If you’re searching for a comforting, hearty dinner that practically cooks itself, look no further than slow cooker beef tips. This delicious dish features tender chunks of beef simmered slowly in a rich, savory gravy—perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this easy recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
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🥩 What Are Beef Tips?
Beef tips typically refer to small, tender pieces of beef that come from cuts like sirloin, tenderloin, or chuck. They’re ideal for slow cooking because they soak up flavors and become melt-in-your-mouth tender after a few hours. You may also see stew meat labeled as beef tips in some grocery stores—either works great for this recipe.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make flavorful slow cooker beef tips:
- 2 pounds beef tips or stew meat
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for umami depth)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Optional additions: sliced mushrooms, baby carrots, or peas.
🍲 How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips
Follow these easy steps to make this delicious dish:
Step 1: Sear the Meat (Optional but Recommended)
In a hot skillet, brown the beef tips on all sides for extra flavor. This step is optional but enhances the final taste.
Step 2: Add to the Slow Cooker
Place the seared beef into your slow cooker. Add onions, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), mushroom soup, and thyme. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
- On Low: Cook for 6–8 hours
- On High: Cook for 3–4 hours
The beef should be fork-tender and the flavors fully developed.
Step 4: Thicken the Gravy
30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch and water, then stir it into the slow cooker. Cook uncovered for 20–30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
🍽️ What to Serve with Beef Tips
These slow cooker beef tips are delicious served over:
- Mashed potatoes (classic and creamy)
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Egg noodles
- Roasted vegetables or green beans
Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper for an extra touch.
🔄 Variations and Substitutions
- No mushroom soup? Use a simple roux (flour + butter) and beef broth for homemade gravy.
- Gluten-free? Make sure the soup and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free, or use cornstarch to thicken.
- Want deeper flavor? Add 1 tablespoon tomato paste or 1/4 cup red wine.
❄️ Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Microwave or reheat in a saucepan on low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip searing the beef?
Yes! While it adds extra flavor, the dish will still taste great if you toss everything into the slow cooker directly.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely. Use the sauté function to brown the beef, then pressure cook on high for 35 minutes with a natural release.
How can I make it creamier or more savory?
Add a splash of heavy cream, or more mushroom soup near the end of cooking. For richer flavor, use bone broth instead of regular beef broth.
📄 Printable Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Beef Tips Recipe
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6–8 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef tips or stew meat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
Instructions:
- (Optional) Sear beef tips in a hot pan until browned.
- Add beef and all other ingredients (except cornstarch mix) to the slow cooker.
- Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Mix cornstarch and water; add to slow cooker 30 mins before serving to thicken.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
🧡 Final Thoughts
This slow cooker beef tips recipe is the ultimate comfort food—perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or when you want to impress with minimal effort. It’s rich, flavorful, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Loved the recipe? Leave a comment or share it with a friend who needs an easy dinner idea!