Tender Slow Cooker Beef Tips: 7 Hour Magic

Slow cooker beef tips have become my absolute go-to for a truly comforting and satisfying meal, especially on those busy weeknights. I remember my mom making something similar when I was a kid, and the aroma of tender beef simmering in rich gravy filled our whole house. This slow cooker beef tips and gravy recipe is my modern take, and it delivers that same incredible warmth and flavor with minimal effort. It’s hands-down the easiest way to get a hearty dinner on the table with that “slow-cooked to perfection” taste. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Tips

This recipe for slow cooker beef tips is a winner for so many reasons. You’ll love how incredibly tender the beef becomes with minimal effort. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight because the prep time is so short. It’s a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, making it a family favorite. Plus, it’s a hearty and satisfying dinner that feels like a real treat.

• Incredibly tender slow cooker beef tips
• Super quick prep time – just minutes!
• Budget-friendly cut of beef
• Rich, savory gravy
• Family-friendly comfort food
• Hearty and satisfying
• Makes delicious tender slow cooker beef tips

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making these amazing slow cooker beef tips with onions. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, requiring just a few pantry staples to create a truly delicious meal.

• 2 pounds beef stew meat – I like to use chuck roast cut into bite-sized pieces for the best flavor and tenderness.
• 2 cups beef broth or beef stock – This forms the base of our savory gravy. Use a good quality broth for the best taste.
• 1 yellow or sweet onion, finely diced – This adds a lovely sweetness and depth to the dish.
• 2 packages (1 oz each) brown gravy mix – These are key for that rich, classic gravy flavor without a lot of fuss.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – A little goes a long way to add a savory, umami boost.
• 5 garlic cloves, minced or pressed – Fresh garlic makes a big difference in flavor.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Enhances the onion flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Boosts the garlic notes.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – For a touch of gentle spice.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s get to the easy part of how to make slow cooker beef tips. This recipe is incredibly forgiving, making it perfect for beginners. You don’t even need to preheat an oven for this one, just your trusty slow cooker!

1. Step 1: Gather all your ingredients and place the beef stew meat, beef broth, finely diced onion, brown gravy mixes, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper directly into your slow cooker insert. It’s that simple to start making these delicious slow cooker beef tips!
2. Step 2: Give everything a gentle stir to make sure the beef is mostly submerged in the liquid and the gravy mixes are distributed. The aroma of the garlic and onion starting to meld is already promising!
3. Step 3: Cover the slow cooker tightly with its lid. Set the heat to the LOW setting. This is where the magic happens.
4. Step 4: Let it cook for 7 to 8 hours on LOW. This long, slow cooking time is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth, tender texture that makes these slow cooker beef tips so beloved. You’ll know they’re ready when the beef is fork-tender and easily shreds.
5. Step 5: Once the cooking time is complete, check the consistency of the gravy. If it’s thinner than you prefer, you can remove the lid and let it simmer on HIGH for about 20-30 minutes to allow some moisture to evaporate, or create a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon cold water) and stir it in, cooking for a few more minutes until thickened. This final touch ensures your slow cooker beef tips have the perfect gravy consistency.
6. Step 6: Serve these hearty slow cooker beef tips hot over your favorite base. Mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or tender egg noodles are all fantastic choices that soak up that amazing savory gravy beautifully.

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Want to guarantee your slow cooker beef tips are absolutely amazing every single time? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference in achieving that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor.

• Always use beef stew meat cut against the grain; this is key for tenderness.
• Resist the urge to peek too often! Opening the slow cooker releases heat and extends cooking time.
• For an extra savory punch, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste along with your other ingredients.
• Don’t skip the resting period after cooking if you can help it; it allows the flavors to meld.

What’s the secret to perfect slow cooker beef tips?

The real secret to achieving perfectly tender slow cooker beef tips is patience and the right cut of meat. Using beef stew meat, often chuck roast, and cooking it on LOW for a full 7-8 hours allows the connective tissues to break down, resulting in that incredibly tender texture everyone loves. For more on beef cuts, check out this guide to beef.

Can I make slow cooker beef tips ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can prep all the ingredients and put them in the slow cooker insert the night before, then refrigerate it. In the morning, just transfer the insert to the slow cooker base and turn it on. This makes getting these slow cooker beef tips ready even easier!

Why are my slow cooker beef tips tough?

Tough slow cooker beef tips usually happen for a couple of reasons. First, you might be using a cut of beef that’s too lean or not suited for slow cooking. Second, and most common, is not cooking them long enough on the LOW setting. Rushing the process often leads to chewy meat. Understanding the science of slow cooking meat can help prevent this.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Tips

There are so many delicious ways to enjoy these flavorful slow cooker beef tips! My absolute favorite is to serve them over a bed of fluffy white rice, which is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that rich, savory gravy. These slow cooker beef tips with rice make for a complete and incredibly satisfying meal. Another classic pairing is over creamy mashed potatoes – the contrast in textures is just divine. Don’t forget a side of steamed green beans or a simple side salad to round out this hearty comfort food dinner.

Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Let’s break down what makes these slow cooker beef tips so satisfying. I always like to know what I’m eating, and this recipe offers a good balance for a hearty meal.

• Calories: 248 kcal
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 94 mg
• Sodium: 477 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in this slow cooker beef tips recipe.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Beef Tips

One of the best things about this slow cooker beef tips for dinner recipe is how well it stores and reheats. After cooking, let the beef tips cool down slightly on the counter for about 30 minutes before portioning. Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you have a lot of extra, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. For reheating, the microwave is super convenient – just heat on medium power, stirring halfway through, until warmed through. You can also gently reheat them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the gravy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Beef Tips

What are slow cooker beef tips?

Slow cooker beef tips are essentially tender pieces of beef, typically stew meat like chuck roast, slow-cooked in a savory gravy or sauce until they are fork-tender. It’s a classic comfort food dish that’s incredibly easy to make in a crock pot, resulting in a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

What is the best cut of beef for slow cooker beef tips?

The best cut of beef for achieving tender slow cooker beef tips is usually chuck roast or beef stew meat. These cuts have enough marbling and connective tissue that break down beautifully during the long, slow cooking process, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful beef tips. Avoid very lean cuts, as they can become dry.

Can I use a different type of gravy mix?

While brown gravy mix is classic for these slow cooker beef tips, you can experiment! Mushroom or onion gravy mixes can add a different flavor profile. Just be aware that their sodium and flavor intensity might vary, so you may need to adjust seasonings accordingly.

How can I make the gravy thicker?

If your gravy isn’t as thick as you’d like after cooking, you have a couple of easy options. You can remove the lid and let it simmer on the LOW setting for an extra 30 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) stirred into the hot liquid and simmered for a few minutes will thicken it beautifully. For more on thickening sauces, see this guide.

Variations of Slow Cooker Beef Tips You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered this basic slow cooker beef tips recipe easy, you can have fun experimenting! For a delicious twist, try adding sliced mushrooms during the last hour of cooking for amazing slow cooker beef tips with mushrooms. If you’re looking for a richer flavor, swap out some of the beef broth for a dark beer or a splash of red wine. For a creamy finish, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the very end of cooking – it makes these slow cooker beef tips incredibly decadent. You might also enjoy pappardelle with beef ragu for another beefy delight.

• Add Mushrooms: Toss in 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the beef during the last hour of cooking for earthy flavor.
• Beer or Wine Braise: Replace 1 cup of beef broth with a dark beer or dry red wine for a more complex taste.
• Creamy Finish: Stir in ½ cup of sour cream or 4 ounces of softened cream cheese just before serving for a richer sauce.

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