in a freezer bag and freeze raw. This saves time on busy days. Just thaw the bag overnight and add it to your slow cooker in the morning. Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours for tender, flavorful beef tips.

This beef stew slow cooker recipe makes 6 servings, each with 27g of protein. It’s a nutritious meal that’s worth the prep time. Whether you’re cooking for now or later, these slow cooker beef recipes will satisfy your comfort food cravings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making crockpot beef tips, avoid common mistakes to keep your dish tasty and tender. Don’t fill the slow cooker too much, as it can cause uneven heating and safety issues. It’s best to leave some space, filling it only three-quarters full.

Also, don’t add too much liquid to your slow cooker. Slow cookers keep juices in, so you only need 1/2 to 1 cup of liquid. Too much liquid makes the dish watery and weakens the beef tips’ flavors.

Don’t skip searing your beef before adding it to the slow cooker. A few minutes of browning can greatly improve the flavor and look of your dish. Also, add fresh herbs near the end of cooking to keep their taste fresh. Use dried herbs at the start for better flavor infusion.

By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll make delicious, perfectly cooked crockpot beef tips that everyone will love.