If you’re craving a rich, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, juicy beef tips slow-cooked to perfection mingle with earthy mushrooms and aromatic herbs, all brought together in a luscious, velvety gravy. This dish is not only satisfying but incredibly easy to prepare, making it a treasured favorite for cozy family dinners or whenever you want that classic, hearty flavor without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this recipe right is all about simple, wholesome ingredients that build layers of flavor. Each component plays a vital role, from the savory beef that forms the heart of the dish to the mushrooms that add a wonderful depth and texture. Let’s break down what makes this a standout meal.
- 2 lbs. beef tips (cubed sirloin): Choose tender cuts that become succulent after slow cooking.
- 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen pearl onions: Adds subtle sweetness and beautiful pops of texture without any chopping.
- ¼ cup tomato paste: Boosts umami and gives the sauce a rich, balanced base.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides warm, mellow garlic flavor without the hassle of peeling and mincing.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory profile smoothly and evenly.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an herby, slightly floral note that brightens the rich beef.
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt: Essential for bringing all those flavors together beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right hint of gentle heat.
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced or coarsely diced: Earthy, tender mushrooms are the star ingredient alongside the beef.
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth: Creates the flavorful cooking liquid that transforms into the luscious gravy.
- 2 to 4 tablespoons cornstarch: For thickening the gravy to the perfect consistency.
- Cooked mashed potatoes, mashed parsnips, cauliflower, or noodles: Ideal bases that soak up all the divine gravy.
- Snipped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds freshness and a pop of color when serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Combine Ingredients
Start by adding your beef tips, frozen pearl onions, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper directly into your slow cooker. Stir everything gently but thoroughly so that the beef and onions get evenly coated with that rich tomato paste and seasoning. This foundation is what will give your dish depth and heartiness.
Step 2: Add Mushrooms and Broth
Next, layer the fresh mushrooms on top of your beef and onion mixture without stirring—this helps preserve their texture during cooking. Pour the low-sodium beef broth evenly over all the ingredients. The broth will slowly infuse the beef with moisture and flavor, transforming the ingredients into a succulent stew as it cooks low and slow.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook. You can choose high for 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours, depending on your schedule. During this time, the beef will become incredibly tender, the onions will soften nicely, and the mushrooms will release their earthy goodness. The flavors fuse together in a warm, hearty symphony that only slow cooking can deliver.
Step 4: Make the Cornstarch Slurry
Once your beef is tender, it’s time to thicken the sauce. Take about ¼ cup of the hot cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a small bowl and whisk in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth. This slurry is your secret weapon for a perfectly thickened, silky gravy that clings to every bite.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
Pour the cornstarch slurry back into the slow cooker, stir to combine, then cover and set to high heat for 30 minutes. This step allows the gravy to thicken beautifully. If you desire an even creamier, thicker sauce, simply repeat the slurry process with an additional 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until the texture feels just right for you.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
When your Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe is ready, spoon the tender beef, luscious gravy, and mushrooms generously over your choice of mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, noodles, or mashed parsnips. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for that final touch of color and brightness before digging in.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of snipped fresh parsley is a simple garnish that instantly perks up the presentation while adding an herbaceous, vibrant note to the dish. For an extra pop of freshness, a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper can elevate the flavors right at the table.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy egg noodles which soak up every bit of the luscious beef gravy. If you’re looking to lighten things up, mashed cauliflower or parsnips offer a silky, lower-carb alternative that still complements the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the beef tips over a bed of buttered polenta or even creamy risotto for an indulgent touch. You can also turn this into a hearty open-faced sandwich topping on toasted rustic bread, perfect for soaking up all the delicious gravy with every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored in a sealed airtight container. Flavors often deepen after resting, making the next-day meal just as satisfying as the first.
