When you think about a comforting meal that warms you from the inside out, Slow Cooker Beef Tips should be at the top of your list. This dish delivers rich flavors, tender meat, and a satisfying aroma that fills your home as it cooks. With minimal prep time, a slow cooker takes care of the cooking, allowing you to focus on your day while knowing a delicious dinner awaits you. These beef tips are perfect for both a family meal and entertaining guests, making it a versatile recipe worthy of your rotation.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Beef Tips Recipe
This recipe is adored for numerous reasons. First off, it requires minimal hands-on time while providing maximum flavor. You can set it and forget it, which is a blessing for busy lifestyles. The cooking process enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients, allowing each bite to explode with taste. Needing just a handful of ingredients that are easy to find, the recipe is as budget-friendly as it is appetizing.
Moreover, this dish is not just satisfying on its own; it pairs perfectly with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes or pasta. The sauce is so rich and delectable that you won’t want to waste a drop! Whether you are feeding a crowd or simply indulging yourself, Slow Cooker Beef Tips can cater to your needs with grace.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Beef Tips
To make this delicious Slow Cooker Beef Tips, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 pounds stew meat
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 (2-ounce) packet onion soup mix
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips Directions
To kickstart your Slow Cooker Beef Tips journey, you’ll first need to prepare the meat for cooking. Grab a 12-inch skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Once heated, pour in the olive oil. You’ll want to season the 3 pounds of stew meat with salt and ground black pepper evenly. Adding the meat to the skillet in batches allows for a better sear and browning. Allow the meat to develop a beautiful golden crust before moving it to a 4-quart slow cooker.
Once the meat is browned and transferred, it’s time to build the flavor base. Pour in the 3 cups of beef broth, followed by a packet of onion soup mix that will create a marvelous depth. Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for an added layer of flavor, along with the diced onion, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic. Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are well distributed.
Now, cover your slow cooker and let the magic happen. You can choose to cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or opt for the high setting for 3 to 4 hours. As the dish cooks away, the beef becomes tender, and the flavors marry beautifully.
Thirty minutes before serving, prepare a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Mix 1/4 cup of water with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch until it reaches a smooth consistency. Stir this mixture into your slow cooker, ensuring it spreads evenly, and then cover it back up to let it thicken for the remaining half hour. This step is vital for achieving that luscious sauce everyone loves.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Tips
Serving Slow Cooker Beef Tips is one of the most enjoyable parts of this recipe. When it’s ready, use a ladle to scoop out hearty portions of beef and the savory sauce. This dish is delightful over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, where the beef and sauce meld together for a comforting bowl. If you prefer a lighter option, serve it over pasta. The sauce clings beautifully to the noodles, enhancing each bite.
You can also elevate the meal by adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme on top for a vibrant touch. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad to balance out the richness of the beef tips. Now, you have a complete meal that’s sure to impress.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Beef Tips
Here are some expert tips to ensure your Slow Cooker Beef Tips turn out perfect every single time:
- Choosing the Right Meat: Make sure to select high-quality stew meat. Chuck roast is often recommended because it becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
- Browning the Meat: Don’t skip the browning step. It develops a fantastic flavor that will enrich your dish.
- Flavor Boost: Enhance your dish by adding a splash of soy sauce or a teaspoon of mustard to the broth for added complexity.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you want an even thicker sauce, you can also add the cornstarch slurry earlier on to allow it to thicken more as it cooks.
- Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, let them cool before storing. This helps maintain the taste for your future meals.
How to Store Slow Cooker Beef Tips
Storing your Slow Cooker Beef Tips is easy. After cooking, let the dish cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It’s best to keep it in the fridge if you plan on enjoying it within a few days. Properly stored, it can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you’re looking to store it for longer, consider freezing. Divide the beef tips into smaller portions, place them in freezer-safe bags, and remove as much air as possible. When you freeze them this way, they can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Variation of Slow Cooker Beef Tips
One of the fantastic things about this recipe is that it is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or to incorporate seasonal ingredients. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers during the cooking process for a more rounded stew.
- Spices: To change up the flavor profile, consider adding some herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Different Broth: If you want to experiment, try using chicken broth instead of beef broth for a slightly different flavor.
- Whole Grains: Instead of serving over mashed potatoes or pasta, try utilizing rice, quinoa, or even a whole grain like farro for a nutritious twist.
FAQ
What are Slow Cooker Beef Tips?
Slow Cooker Beef Tips are tender chunks of beef cooked slowly in a savory broth, often with added seasonings and vegetables. They typically result in a rich dish perfect for serving over various sides.
How long should I cook Slow Cooker Beef Tips?
You can cook Slow Cooker Beef Tips on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The long, slow cooking allows the meat to become incredibly tender and flavorful.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Beef Tips?
This dish goes well with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or even bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Adding a side of vegetables or a salad can create a well-rounded meal.
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Beef Tips?
Yes, you can! Allow the cooking to cool before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Slow Cooker Beef Tips
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 pounds stew meat Use high-quality chuck roast for the best results.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For browning the meat.
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 cups beef broth Use good quality for best flavor.
- 1 packet onion soup mix (2-ounce)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 0.25 cup water For cornstarch slurry.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch For thickening the sauce.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
- Season the stew meat with salt and black pepper.
- Brown the meat in batches in the skillet, ensuring a golden crust.
- Transfer browned meat to a 4-quart slow cooker.
Building the Flavor
- Pour the beef broth over the browned meat.
- Add the onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, diced onion, mushrooms, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
- Stir to combine all ingredients well.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and choose to cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
Thickening the Sauce
- Thirty minutes before serving, mix water and cornstarch in a bowl until smooth.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker and cover for the remaining 30 minutes.
Serving
- Use a ladle to serve the beef tips over mashed potatoes or pasta.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
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