If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, this Crockpot Beef Tips Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender chunks of beef, simmered low and slow with aromatic herbs, savory sauces, and a rich, velvety gravy, come together effortlessly in your slow cooker. It’s not just comfort food; it’s a celebration of flavors that develop deeply over hours, rewarding you with every mouthful. Whether you’re serving it up on a cozy night in or feeding a hungry crowd, this dish brings home the satisfying taste of traditional American cooking with a hands-off approach that lets you enjoy your evening stress-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, but each item plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and heartiness. From the savory beef and aromatic garlic to the punchy Worcestershire and comforting thyme, every element complements the others perfectly.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or sirloin tips: The star of the dish, cut into 1-inch pieces for perfect tenderness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the beef and locking in flavor.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Provides that unmistakable aroma and savory kick.
- 1 cup beef broth: The savory base that keeps everything juicy and rich.
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional): Brings a subtle complexity and slight acidity to balance the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Adds an umami punch and subtle tang.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Enhances the depth with salty, savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A classic herb that infuses earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Offers warmth and a gentle smoky flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For a bit of spice and bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential to bring all the flavors into harmony.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: To thicken the luscious sauce at the end.
- 2 tablespoons water: Used to create the cornstarch slurry for a silky finish.
- Chopped parsley (optional for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch.
How to Make Crockpot Beef Tips Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef tips in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful, caramelized crust. This step isn’t just about color; it locks in juices and intensifies the meaty flavor, setting the foundation for a rich, hearty dish. Once browned, transfer the beef pieces straight to your crockpot.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and release their sweet, aromatic qualities. This step keeps the layers of flavor vivid and ensures nothing is wasted – those caramelized bits on the skillet add extra depth when stirred into the crockpot.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Pour the sautéed onions and garlic over the browned beef in the crockpot. Add beef broth, red wine if you’re using it, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything gently to mix the flavors evenly while keeping the beef pieces intact. This magical combination is what transforms the simple ingredients into a luscious meal.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Beef Tips
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. Patience is key here; this slow process breaks down the connective tissue in the beef, making it melt-in-your-mouth tender. The aroma that fills your kitchen as the hours pass is absolute proof that good things come to those who wait.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, whisk together cornstarch and water to form a smooth slurry. Stir this into the crockpot to thicken the sauce to a perfect, gravy-like consistency. This final touch transforms the cooking juices into a silky coating that clings beautifully to every bite.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef Tips Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of brightness that balances the richness of the beef tips. Not only does it look beautiful, but it also enhances the overall freshness of the plate.
Side Dishes
Classic choices like creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttered egg noodles are perfect for soaking up the savory sauce. These sides offer comfort and texture contrast that elevate your dining experience and make every forkful extra satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these beef tips over a baked sweet potato or even creamy polenta for a slightly modern take. You can also spoon the tender beef and rich sauce over a crusty slice of toasted bread for an indulgent open-faced sandwich that’s perfect for casual meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Beef Tips keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delightful, if not better, the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully, making it a great option for meal prep. After cooling completely, transfer the beef tips and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers. They stay fresh for up to 3 months and thaw quickly in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain even warmth and to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help restore the sauce’s luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use different cuts of beef for the Crockpot Beef Tips Recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat or sirloin tips work best for tenderness and flavor, you can also use chuck roast cut into pieces for a rich, slow-cooked option. Just ensure the cuts are suitable for slow cooking.
Is it necessary to brown the beef before adding it to the crockpot?
Browning the beef adds a depth of flavor and caramelization that really elevates the dish. Although you can skip this step for convenience, you might miss out on some of the rich, savory notes.
Can I omit the red wine from the recipe?
Yes! The red wine adds complexity and a slight acidity, but it’s totally optional. You can simply replace it with extra beef broth and still have a delicious result.
How can I thicken the sauce if I don’t have cornstarch?
Flour can be a good substitute to thicken the sauce. Mix it with a little water to make a slurry and stir it into the crockpot just like cornstarch. Alternatively, reducing the sauce by cooking it uncovered for a short time can also concentrate its thickness.
Can this recipe be made in an instant pot instead of a crockpot?
Definitely! You can adapt this recipe to an Instant Pot by using the sauté function to brown the beef and onions, then pressure cooking for about 35 minutes. Remember to thicken the sauce after cooking by using the sauté function again with the cornstarch slurry.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like coming home to the comforting aroma of slow-cooked beef that’s as tender as it is flavorful. This Crockpot Beef Tips Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser, offering a simple yet impressive meal that feels like it took hours of love and effort—except you get to relax while it cooks. Trust me, once you try it, this will become one of your go-to dishes for cozy nights and hearty family dinners.
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Crockpot Beef Tips Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (on low)
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender and flavorful crockpot beef tips slow-cooked to perfection in a rich sauce made with beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. This comforting dish is easy to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time, and is perfect served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Thickening
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef tips in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until nicely seared, then transfer the browned beef to the crockpot.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Then transfer the onions and garlic to the crockpot with the beef.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in 1 cup beef broth, 1/2 cup red wine (if using), 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, then add 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours until the beef is tender and flavorful.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl to form a slurry. Stir this slurry into the crockpot to thicken the sauce, then continue cooking until the sauce has thickened.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the beef tips hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of the beef broth or red wine after browning the meat before transferring ingredients to the crockpot.
- If preferred, skip the red wine and use all beef broth instead for a milder flavor.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings but adjust the cooking time slightly if necessary.
