There’s nothing quite like the comforting and delicious aroma of slow-cooked beef filling your home. Slow-Cooker Beef Tips combines the richness of tender beef simmered in a flavorful sauce, resulting in a hearty and satisfying dish.
While its origins may be unclear, this classic recipe has become a staple in many households, loved for its simplicity and incredible taste.
This dish pairs perfectly with various sides, enhancing its flavors and turning it into a complete meal. Here are a few suggestions to elevate your dining experience:
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a smooth and velvety canvas for the flavorful beef tips. They complement each other wonderfully, creating a comforting combination.
Steamed Vegetables: A vibrant mix of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and green beans, adds a refreshing and healthy element to the dish. The vibrant colors and crisp texture create a delightful contrast to the tender beef.
Buttered Egg Noodles: The buttery and slightly chewy egg noodles make a great companion for the beef tips. The noodles absorb the rich sauce, enhancing the overall taste and texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 lbs beef sirloin tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup dry red wine, plus a dash for deglazing
- 2.5 cups of beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp of cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup of cold water
Instructions:
Step 1: Place onions and mushrooms into slow cooker.
Step 2: Season beef with salt and pepper, then sear in the skillet until browned.
Add browned beef to slow cooker on top of onions/mushrooms. Add a few tablespoons of red wine to scrape of brown bits from skillet and put into slow cooker.
Step 3: Pour Worcestershire essence, 1/4 cup red wine, and beef broth into the slow cooker. Season again as desired.
Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender.
Step 5: In the last hour of cooking, mix cornstarch and cold water in a bowl.
Step 6: Stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. Serve the tender beef tips and sauce over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Tips:
Opt for a well-marbled cut of beef for tenderness. Chuck roast or stew meat works well for slow cooking.
While it’s not mandatory, searing the beef before placing it in the slow cooker enhances the flavor. Brown the beef in a hot pan with oil until it forms a golden crust.
Dust the beef with flour before searing to create a flavorful crust and to help thicken the sauce.
Enhance the dish with aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. These add depth of flavor.
Fresh herbs are great, but if you don’t have them, dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves work well in slow-cooked dishes.
Cooking on low heat for an extended period enhances the tenderness of the beef. Aim for 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
FAQs:
1. Can I use frozen beef?
It’s generally recommended to use thawed beef for even cooking. Thaw it in the refrigerator before adding it to the slow cooker.
2. Do I need to brown the beef before slow cooking?
While it’s not mandatory, searing the beef enhances the flavor and texture of the dish. It adds a layer of richness.
3. Can I leave the slow cooker unattended?
Slow cookers are designed to be left unattended. However, it’s always a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for safety.
4. How do I prevent overcooking?
Follow the recommended cooking times, and avoid opening the slow cooker frequently, as this can extend the cooking time.
5. Can I use other meats?
Absolutely! This recipe can be adapted for pork or even chicken. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
7. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, place them in the slow cooker and start cooking.
8. What side dishes pair well with slow-cooked beef tips?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of crusty bread are great choices to soak up the delicious sauce.