Crockpot Beef Tips are the perfect comfort food for any night. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and tender meal that practically cooks itself. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with juicy beef tips in a rich, savory sauce. Serve them over rice or mashed potatoes or with crusty bread for a satisfying dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Why We Love This crockpot beef tips
Crockpot Beef Tips are the ultimate solution for a no-fuss, flavorful dinner that’s perfect for busy days. This recipe is all about simplicity, tender meat, and rich, savory flavors that develop as the beef slowly cooks in the Crockpot. Here’s why we can’t get enough of this dish:
- Effortless Cooking: One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is. Simply add your ingredients to the slow cooker, set it, and let the magic happen. No need to stand over the stove; the slow cooker does all the work for you.
- Perfectly Tender Beef: As the beef tips cook, they become incredibly tender and juicy. The slow cooking process breaks down the meat, making every bite melt in your mouth.
- Flavorful Broth: The broth in this recipe is rich and full of flavor. Whether it’s seasoned with garlic, onions, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce, it creates a delicious base that complements the beef perfectly.
- Versatility: Serve these beef tips over mashed potatoes, rice, or even noodles for a satisfying meal. You can easily adapt the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or changing up the seasonings to suit your tastes.
- Family Favorite: This meal is sure to please everyone. It’s hearty, comforting, and the kind of dish that makes everyone gather around the table to enjoy.
With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this Crockpot Beef Tips recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to make a stress-free, satisfying meal.
Ingredients for crockpot beef tips
Beef Tips: Use stew meat or chuck roast for tender, juicy beef tips. Lean cuts may result in drier beef.
Beef Broth: Beef broth is recommended for a rich, savory base, though chicken or vegetable broth can be used as alternatives.
Onion: Onion adds sweetness and depth to the sauce, with shallots being a mild alternative.
Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the savory taste of the dish, though garlic powder can be substituted in a pinch.
Worcestershire Sauce: Provides tangy, umami flavor to complement the beef.
Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and deepens the flavor of the dish; low-sodium soy sauce can be used for a lighter version.
Dried Thyme: Adds earthy flavor, and fresh thyme can be substituted if preferred.
Beef Gravy Mix: Thickens the sauce and adds rich flavor; cornstarch or a roux can be alternatives.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste to balance the flavors in the dish.
Instructions
Making these Crockpot Beef Tips is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow these simple steps for a perfectly tender and flavorful dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Chop the onion and mince the garlic to enhance the flavor of the dish.
Step 2: Add the Beef Tips
Place the beef tips into the Crockpot. These cuts are ideal for slow cooking and will become tender as they cook.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, combine the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and beef gravy mix. Stir until everything is well combined and the gravy mix dissolves.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the Crockpot. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and stir to ensure the beef is well-coated.
Step 5: Cook
Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef becomes tender and absorbs the flavors.
Step 6: Season to Taste
Taste the sauce and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. If you want a thicker sauce, simmer it uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Pro Tips for crockpot beef tips
To make your Crockpot Beef Tips even more delicious, here are some pro tips to elevate the dish and ensure it turns out perfect every time:
Searing the Beef (Optional but Recommended): Before adding the beef tips to the Crockpot, consider browning them in a hot skillet with a little oil. This step locks in the flavor, adding a rich, caramelized crust that enhances the overall taste. It only takes a few minutes but makes a noticeable difference.
Customize the Flavor: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For extra depth, you can also throw in a couple of bay leaves or a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help the sauce cling to the beef, making it even more flavorful.
Check for Tenderness: The key to perfect beef tips is tender meat. If the beef isn’t as tender as you’d like, let it cook a bit longer. Slow cooking is forgiving, and the beef will continue to break down and become more tender with time.
Meal Prep Tip: This recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently, and you’ve got another comforting meal ready to go!
These tips will help you take your Crockpot Beef Tips to the next level, ensuring a dish that’s full of rich, deep flavor and perfectly tender meat every time you make it.
Variations
While Crockpot Beef Tips are delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize the recipe to suit your preferences or experiment with different flavors. Here are a few variations to make the dish your own:
Add Vegetables: Throw in some carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor. These hearty vegetables soak up the savory sauce, making the meal even more filling. If you’re using potatoes, cut them into chunks to ensure they cook evenly alongside the beef.
Change the Meat: If you prefer a leaner option, swap out the beef for chicken thighs or pork shoulder. Both options work wonderfully in the slow cooker and will result in tender, juicy meat after hours of cooking.
Add Red Wine: For a richer, deeper flavor, stir in a bit of red wine with the broth. This addition gives the dish a more complex taste and is perfect for a special dinner.
Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add a finely chopped jalapeño or some chili powder to the sauce. You can adjust the spice level to your liking, giving the dish an extra layer of flavor.
Make it Creamy: For a creamy twist, add a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream right before serving. This adds richness to the sauce and makes the beef tips even more indulgent.
These variations are a great way to get creative and make the recipe your own, whether you want to stick to the classic version or try something new.
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Beef Tips
The Crockpot Beef Tips are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of side dishes to make a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Over Mashed Potatoes: The rich, flavorful gravy of the beef tips is perfect when served over creamy mashed potatoes. The potatoes soak up the sauce, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
With Rice: For a lighter option, serve the beef tips over fluffy white or brown rice. The rice will absorb the savory juices, creating a delicious balance of textures.
With Egg Noodles: If you’re craving something a little more indulgent, serve the beef tips over egg noodles. The noodles are a comforting base that complements the tender beef perfectly.
With Crusty Bread: Don’t forget a side of crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. A good piece of bread makes every bite more satisfying and helps you enjoy every last drop of the gravy.
More Beef recipes you will love!
FAQs about crockpot beef tips
Here are some frequently asked questions about Crockpot Beef Tips, with answers to help you make the most of this delicious recipe:
How long do you cook beef tips in the Crockpot?
For tender, flavorful beef tips, cook them in the Crockpot on low for about 6-8 hours. This slow cooking method ensures the beef becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all the delicious seasonings.
Can I use frozen beef tips in the Crockpot?
While it’s best to thaw beef tips before cooking, you can use frozen beef tips in the Crockpot. Just make sure to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours. However, thawing them first ensures a better texture and more even cooking.
What cut of beef is best for Crockpot beef tips?
The best cuts for Crockpot beef tips are typically chuck roast or sirloin. These cuts become tender and juicy when slow-cooked. Avoid leaner cuts, as they may become dry.
Can I make Crockpot beef tips ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare Crockpot beef tips a day in advance and refrigerate them. The flavors often improve after sitting overnight, and you can simply reheat them when you’re ready to serve.
crockpot beef tips
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef tips stew meat or chuck roast
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 packet beef gravy mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping your onion and mincing the garlic. This step only takes a few minutes, but it’ll make a big difference in flavor!
- Add the Beef Tips: Place the beef tips into the Crockpot. These cuts are ideal for slow cooking, as they’ll become incredibly tender as they cook.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and beef gravy mix. Stir until everything is well mixed and the gravy mix dissolves.
- Layer the Ingredients: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the Crockpot. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and stir to combine, ensuring the beef is well-coated.
- Cook: Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef will become tender and soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Season to Taste: Once done, taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer the mixture uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.