Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe
Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms is a delightful dish that brings together tender beef tips and earthy mushrooms in a rich, savory gravy. The aroma of slow-cooked beef wafts through your home, creating an inviting atmosphere that entices everyone to the dinner table. This recipe is perfect for busy weekday meals or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. With just a few ingredients and a simple step-by-step process, this meal promises hearty warmth and satisfaction. It’s one of those comforting recipes that will make you feel right at home and keep you coming back for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms recipe is loved for its ease of preparation and comforting flavors. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to go about your day while the beef tenderizes and flavors meld together perfectly. With family-friendly appeal, this dish works wonders for fussy eaters who enjoy hearty meals. Also, it requires minimal ingredients while delivering maximum taste. This recipe is great for anyone looking for a traditional, homestyle meal that doesn’t consume your entire evening.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms
Let’s dive into the ingredients that will come together to create your scrumptious Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms. Each component offers a special note to the dish, enhancing its depth of flavor:
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil, divided (for Instant Pot version only)
- 2 lbs. beef tips (cubed sirloin) or cubed beef stew meat (1- to 2-inch pieces)
- 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen pearl onions (add while still frozen)
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced or coarsely diced
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 to 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- Cooked mashed potatoes, mashed parsnips, cauliflower, or noodles (for serving)
- Snipped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Directions
Creating this dish is a breeze! Follow these simple steps for an incredible meal:
Prep the Slow Cooker: In a 6- to 7-quart slow cooker, begin by adding beef tips, frozen pearl onions, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the beef and onions evenly with the tomato paste and seasonings.
Layer with Mushrooms: Next, layer the sliced mushrooms on top and pour the beef broth over everything in the slow cooker, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
Slow Cook the Beef: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to high for about 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours until the beef is tender. This gentle cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Thicken the Gravy: Once the beef is tender, ladle out ¼ cup of hot cooking liquid into a small bowl. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the slow cooker, mix well, and cover again. Set to high and cook for 30 minutes or until the gravy has thickened. If you desire a thicker gravy, repeat the slurry step by adding an additional 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
Serve and Enjoy: Finally, spoon the delicious beef tips and gravy over cooked mashed potatoes, parsnips, cauliflower, or noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a touch of color and aroma.
Tips & Tricks
- Switch It Up: For added flavor, consider sautéing the beef tips in avocado oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This step can enhance the meat’s taste with a searing effect.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to include other vegetables like carrots or peas for added nutrition and flavor.
- Flavor Boost: A dash of Worcestershire sauce can add an extra layer of umami flavor if desired.
- Meal Prep Fun: Prepare this on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week, as it keeps beautifully in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
When serving Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms, pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes offers the perfect canvas for the savory gravy. Alternatively, consider pairing it with fluffy cauliflower mash for a lighter option or a bed of egg noodles. Fresh green beans or a side salad can add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors. For those looking for a little fun, serving this dish with crusty bread allows for perfect sopping of the delicious gravy.
Nutritional Information
This dish is hearty and welcoming, making it ideal for family dinners. Generally, a serving of Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms contains around 350-400 calories, depending on the serving size and sides added. While it’s fine to indulge in comfort foods, ensure you balance this meal with lighter options throughout the week for overall nutritional wellness.
Storing Tips & Variations for Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms
Leftovers can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to retain moisture. If you wish to freeze this dish, portion out servings in freezer-safe containers, ensuring to leave space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
For a healthier alternative, consider swapping traditional beef for lean cuts like sirloin, or using plant-based meat substitutes to create a vegetarian version.
Conclusion for Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms
There’s nothing more comforting than a plate of Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms, and it’s perfect for any occasion—whether a casual family dinner or a hearty meal to impress friends. The delightful flavor, along with the simplicity of preparation, makes this recipe a must-try. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and treat yourself to a comforting meal today!
FAQs
1. Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Yes! While sirloin is a great choice, you can also use chuck roast or round steak; just be sure to adjust cooking times for tenderness.
2. Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! There’s an Instant Pot variation available where the sauté function is used to brown the beef and deglaze the pot, followed by cooking on high pressure.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this recipe is gluten-free. Just make sure that any cornstarch used is certified gluten-free.
4. How can I make this dish spicier?
For a kick of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it the night before and let it slow cook while you’re out running errands or at work. Just store the cooked dish in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms
Ingredients
For the Beef and Gravy
- 2 lbs beef tips (cubed sirloin or cubed beef stew meat) 1- to 2-inch pieces
- 1 bag frozen pearl onions 12-ounce; add while still frozen
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced or coarsely diced
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 to 4 tablespoons cornstarch
For Serving
- Cooked mashed potatoes, mashed parsnips, cauliflower, or noodles For serving
- Snipped fresh parsley Optional, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a 6- to 7-quart slow cooker, add beef tips, frozen pearl onions, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the beef and onions evenly.
Cooking
- Layer the sliced mushrooms on top and pour the beef broth over all ingredients. Ensure everything is well combined.
- Cover the slow cooker and set on high for about 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours until the beef is tender.
- Once tender, ladle out ¼ cup of hot cooking liquid, whisk in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth. Pour back into the slow cooker, mix well, cover again, and cook on high for another 30 minutes or until the gravy thickens.
Serving
- Spoon the beef tips and gravy over cooked mashed potatoes, parsnips, cauliflower, or noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.