Beef Tips Crock Pot Recipe : Easy Tender Slow Cooker Meal

Beef Tips Crock Pot Recipe : Easy Tender Slow Cooker Meal promises a hearty, comforting, and effortless dish. Juicy beef in a rich gravy, perfect for busy days.

This recipe creates succulent beef tips simmered in a savory, deeply flavorful gravy. The slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.

Imagine tender pieces of beef, meltingly soft, enveloped in a luscious sauce. The aroma alone is enough to evoke feelings of warmth and satisfaction, promising a hearty and comforting dining experience.

Slow-cooked dishes like this evoke a sense of tradition, reminiscent of comforting home-cooked meals enjoyed for generations. This version, streamlined for modern kitchens, retains all the heartiness of the original while simplifying the process.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its practicality. It is an ideal choice for weeknight dinners, allowing for a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal hands-on time. The ingredients are readily available, and the method is remarkably straightforward.

While this recipe provides a solid foundation, variations abound. Some cooks add mushrooms, onions, or peppers for added depth of flavor, while others incorporate a touch of red wine for richness. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, offering endless possibilities for customization.

Ready to savor the rich flavors and tender texture of slow-cooked beef? The detailed recipe below provides step-by-step instructions to guide one through the simple yet rewarding process.

Recipe Metadata

• Categories: Slow Cooker Recipes, Main Dishes, Easy Recipes, Fall Recipes, Winter Recipes
• Courses: Dinner, Main Dishes
• Cuisines: American
• Keywords: Beef Tips, Crock Pot, Slow Cooker, Comfort Food, Gravy, Weeknight Meal

Estimated Cost: $20.00 total

Preparation Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
• Recipe Yield: Serves 6 people

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef tips, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions

• Step 1: Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef tips in batches until browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to the dish.
• Step 2: Saut Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and saut until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
• Step 3: Create a Roux: Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This helps to thicken the gravy.
• Step 4: Deglaze the Pan: Gradually pour in beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and bring to a simmer.
• Step 5: Combine Ingredients in Crock-Pot: Transfer the beef tips and broth mixture to a slow cooker. Add the bay leaf.
• Step 6: Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef tips are tender.
• Step 7: Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve the beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.

Optional: For a thicker gravy, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Nutritional Information

Approximate nutritional values per serving:

Essential Cooking Equipment

• Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot)
• Large Skillet
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knife
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon

Variations

The basic recipe for this dish offers a versatile base for numerous adaptations:

• Ingredient Swaps: Beef chuck can be substituted for beef tips. Add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots to the slow cooker for added texture and nutrition.
• Regional Twists: Incorporate a can of diced tomatoes and chili powder for a southwestern-inspired flavor. A splash of red wine during the browning process contributes a richer depth to the gravy.
• Dietary Adjustments: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening. To reduce sodium, use low-sodium beef broth and minimize added salt.

Serving Suggestions

This dish presents several appealing serving options. Serve over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a classic comfort food experience. The beef tips and gravy are also excellent over rice or polenta. For a complete meal, accompany the dish with a side of steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple salad. It suits both casual family dinners and more formal gatherings.

Storage Tips

Proper storage is key to preserving freshness. Allow the cooked beef tips and gravy to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerated, the dish will maintain quality for 3-4 days. For longer storage, the cooked beef tips can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Question 1: Can I use frozen beef tips? Yes, frozen beef tips can be used. Ensure they are fully thawed before searing.
• Question 2: Can I cook this on high instead of low? Yes, the recipe can be cooked on high for 3-4 hours. However, cooking on low generally results in more tender beef.
• Question 3: The gravy is too thin. How do I thicken it? Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Question 4: Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker? Yes, carrots, potatoes, onions, and mushrooms are popular additions. Add them at the beginning of the cooking process.

Summary & Final Thoughts

This slow-cooked beef tips recipe offers a delightful combination of rich flavor and ultimate convenience. The tender beef and savory gravy create a comforting meal thats perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spices. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences, and experiment with different side dishes to create a meal that is truly your own.

We hope you’re inspired to try this simple yet satisfying recipe. Don’t hesitate to share your culinary creations and experiences. Your feedback is highly valued.

Happy cooking! Let us know how yours turns out!