An easy-to-make weeknight dinner recipe that always hits the spot! Slowly cooked till they are fall-apart-tender, these beef tips are rich, hearty, and full of savory flavor for the ultimate comfort food dinner.
Plus, it’s so quick and easy in the crock pot! Your family will love this recipe!
Slow-Cooker Beef Tips are absolutely delicious and full of rich flavor. This easy recipe will help you put a fork-tender comfort food on the dinner table with minimal prep and a cooking time that allows you to get other things done simultaneously.
Ingredients:
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 8 oz baby Bella mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut in strips, excess fat trimmed
- salt & pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup dry red wine + splash for deglazing
- 2-½ cups fat-free beef broth
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + ¼ cup cold water, whisked together
How To Make Slow-Cooker Beef Tips:
Step 1: Place the onions and mushrooms into the bottom of a 4.5-quart slow cooker.
Step 2: Then, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Generously season the steak strips with salt and pepper add them to the hot skillet, and sear the meat on all sides, for about 3 minutes; do not cook through.
Step 3: Place the meat into the slow cooker on top of the vegetables. Splash a couple tablespoons of red wine into the hot skillet and scrape the bottom to remove any browned meat bits. Add these to the crock pot.
Step 4: Season the beef with pepper a second time and add the Worcestershire sauce, red wine, and beef broth. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Step 5: Uncover and slowly whisk in the cornstarch and water mixture. Cover and cook on high for another 45 minutes or until the gravy has thickened.
Step 6: Serve the Slow-Cooker Beef Tips over brown rice (shown), buttered egg noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Cooking Tips:
Cut of beef: Use a tender cut of beef, such as sirloin, stew meat, or chuck roast. Trim excess fat before cooking.
Searing the meat: For extra flavor, sear the beef in a hot skillet with a bit of oil before adding it to the slow cooker. This step helps lock in juices and adds a nice crust.
Vegetables: Add vegetables like onions, carrots, and mushrooms to enhance the flavor of the dish.
Liquid: Use a flavorful liquid like beef broth, red wine, or a combination for a rich sauce. Ensure there’s enough liquid to cover the meat.
Seasoning: Season the dish with herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce for a savory taste.
Cooking time: Slow-cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Longer cooking times on low heat yield more tender results.
Thickening sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I Use A Different Type Of Meat In This Recipe?
You can adapt this recipe with pork or even chicken, but be mindful of the cooking times as they may vary.
2. What Should I Serve With Slow-Cooker Beef Tips?
Common side dishes include mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Steamed vegetables or a side salad complement the meal nicely.
3. Can I Prepare Slow-Cooker Beef Tips In Advance?
You can prep the ingredients in advance, store them in the fridge, and then start the slow cooking process when you’re ready.
4. Is It Necessary To Sear The Meat Before Slow Cooking?
Searing the meat is optional but highly recommended for enhancing the flavor and texture of the beef.
5. Can I Freeze Leftover Slow-Cooker Beef Tips?
Yes, you can freeze the leftover dish in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.
6. How Can I Adjust The Recipe For A Thicker Sauce?
Mix 2-3 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of water and add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir to thicken the sauce.
7. What’s The Difference Between Cooking On Low And High In The Slow Cooker?
Cooking on low typically results in more tender and flavorful dishes, while cooking on high is faster but may yield slightly different textures.