Freezing
If you want to keep the goodness for longer, freeze the beef tips and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion and label it with the date, so you don’t forget this delicious treasure in your freezer.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat to prevent curdling or drying out. Stir occasionally and add a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much. Reheating in the microwave works too—just be sure to cover and stir midway for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cubed sirloin beef tips are ideal for tenderness, you can also use beef stew meat or chuck roast cut into chunks. Just be prepared for slightly longer cooking times if using tougher cuts to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Do I have to brown the beef before slow cooking?
Browning is optional but recommended if you want extra depth and a richer flavor. Searing beef tips on the stovetop before adding to the slow cooker adds savory caramelization. However, the dish still turns out delicious without this step for a more hands-off approach.
Can I use fresh onions instead of frozen pearl onions?
Yes, you can substitute with fresh pearl onions or even diced yellow onions. Just remember that fresh onions will soften differently than frozen ones, and you might want to add them at the start of cooking to ensure they become tender and sweet.
How do I make the gravy thicker without cornstarch?
If you prefer not to use cornstarch, you can thicken the gravy with a flour-based roux or use arrowroot powder. Another natural method is to let the slow cooker cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce the sauce and concentrate the flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for an Instant Pot?
Yes! While designed for a slow cooker, you can adapt it for the Instant Pot by browning the beef first using the sauté function, cooking the mushrooms briefly, then pressure cooking everything together. This method speeds things up while preserving all those wonderful flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe is pure comfort food magic that fills your home with tantalizing aromas and results in a meal that delights every time. It’s incredibly straightforward, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekend dinners. I highly encourage you to try it and watch how it quickly becomes a beloved staple in your culinary rotation.
Print
Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender beef tips slow-cooked with pearl onions, mushrooms, and aromatic seasonings in a rich tomato and beef broth gravy. Perfect served over mashed potatoes, parsnips, cauliflower, or noodles, this recipe delivers a hearty and satisfying meal with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
Thickening
- 2 to 4 tablespoons cornstarch
To Serve
- Cooked mashed potatoes, mashed parsnips, cauliflower, or noodles
- Snipped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Optional Instant Pot Searing
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil, divided (for Instant Pot version only)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and keep the pearl onions frozen. Pat beef tips dry if necessary.
- Combine Beef and Seasonings: In a 6- to 7-quart slow cooker, add the beef tips, frozen pearl onions, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, coarse sea salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the beef and onions are evenly coated with the tomato paste and seasonings.
- Add Mushrooms and Broth: Place the sliced fresh mushrooms on top of the beef mixture. Pour the low-sodium beef broth evenly over all ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cook the Beef: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Make Cornstarch Slurry: Once the beef is tender, ladle about ¼ cup of the hot cooking liquid into a small bowl. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Thicken Gravy: Pour the cornstarch slurry back into the slow cooker. Stir to combine, cover, set the slow cooker to high, and cook for an additional 30 minutes or until the gravy thickens. For a thicker consistency, repeat the slurry step with an additional 2 tablespoons cornstarch.
- Serve: Spoon the beef tips and mushroom gravy over cooked mashed potatoes, mashed parsnips, cauliflower, or noodles. Garnish with snipped fresh parsley if desired.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Optional Instant Pot Searing: For an enhanced flavor using an Instant Pot, select the ‘Saute’ function and heat ½ tablespoon avocado oil until shimmering. Brown half the beef for 2 minutes per side and set aside. Repeat with the remaining oil and beef. Remove browned beef to a plate.
- Instant Pot Mushroom Sauté: Add ½ cup beef broth to the Instant Pot and scrape the bottom to deglaze. Add mushrooms, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Press ‘Cancel’ to stop cooking before proceeding with the slow cooker steps.
Notes
- Frozen pearl onions should be added directly from the freezer without thawing for best texture.
- If using Instant Pot, browning the beef before slow cooking enhances flavor but is optional.
- You can substitute beef tips with any cubed beef stew meat, preferably sirloin for tenderness.
- Adjust cornstarch quantity to achieve desired gravy thickness.
- This dish freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or low-carb options like mashed cauliflower for variety.
