A few days ago, I was walking through the park when I noticed a young dad trying to juggle a toddler, a stroller, and a half-open container of takeout. The kid was hungry, clearly not impressed with the soggy fries, and the dad looked like he hadn’t had a real meal in days.
It reminded me how hard it can be to get a wholesome dinner on the table when life pulls you in a hundred directions—work, kids, errands, the constant ticking clock.
Later that evening, I pulled out my slow cooker and decided to make something that didn’t ask for much—but gave a lot back. Creamy crockpot beef tips with mushrooms. It’s low-effort, deeply satisfying, and the kind of thing that makes you pause mid-bite and realize you’re actually relaxed for the first time all day. I thought about that dad again and wished I could’ve handed him a plate—warm, comforting, no napkins needed.
That’s the kind of food this is. Not flashy or fancy. Just honest, filling, and deeply grounding—like a gentle hand on your shoulder after a long day. Meals like this remind us to slow down and take care of ourselves, even when we’re stretched thin.
Short Description
Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms is a rich and savory slow-cooked dish featuring tender stew meat and mushrooms in a silky, sour cream-based sauce. Perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Key Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper
Tools Needed
- Slow cooker (4–6 quart)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker
Add the beef stew meat and sliced mushrooms directly to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 3: Pour and Mix
Pour the sauce over the beef and mushrooms. Use a spoon to gently mix everything so the meat is evenly coated.
Step 4: Cook Low & Slow
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender and the sauce is thick and creamy.
Step 5: Stir and Serve
Stir everything gently before serving to blend the sauce. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Incredibly tender beef with minimal effort
– Comforting, rich mushroom cream sauce
– Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd
– Versatile with sides like rice, noodles, or potatoes
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Mistake 1: Using lean beef
Leaner cuts may dry out. Stick to stew meat or chuck for the best texture.
Mistake 2: Not stirring the sauce well
If your sauce separates or looks grainy, it might not have been mixed fully. Whisk until smooth before adding.
Mistake 3: Overcooking on high
While 4 hours on high works, cooking on low gives the best texture. Avoid overcooking, especially if using smaller chunks.
Mistake 4: Skipping the seasoning
Even with soup, you still need garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for depth. Don’t skimp!
Mistake 5: Adding sour cream too early on the stovetop
If adapting for stovetop, add sour cream at the end to avoid curdling.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve Over: Creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or fluffy rice
Pair With: Roasted green beans, buttered peas, or a simple side salad
Serving Style: Serve family-style straight from the slow cooker or ladled onto plates for a more elegant dinner
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freeze: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months
Reheat: Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Chuck roast cut into chunks works beautifully. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin.
2. Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned soup?
You can, but keep the canned soup—it gives that creamy base. Add extra sautéed mushrooms if you love them.
3. Is it okay to cook this on high the whole time?
Yes, but low and slow yields better texture. If you’re short on time, 4 hours on high still works.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Swap sour cream for dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or plant-based yogurt, and use a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup.
5. Will this work without a slow cooker?
Yes! Sear the beef first, then simmer everything in a Dutch oven for 2 hours on low, covered.
Tips & Tricks
– For extra richness, sear the beef in a hot skillet before slow cooking.
– Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for deeper flavor.
– Stir in a handful of fresh parsley before serving for brightness.
– Want more mushrooms? Add another cup halfway through cooking.
– Don’t skip the resting time—let the dish sit for 5 minutes after cooking for best flavor blending.
Recipe Variations
Creamy Herb Beef Tips
Add 1 tsp dried thyme and 1/2 tsp rosemary to the sauce. Use herb-seasoned cream of mushroom soup if available.
Spicy Beef Tips
Stir in 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes and 1 tbsp hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a kick.
Beef Tips with Onion Gravy
Swap the cream of mushroom for cream of onion soup and add a packet of dry onion soup mix. Omit the mushrooms if preferred.
Low-Sodium Version
Use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and beef broth. Add salt to taste at the end to control sodium levels.
Final Thoughts
Making this dish reminded me that cooking doesn’t need to be complicated to feel rewarding. When the beef is tender, the sauce is rich, and your kitchen smells like home, the day just feels easier. It’s a meal that asks for patience, not perfection—something many of us could use more of.
I like how this recipe quietly delivers comfort without a lot of noise. It’s dependable, nourishing, and always hits the spot. And when life feels heavy or a little chaotic, it’s one of the few things that brings calm back to the table.
Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips And Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup beef broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Place the beef stew meat and sliced mushrooms in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the beef and mushrooms. Gently stir to coat everything evenly.
- Cover with the lid and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the sauce is thick and creamy.
- Stir gently before serving. Spoon over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a hearty meal.
