Crockpot beef tips

Last Tuesday, I came home exhausted after shuttling my 15-year-old daughter between soccer practice and a friend’s house. My 19-year-old was studying for finals, and everyone needed dinner—fast. I pulled out my trusty slow cooker and threw together my favorite crockpot beef tips.

Six hours later, the aroma of tender beef in rich gravy filled our kitchen. Mateo walked in, smiled, and said, “Now that’s what I call home cooking.” This recipe has saved countless weeknight dinners in our house, transforming tough cuts of beef into melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

Crockpot beef tips are the ultimate comfort food that practically cooks itself. Moreover, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the hefty price tag or complicated techniques. The slow cooker works its magic while you handle everything else life throws at you.

Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Beef Tips

These crockpot beef tips will become your new weeknight hero. First, they require minimal prep work—just 15 minutes of hands-on time. Then, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you focus on other tasks.

Additionally, this recipe creates incredibly tender beef that falls apart with just a fork. The savory mushroom gravy adds depth and richness to every bite. Furthermore, crockpot beef tips work beautifully for meal prep since they taste even better the next day.

Budget-friendly ingredients make this dish accessible for any family. I love using affordable cuts of beef that transform into something truly special. Plus, the recipe easily doubles for larger gatherings or Sunday meal prep sessions.

Your entire family will request these beef tips on repeat. My daughters literally cheer when they smell this cooking. Even picky eaters can’t resist tender beef swimming in flavorful gravy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients takes just minutes. I always keep these staples on hand for busy weeks. Here’s everything you need for perfect crockpot beef tips:

Ingredient	Amount
Beef stew meat or sirloin tips	2 pounds, cut into 1-inch pieces
All-purpose flour	1/3 cup
Olive oil	2 tablespoons
Beef broth	2 cups
Mushrooms, sliced	8 ounces
Onion, diced	1 large
Garlic, minced	4 cloves
Worcestershire sauce	2 tablespoons
Tomato paste	2 tablespoons
Dried thyme	1 teaspoon
Bay leaves	2
Salt	1 teaspoon
Black pepper	1/2 teaspoon

Substitutions & Variations

This recipe adapts beautifully to different preferences and dietary needs. I’ve tested numerous variations over the years with excellent results.

Protein swaps: Try boneless chuck roast cut into chunks for extra richness. Alternatively, venison works wonderfully for a gamier flavor profile. Round steak also makes excellent crockpot beef tips when cut properly.

Gluten-free option: Replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Simply use half the amount and add during the last hour of cooking.

Vegetable additions: Toss in baby carrots, diced potatoes, or celery for a complete one-pot meal. I often add vegetables during the last two hours to prevent mushiness.

Flavor variations: Add a splash of red wine for depth. Alternatively, stir in Dijon mustard for tanginess. Fresh rosemary instead of thyme creates a different aromatic profile.

Creamier gravy: Stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream or heavy cream during the final 10 minutes. This creates luxuriously rich crockpot beef tips that coat pasta beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making crockpot beef tips couldn’t be simpler. Follow these straightforward steps for guaranteed success every single time.

Step 1: Pat the beef pieces completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures proper browning. Then, toss the beef with flour, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until evenly coated.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef tips until golden brown on all sides, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pan—this prevents steaming instead of searing.

Step 3: Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker. Add the mushrooms, diced onion, and minced garlic directly on top.

Step 4: Whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and thyme in a medium bowl. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in your crockpot. Nestle the bay leaves into the liquid.

Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The beef tips should be fork-tender when finished. Mateo always says properly cooked crockpot beef tips should require no knife whatsoever.

Step 6: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you prefer thicker gravy, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, stir into the crockpot, and cook on high for 15 more minutes.

Pro Tips for Success

After making crockpot beef tips dozens of times, I’ve learned several tricks that guarantee perfect results.

Don’t skip the searing: Browning the beef creates deep, caramelized flavors that enhance the entire dish. Yes, it adds 10 minutes, but the difference is remarkable.

