Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms
Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms is more than just a meal; it’s a heartwarming comfort food that envelops you in its rich, savory aromas. This dish combines tender beef tips with earthy mushrooms and sweet pearl onions, coated in a velvety gravy that beckons for a side of creamy mashed potatoes. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its mouthwatering flavor but also in the ease of preparation. With its step-by-step approach, you can effortlessly create a satisfying dinner that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Imagine returning home after a long day to the inviting scent of beef tips simmering away, filling your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this recipe shines in its simplicity and scrumptiousness, making it a must-try for any home cook.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the standout features of Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms is how easy the prep is. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip it up in no time, allowing you to focus on other tasks while it cooks. It’s a family-friendly recipe that even the pickiest eaters will appreciate, thanks to its comforting flavors and hearty texture.
For busy weeknights or special weekend gatherings, you can come together around the dinner table with this nourishing dish. Whether you choose to serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes or spiralized vegetables, this recipe accommodates various dietary needs and preferences. Plus, with the optional garnishing of fresh parsley, it adds a pop of color that can brighten any plate.
For Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (for Instant Pot version only)
- 2 lbs. beef tips (cubed sirloin or cubed beef stew meat)
- 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen pearl onions
- 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
- 2 to 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- Cooked mashed potatoes, mashed parsnips, cauliflower, or noodles (for serving)
- Snipped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
These ingredients come together to create a medley of flavors that tickle your taste buds. The combination of seasonings, coupled with the tender beef, creates a balance of savory and hearty elements, perfect for those cooler evenings.
Step-by-Step Directions
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Prep the Slow Cooker: In a 6- to 7-quart slow cooker, add the cubed beef tips, frozen pearl onions, and tomato paste. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, coarse sea salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to evenly coat everything with flavor.
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In comes the mushrooms: Layer the sliced or coarsely diced fresh mushrooms on top of the beef mixture. The mushrooms will add an extra depth of earthiness to the dish.
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Broth it up: Pour 1½ cups of low-sodium beef broth over all the ingredients in the slow cooker. This will infuse moisture and richness during cooking.
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Cook to perfection: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for approximately 4 hours, or on low for 6 to 8 hours. The goal is for the beef to become tender and succulent.
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Thickening time: After the cooking time is up, ladle out ¼ cup of the hot gravy into a bowl. Whisk in 2 to 4 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth, then stir this mixture back into the slow cooker. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the gravy.
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Serving it up: Serve the beef tips and savory gravy over your choice of cooked mashed potatoes, parsnips, cauliflower, or noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and watch your loved ones dig in!
For Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms
Follow these step-by-step directions for an engaging cooking experience. Feel free to customize this dish, adding vegetables such as carrots or using other cuts of beef according to what you have on hand. The method is forgiving, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced cooks.
Tips & Tricks
- Chef’s Secret: Searing the beef tips in a hot skillet with a little avocado oil before adding them to the slow cooker can greatly enhance the depth of flavor.
- Optional Extras: Consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar for an added flavor twist.
- Cooking Hack: If you’re short on time, you can turn this recipe into a quick Instant Pot meal by adjusting the cooking time and using the sauté function!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Elevate your dining experience by serving Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms alongside crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. For a hearty meal, you might pair it with creamy coleslaw or steamed green beans. If you’re looking to add some brightness, roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze complement the dish beautifully.
A rich, full-bodied red wine would beautifully enhance the flavors, but if you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling grape juice or a homemade fruity mocktail works just as wonderfully.
Nutritional Information
This dish is nourishing and satisfying, with each serving providing a wonderful combination of protein and healthy fats. Depending on how you serve it, the nutritional information can vary—opt for cauliflower mash for a lower-carb option or stick with traditional mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food experience. Enjoy every bite while being mindful of your portion sizes if you’re watching your calories!
Storing Tips & Variations for Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions for up to three months; just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Reheating is simple: thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it on the stove or in the microwave.
For a healthier spin on this recipe, substitute the beef with lean cuts or use plant-based meat alternatives. Additionally, try incorporating seasonal vegetables into the mix for added nutrition.
Conclusion for Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms
Ready to indulge in a bowl of comforting goodness? Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms is waiting for you to bring this culinary delight to your dinner table. With simple steps and delicious results, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get started on this mouthwatering adventure.
FAQs
1. Can I use different cuts of beef for this recipe?
Yes, while cubed sirloin or beef stew meat works wonderfully, you could also use chuck roast cut into cubes or even ground beef if you prefer.
2. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prep all your ingredients the night before. Just store them in the fridge and throw them into the slow cooker in the morning.
3. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply ensure that the cornstarch is gluten-free and use gluten-free beef broth.
4. How can I make this dish spicier?
Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can impart a nice kick to the dish without overwhelming the other flavors.
5. What can I serve with leftover beef tips?
Leftover beef tips are delicious in sandwiches, on top of a baked potato, or stirred into a stew for future meals. Be creative!
Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms
Ingredients
For the beef mixture
- 2 lbs. beef tips (cubed sirloin or cubed beef stew meat)
- 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen pearl onions
- 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
- 2 to 4 tablespoons cornstarch
For serving
- Cooked mashed potatoes, mashed parsnips, cauliflower, or noodles
- Snipped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a 6- to 7-quart slow cooker, add the cubed beef tips, frozen pearl onions, and tomato paste. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, coarse sea salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to evenly coat everything with flavor.
- Layer the sliced or coarsely diced fresh mushrooms on top of the beef mixture.
Cooking
- Pour 1½ cups of low-sodium beef broth over all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for approximately 4 hours, or on low for 6 to 8 hours.
- After the cooking time is up, ladle out ¼ cup of the hot gravy into a bowl. Whisk in 2 to 4 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth, then stir this mixture back into the slow cooker. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the gravy.
Serving
- Serve the beef tips and savory gravy over your choice of cooked mashed potatoes, parsnips, cauliflower, or noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.