This Easy Slow Cooker Beef Tips recipe is a winner! It’s all about juicy, tender beef cooked slowly in a delicious sauce that’s packed with flavor. Just toss everything in and let the slow cooker do the work!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using beef sirloin or stew meat for maximum tenderness. If you’re looking for a budget option, chuck roast works too. Just remember to cut it into smaller pieces to help it cook evenly.
Onion & Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic are key for flavor. If you’re short on time, dried onion flakes and garlic powder can work in a pinch, but fresh is always better!
Red Wine: This adds depth to the sauce, but you can skip it or use beef broth instead if you’d like to keep it alcohol-free.
Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary are great, but if you have fresh herbs, feel free to replace them! Just double the amount since fresh herbs are less concentrated.
Mushrooms: Adding mushrooms is optional but highly recommended if you love their flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can omit them entirely or add in another vegetable like carrots or bell peppers.
How Do I Make Sure My Beef Comes Out Tender?
Tender beef is all about low and slow cooking. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Cut your beef into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Use a good amount of liquid (broth and wine) to keep the beef moist as it cooks.
- Cooking on low for 6 to 8 hours is better than on high. It allows the collagen in the meat to break down and become tender.
Lastly, let it rest for a few minutes after cooking; this helps the juices redistribute for the juiciest beef ever!
Easy Slow Cooker Beef Tips Recipe For Tender Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Beef: 2 pounds beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Veggies: 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more beef broth)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Mushrooms: 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- Thickening Agent: 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation, plus 6 to 8 hours of cooking time on low (or 3 to 4 hours on high). So, it’s perfect for a day when you want a hearty meal but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by cutting the beef sirloin or stew meat into bite-sized pieces. When that’s done, chop the onion and mince the garlic. If you’re using mushrooms, slice them up as well. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process super easy!
2. Combine the Ingredients:
Place the beef pieces in your slow cooker first. Next, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms. Getting all your ingredients in one place sets the stage for delicious flavors!
3. Whisk Together the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine (if you’re using it), soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. This mixture is packed with flavor and will create a tasty sauce for your beef tips!
4. Pour and Stir:
Pour the sauce over the beef and veggies in the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir so that the beef is well-coated with the sauce. This ensures every bite is flavorful!
5. Slow Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can opt for high heat and cook it for 3 to 4 hours. Either way, you’ll end up with tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef!
6. Thicken the Sauce:
About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, mix the cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. Give it a gentle stir and cover again.
7. Final Cooking:
Let the beef tips cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes with the lid on. This allows the sauce to thicken up nicely!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
When it’s done, serve your delicious beef tips over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. Don’t forget to garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor!
Enjoy your tender, flavorful slow cooker beef tips—perfect for a cozy dinner! 😊
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Beef in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! However, it’s best to thaw the beef completely in the fridge before cooking for the most tender results. If you’re short on time, you can also use the microwave’s defrost setting, but be sure to pat it dry before adding it to the slow cooker.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Wine?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use wine, simply replace it with another half cup of beef broth. The dish will still be delicious and packed with flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover beef tips in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth to loosen it up while reheating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes, you can definitely add other vegetables! Carrots, bell peppers, or peas are great options. Just keep in mind they may need different cooking times, so add them according to how long they take to become tender.
