A hearty, soul-warming classic with rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth beef
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes deliver like Slow Cooker Beef Tips. Imagine tender, juicy chunks of beef simmering in a savory, flavorful sauce, filling your home with irresistible aromas. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day—and the best part? Your slow cooker does most of the work.
This dish is a family favorite for good reason. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and absolutely satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping a cozy dinner for two, this is one of those meals that will quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation.
What Are Slow Cooker Beef Tips?
Beef tips are typically cut from the chuck or round—tender chunks of meat perfect for slow cooking. The name may not be fancy, but the results are pure comfort. Thanks to hours of gentle cooking, these tips become fork-tender and soaked in a savory, rich gravy that tastes like it simmered all day (because it did!).
If you’ve ever loved a traditional beef stew or a creamy beef stroganoff, this recipe hits those same satisfying notes—with even less effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-tender beef from low and slow cooking
- One-pot ease with minimal prep and cleanup
- Customizable with different seasonings, proteins, or veggies
- Freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep
- Versatile enough to serve with noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef tips (cut into bite-sized chunks)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips
Prep the Beef
Pat the beef tips dry and toss them in flour to coat. This helps seal in flavor and gives the final sauce some body.
Brown the Beef
In a hot skillet with olive oil, brown the beef tips in batches—3–4 minutes per side. This step adds rich, deep flavor you can’t replicate later.
Sauté Aromatics
Remove the beef, then sauté onions until soft (about 3 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Combine Everything
Add beef, onions, and garlic to your slow cooker. Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours—until the beef is tender and the sauce is rich.
Optional: Thicken the Sauce
For a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it in during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking. Set your cooker to high to allow it to thicken.
What to Serve with Beef Tips
- Mashed Potatoes: Classic pairing for soaking up that savory sauce
- Egg Noodles: Great for a stroganoff-style dinner
- Steamed Rice: A light and fluffy base
- Roasted Veggies: Carrots, green beans, or broccoli
- Crusty Bread: For dipping and scooping every last bit of gravy
Top Tips for the Best Beef Tips
- Use well-marbled beef like chuck roast for best tenderness
- Don’t skip the sear—it locks in flavor and adds complexity
- Deglaze your pan with a splash of broth after browning to capture those flavorful browned bits
- Customize with wine or mushrooms for added depth
- For a creamier gravy, stir in a splash of cream or sour cream at the end
Storing and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge
To Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Beef Tips are the kind of dish that turns a regular dinner into something memorable. With just 15 minutes of prep and a slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, you’ll have a rich, comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners, cozy weekends, or even make-ahead meal prep. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll come back to it again and again.
The Goods
Slow Cooker Beef Tips
We appreciate you taking the time to rate!
Equipment
- Slow Cooker (6-quart or larger)
- Large Skillet (for browning beef)
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk (optional, for mixing sauce or slurry)
Recipes
For the Beef Tips:
- 2 lbs beef tips cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour for coating
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for browning
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups beef broth low sodium recommended
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional (for thickening):
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water for slurry
Instructions
Prep the Beef
- Pat the beef tips dry with a paper towel to help them brown properly. Toss the beef pieces in flour, shaking off any excess.
Brown the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef tips in batches, about 3–4 minutes per side, until browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Sauté Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until translucent (about 3–5 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Add to the slow cooker.
Make the Sauce
- In a mixing bowl or directly in the slow cooker, combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Slow Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until beef is fork-tender and the flavors are well developed.
Optional: Thicken the Sauce
- If you’d like a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker, then cook on high for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until thickened.
Serve & Enjoy
- Stir gently and serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Leave a Reply