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beef tips recipe slow cooker

This slow cooker beef tips recipe creates tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef simmered in a rich and silky savory gravy. With simple pantry ingredients and minimal preparation, the slow cooker transforms affordable cuts of beef into a comforting family meal perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef Base
  • 2 lb beef stew meat or sirloin tips cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for browning the beef
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
Savory Sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
Gravy Thickener
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water for slurry

Method
 

  1. Place the beef pieces in a bowl and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Toss until all pieces are evenly coated.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and brown for about 2 to 3 minutes until a golden crust forms. Turn pieces to brown another side if needed.
  3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker. Spread them evenly to form the flavor base.
  4. Place the browned beef on top of the onion and garlic mixture.
  5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, tomato paste, and dried thyme until smooth.
  6. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef in the slow cooker, ensuring most of the meat is covered with liquid.
  7. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until the beef becomes tender.
  8. About 20 to 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
  9. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir gently. Continue cooking until the gravy thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  10. Serve the tender beef tips with the rich gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Notes

For added flavor and texture, stir in sliced mushrooms or chopped carrots during the final two hours of cooking. Always cut beef into evenly sized pieces for consistent tenderness. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid often, as heat escapes and slows cooking. Taste the gravy near the end and adjust salt or pepper if needed.