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Slow Cooker Beef Tips Recipe

Slow Cooker Beef Tips Recipe - Easy Family Meal

If there’s one dish I can confidently say is a crowd-pleaser, it’s slow cooker beef tips. With a few basic ingredients, you can create something special, something satisfying. This dish is an embrace on a plate, perfect for those chilly evenings or lazy weekends when you just want comfort.
Having spent years honing my cooking skills as a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I assure you there’s something magical about letting the slow cooker do its work. 
As the hours pass, the flavors meld and the aroma fills your home, you’ll understand why this recipe ranks high on my list. Let's embark on this culinary journey together!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp dark Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 lbs beef stew cubes
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 packet French onion soup mix
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 cups rich beef broth
  • 3 tbsp corn starch
  • 2 cups cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Freshly ground salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup water

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
  1. Start by chopping and preparing all the ingredients. Mince the garlic and finely chop the onion. This step is straightforward but crucial. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew cubes. Brown them on all sides. This step adds a rich flavor that will enhance the overall dish. Don’t rush it; get a nice golden color on the beef.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
  1. Once your beef is nicely browned, toss in the garlic and onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onions soften and the mixture becomes fragrant.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
  1. Here’s where the magic happens! Pour in a splash of beef broth to deglaze the pan. Scrape any brown bits from the bottom. They hold incredible flavor. Keep this mix aside for now.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
  1. Transfer the beef and aromatics into the slow cooker. Add the remaining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and the French onion soup mix. This is your flavor base. Stir everything gently to combine.
Step 6: Add the Mushrooms
  1. Now, gently fold in the sliced cremini mushrooms. They will soften and release flavor while cooking, adding to the overall dish.
Step 7: Cook on Low
  1. Set your slow cooker to low and let it do its work for about 6-8 hours. You can also set it on high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time. The longer cooking time is ideal for the beef to tenderize and flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 8: Thicken the Gravy
  1. About 30 minutes before serving, mix the corn starch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker. It will thicken the juices, giving you a luscious gravy.
Step 9: Season to Taste
  1. Before serving, taste the dish. Adjust salt and pepper as necessary. Flavor can change as the dish cooks, so this step is key to ensuring it hits all the right notes.

Notes

  • Choose the Right Cut: Use chuck roast or another stewing beef. These cuts become tender through slow cooking.
  • Don't Skip Browning: Searing the beef adds depth of flavor. It’s an extra step worth taking.
  • Layer Your Flavors: Adding ingredients in a specific order ensures flavors develop properly. Start with the meat, then aromatics, followed by liquids.
  • Play with Seasonings: Feel free to adjust seasonings according to your preference. Fresh herbs can add extra dimension.
  • Let it Rest: Allow the beef tips to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will help the flavors settle.