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