Choose the right cut: Look for well-marbled beef with visible fat. Leaner cuts like top round produce dry, tough crockpot beef tips. Chuck roast or sirloin tips work best.

Layer strategically: Place harder vegetables like carrots on the bottom where heat concentrates. Position the beef on top for even cooking throughout.

Resist peeking: Every time you lift the lid, you release heat and add 15-20 minutes to cooking time. Trust the process and keep that lid closed.

Make ahead magic: Prepare everything the night before and refrigerate the slow cooker insert. In the morning, simply place it in the base and turn it on. Dinner practically makes itself.

Deglaze for extra flavor: After searing beef, pour a splash of broth into the hot skillet. Scrape up those browned bits and add everything to your crockpot. These fond bits pack incredible umami flavor.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Crockpot beef tips store exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prep. I frequently double the recipe for leftovers throughout the week.

Refrigerator storage: Transfer cooled beef tips to airtight containers. They’ll keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, creating an even more delicious meal.

Freezer storage: Freeze crockpot beef tips in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Leave some headspace since the liquid expands when frozen. Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating methods: Warm refrigerated beef tips in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Refresh the gravy: If the gravy thickens too much during storage, simply add a splash of beef broth while reheating. Stir well until you reach your desired consistency.

What to Serve With This Recipe

These versatile crockpot beef tips pair beautifully with numerous side dishes. I rotate through these favorites to keep dinners interesting.

Classic starches: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort food. Egg noodles also work wonderfully, soaking up all that delicious gravy. White rice or cauliflower rice create lighter options.

Bread selections: Crusty French bread is perfect for sopping up every last drop of sauce. Buttery dinner rolls also complement the rich flavors beautifully.

Vegetable sides: Roasted green beans add freshness and color. Steamed broccoli provides nutritious balance. Glazed carrots bring natural sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory beef.

Salads: A simple Caesar salad cuts through the richness perfectly. Alternatively, mixed greens with vinaigrette provide refreshing crunch alongside tender crockpot beef tips.

Complete meals: My daughters love when I serve these beef tips over garlic mashed potatoes with roasted asparagus on the side. This combination creates a restaurant-worthy dinner at home.

FAQs

Can I make crockpot beef tips without browning the meat first?

Yes, you can skip browning, but I strongly recommend against it. Searing creates a flavorful crust and deeper color in the final dish. However, if you’re truly short on time, add the raw floured beef directly to the slow cooker. The results will be less flavorful but still tender.

What’s the best cut of beef for crockpot beef tips?

Chuck roast cut into chunks works best for crockpot beef tips. This cut contains enough marbling to stay moist during long cooking. Sirloin tips also work excellently. Avoid lean cuts like top round, which become dry and tough despite slow cooking.

How do I thicken the gravy in my slow cooker beef tips?

Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into your crockpot beef tips during the last 20 minutes of cooking on high. Alternatively, remove the beef and whisk in a flour-butter roux on the stovetop.

Can I cook crockpot beef tips on high instead of low?

Absolutely! Cook on high for 4-5 hours instead of low for 7-8 hours. However, low and slow produces slightly more tender results. The lower temperature breaks down connective tissue more gently, creating supremely tender crockpot beef tips.

Why are my crockpot beef tips tough?

Tough beef tips usually result from undercooking. Continue cooking until the meat easily shreds with a fork. Alternatively, you may have used too lean a cut.

Always choose well-marbled beef for slow cooker recipes. Finally, make sure you’re cooking with enough liquid to prevent drying.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

This nutritional breakdown is based on 6 servings of crockpot beef tips without side dishes.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320
Total Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	95mg
Sodium	680mg
Total Carbohydrates	12g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	3g
Protein	35g

These crockpot beef tips have become a cornerstone recipe in our home. They bring everyone to the table with smiles and satisfied appetites. The simplicity combined with incredible flavor makes this dish absolutely unbeatable.

Try this recipe tonight, and I guarantee your family will request these tender, flavorful beef tips again and again. Food truly is love, and nothing says comfort quite like a warm bowl of crockpot beef tips shared with the people you cherish most.

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