Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Slow Cooker Beef Tips is a sumptuous and hearty dish, perfect for those who appreciate the deep, rich flavors that come from slow cooking. The recipe starts with select cuts of beef, usually sirloin or a similar tender cut, cut into bite-sized pieces. These beef tips are seasoned with a blend of savory spices, often including salt, pepper, garlic powder, and perhaps a touch of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.

Before placing the beef in the slow cooker, it’s typically seared in a hot skillet. This process caramelizes the outside of the beef, locking in juices and creating a complex flavor base. Once seared, the beef tips are transferred to the slow cooker.

The magic of this dish lies in the slow cooking process. Alongside the beef, a rich sauce is prepared. This usually involves a combination of beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, providing a deep, umami-rich base. Some recipes also include a splash of red wine for added depth. Diced onions and minced garlic are often added to the mix, infusing the sauce with their aromatic flavors.

As the beef tips cook, they become incredibly tender, absorbing the flavors of the sauce. The slow cooker works its magic over several hours, allowing all the ingredients to meld together harmoniously. The low and slow heat breaks down the fibers in the beef, ensuring each bite is succulent and tender.

Near the end of the cooking time, a thickening agent like cornstarch or flour mixed with water is often added to the slow cooker. This transforms the cooking liquid into a rich, velvety gravy that perfectly coats the beef tips.

Slow Cooker Beef Tips are typically served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or steamed rice. The dish is garnished with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color and freshness. It’s a comforting meal, ideal for cold days or when you need a satisfying, no-fuss dinner that’s ready to enjoy after a long day. The flavors are robust and comforting, with each component of the dish contributing to an overall sense of hearty, home-cooked goodness.

Ingredients

• 1 small onion, sliced
• 8 oz baby Bella mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lb sirloin steak, cut in strips, excess fat trimmed
• Salt & pepper
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup dry red wine + splash for deglazing
• 2-½ cups fat free beef broth
• 2 tbsp corn starch + ¼ cup cold water, whisked together

How To Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Place the onions and mushrooms into the bottom of a 4.5 quart slow cooker.
Then, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Generously season the steak strips with salt and pepper and add them to the hot skillet, and sear the meat on all sides, about 3 minutes; do not cook through.
Place the meat into the slow cooker on top of the vegetables.
Splash a couple tablespoons of red wine into the hot skillet and scrape the bottom to remove any browned meat bits. Add these to the crock pot.
Season the beef with pepper a second time and add the Worcestershire sauce, red wine, and beef broth. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Uncover and slowly whisk in the cornstarch and water mixture. Cover and cook on high for another 45 minutes or until the gravy has thickened.
Serve the beef tips over brown rice (shown), buttered egg noodles, or mashed potatoes.