If you are looking for a heartwarming dish that fills your home with cozy aromas and satisfies even the biggest appetites, this Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Vegetables Recipe is just what you need. Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef tips slow-cooked to perfection, mingling with sweet carrots, creamy baby potatoes, and savory onions all steeped in a rich brown gravy. This recipe is a gem for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends when comfort food is the ultimate goal. The magic of slow cooking intensifies every flavor, giving you a dish that’s not only easy but incredibly rewarding.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the list; these ingredients are simple staples that work in harmony to create a robust and satisfying meal. Each one adds its own special touch, balancing texture, color, and flavor perfectly.
- 2½ lbs beef stew meat or sirloin tips: Choose stew meat for extra tenderness or sirloin tips if you prefer a firmer bite.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle kick that complements the savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the savory richness without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for browning the beef and locking in juices.
- 1 onion, chopped: Sweet and aromatic, this forms the flavor base.
- 3 cups baby potatoes, halved: Creamy and hearty, they soak up all the delicious gravy.
- 3 carrots, sliced: Bring a natural sweetness and lovely color to the dish.
- 2 cups mushrooms (optional): Earthy and tender, they add a nice texture contrast.
- 3 cups beef broth: The rich liquid that ties the whole dish together with deep flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy, umami punch.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings a hint of saltiness and depth.
- 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix: A secret weapon for that savory, comforting gravy.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional): Combine to thicken the gravy to your liking.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish: A burst of color and freshness to finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Season the Beef
Begin by seasoning the beef tips generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This simple mix ensures every bite is flavorful and sets the stage for the deep, rich taste your slow cooker will develop. Don’t rush here; seasoning is key!
Step 2: Sear the Beef
This step is optional but highly recommended. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and quickly sear the beef until it has a beautiful brown crust. This caramelization adds complexity and locks in juices, making your Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Vegetables Recipe truly shine.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
Place the halved baby potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped onion, and optional mushrooms into the slow cooker. These veggies not only provide texture and sweetness but absorb the savory gravy, making each bite a delightful mix of flavors.
Step 4: Add the Beef and Sauce
Layer the seared beef on top of the vegetables. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and onion soup mix to create a savory sauce. Pour this over the beef and veggies, ensuring everything gets coated in that delicious liquid.
Step 5: Let It Slow Cook
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. This is where the magic happens: the beef becomes incredibly tender, and the vegetables soak up all the scrumptious flavors. If you prefer a thicker gravy, stir in the cornstarch and water mixture during the last 30 minutes of cooking on high. This step will give you that perfect, luscious sauce to spoon over every portion.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Just before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top. This not only brightens up the plate but adds a subtle herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the rich gravy.
Side Dishes
This dish stands wonderfully on its own but pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or classic egg noodles. These sides soak up the extra gravy and round out your meal for a truly comforting experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the beef tips over a bed of buttery polenta or alongside roasted seasonal vegetables for added color and flavor variety. Even a freshly baked crusty bread can be the perfect vehicle for savoring every last drop of the sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Vegetables Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
If you want to prep meals for busy days, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy the same rich, hearty flavors.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave to avoid drying out the beef. Stir occasionally to maintain an even temperature, and add a splash of broth if the gravy has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat and sirloin tips are ideal for slow cooking due to their tenderness, chuck roast cut into chunks also works wonderfully here.
Is it necessary to sear the beef before slow cooking?
It’s not mandatory but highly recommended. Searing develops deeper flavors and locks in moisture, resulting in more savory beef tips.
Can I add other vegetables to this Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Vegetables Recipe?
Yes! Green beans, peas, or even zucchini can be added during the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep them crisp and fresh.
How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry and stir it into the slow cooker during the last half hour on high. This will thicken the sauce nicely without thinning the richness.
What should I serve with this beef tips recipe for a balanced meal?
Pair this dish with a side of greens, like steamed broccoli or a crisp salad, alongside mashed potatoes or noodles for a balanced, satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Vegetables Recipe enough for anyone craving a deeply comforting, easy-to-make dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This recipe brings together simple ingredients and the power of slow cooking to deliver a hearty meal perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved favorite in your household just like it is in mine.
Print
Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Vegetables Recipe
Tender slow cooker beef tips simmered in a rich brown gravy with potatoes, carrots, onions, and optional mushrooms. This comforting crockpot dinner is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals.
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Beef and Seasonings
- 2½ lbs beef stew meat or sirloin tips
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cups baby potatoes, halved
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 cups mushrooms (optional)
Sauce and Thickener
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Beef: In a large bowl, season the beef tips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, ensuring the meat is evenly coated with the spices for maximum flavor.
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef tips and sear them until browned on all sides. This step is optional but recommended to enhance the depth of flavor in the final dish.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the halved baby potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped onion, and mushrooms (if using) into the slow cooker, forming an even layer of vegetables.
- Add the Beef: Arrange the seared beef tips on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and onion soup mix until well combined.
- Cook: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the beef and vegetables. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until the beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
- Thicken the Gravy (Optional): About 30 minutes before serving, if you prefer a thicker gravy, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry and stir it into the slow cooker. Switch to the high setting and continue cooking until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish the beef tips with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy on their own or over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Sirloin tips stay firmer; stew meat becomes extra tender after slow cooking.
- Add green beans or peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra vegetables.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- The dish freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw thoroughly before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
