Slow Cooker Beef Tips – Immaculate Bites

Which Cuts of Meat Works for Slow Cooker Beef Tips?

Some pro home cooks argue for higher-end, more expensive beef cuts. However, I usually go for stew meat when using my slow cooker. Various beef cuts (often chuck and round) are already cubed and ready to go.

Stew meat is convenient and budget-friendly. While it’s true the texture can vary depending on the cut, we’re slow-cooking it. So, it will still get ultra flavorful and tender in the end. 👌

Ingredient List

1. Stew Meat is ideal for perfectly melt-in-your-mouth tender beef tips, thanks to several hours in the crock pot. Tougher cuts of meat cooked low and slow deliver a richer flavor than the more expensive cuts.
2. Liquid – Beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a flour/water slurry make the thick brown gravy mix that makes them so crave-worthy. You’ll also need some cooking oil to sear the beef tips. 
3. Seasonings – Onion, garlic, and fresh thyme make a great flavor base for the gravy mixture. Creole seasoning adds a little kick, along with bouillon powder, salt, and pepper.

How to Make Beef Tips and Gravy in a Slow Cooker

• Heat – Heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. (Photo 1)
• Season the cubed stew meat with salt, black pepper, and Creole seasoning (if using). Add the seasoned beef to the pot. (Photo 2)
• Brown the beef, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. That should take about 2 minutes per side. (Photo 3)
• Saute Aromatics – Once the meat browns, add the minced onion. Saute the onion, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and thyme. Stir while cooking for another minute until fragrant. (Photo 4)
• Deglaze – Pour a small amount of water (or red wine) into the pot to deglaze it, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Cook for another minute. (Photo 5)
• Assemble – Transfer the contents of the pot to a slow cooker. Add the beef broth, bouillon powder, and Worcestershire sauce to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
• Cook – Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The beef is done when fork-tender and shreds easily.
• Thicken – About 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete, prepare the thickening mixture. In a small bowl, whisk the flour and water until smooth. Then, stir it into the slow cooker, mixing well. (Photos 6-7)
• Adjust – Add more water or beef broth to reach your desired consistency if the sauce is too thick. Do a taste test and adjust seasonings as desired with additional salt and black pepper. (Photo 8)
• Serve the beef stew over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Recipe Variations

1. Red wine beef tips. Add a half cup of red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon) to the slow cooker along with the beef broth. Wine adds depth and complexity.
2. Mushrooms. Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions before adding them to the slow cooker. They soak up the sauce’s flavors, adding a deliciously earthy umami.
3. Pepper steak beef tips. Include sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), a dash of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a little sugar. The peppers add color and crunch. 😋
4. Gluten-free. Replace the flour with two tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 4 tablespoons of cold water.

Tips & Tricks

1. Avoid overcrowding. Overloading the slow cooker can result in uneven cooking and not-so-tender beef. Aim to fill it about two-thirds to three-quarters full.
2. Don’t skip searing. The Maillard reaction locks in flavor and adds a rich, caramelized layer. The few minutes it takes make a huge difference.
3. The lower, the better. Cooking beef tips on low for a longer (usually 6-8 hours) yields the best results as it breaks down connective tissue, making tenderer and more flavorful beef. Cooking beef tips too quickly at high temperatures can make them tough. ☹️

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Crockpot beef tips are a great make-ahead because they taste even better the next day! Prepare it, let it cool, then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze it for 3-4 months.

Refrigerate leftover beef tips in an airtight container for 3-5 days. Reheat them on the stovetop over medium until the gravy and tips are nice and hot when ready to enjoy.

What Goes With Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Pair slow cooker beef tips with gravy over steamy saffron rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles and a side salad. Some homemade garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the gravy. And a no-syrup pecan pie makes a sweet finish.

More Amazing Slow-Cooker Meal Recipes

1. Pot Roast
2. Beef Stew
3. Chicken Thighs
4. Pork Loin
5. Lamb Stew

By Imma