How To Make Beef Tips In Slow Cooker [GUIDE]

Beef tips are a comforting, hearty dish that conjures images of cozy dinners and lingering aromas of savory, slow-cooked meat. Typically made from tender cuts such as sirloin, chuck, or stew meat, beef tips are small, flavorful pieces of beef that become meltingly tender when cooked slowly in a rich sauce. Slow cooking is the ideal method to unlock the full potential of beef tips: it allows connective tissues to break down, infusing the meat with deep, robust flavors and creating a velvety sauce that clings to every bite. Whether served over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes, creamy egg noodles, or fluffy rice, beef tips prepared in a slow cooker are the epitome of comfort food. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and adaptability: you can adjust the flavors with wine, mushrooms, garlic, onions, or herbs, creating a dish that feels both luxurious and homey.

How Long To Make Beef Tips In Slow Cooker

Timing is critical when cooking beef tips in a slow cooker, as it determines the tenderness and flavor intensity of the final dish. Generally, beef tips require 4-6 hours on high heat or 7-9 hours on low heat. The exact timing depends on the cut of meat, the size of the pieces, and the type of slow cooker you use. High heat accelerates the breakdown of connective tissues, giving you a quicker result, while low heat yields a deeper, more evenly developed flavor and a more tender texture. Overcooking is less of a risk with a slow cooker than traditional stovetop methods, but extremely prolonged cooking can cause the meat to dry out slightly, especially if it’s lean. A good rule of thumb: check for tenderness about an hour before the minimum recommended time, particularly if using high-quality, pre-cut steak tips.

How To Tell If It Is Done

Determining whether beef tips are done involves more than just looking at the color of the sauce. The most reliable indicator is texture. Properly cooked beef tips should be fork-tender but not mushy, meaning the meat should easily separate into fibers when pressed with a fork, yet still retain its shape. You should also notice that the sauce has thickened and developed a rich, concentrated flavor. If the beef is still tough or chewy, it needs more time to allow the collagen in the meat to dissolve. Conversely, if the beef is falling apart completely into shreds, it may have cooked a bit too long. For those using a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of at least 145°F, but remember that slow cooking at low temperatures can tenderize the meat even if it does not reach higher conventional cooking temperatures immediately.

Ingredients Needed

To make flavorful beef tips in a slow cooker, you’ll need a combination of quality meat, aromatic vegetables, and complementary liquids and seasonings:

• Beef tips (1.5-2 pounds, preferably sirloin or chuck, cut into 1-2 inch pieces)
• Onions (1 large, sliced or diced)
• Garlic (2-4 cloves, minced)
• Mushrooms (optional, 8 ounces, sliced)
• Beef broth (2 cups for moisture and richness)
• Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons for depth)
• Soy sauce (optional, 1 tablespoon for umami)
• Tomato paste (1 tablespoon for a subtle tang)
• Cornstarch or flour (2 tablespoons, for thickening)
• Herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley (fresh or dried)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional additions for variation include red wine, balsamic vinegar, or a splash of cream at the end for extra richness.

How To Make Beef Tips In Slow Cooker

1. Sear the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Sear beef tips on all sides until browned. This step locks in juices and adds depth to the final sauce. While optional, it dramatically enhances flavor.
2. Prepare the Base: Place onions, garlic, and mushrooms (if using) in the bottom of the slow cooker. The vegetables act as a flavor foundation and prevent the meat from sticking to the pot.
3. Combine Liquids and Seasonings: Mix beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, tomato paste, and herbs in a bowl. Pour over the meat and vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring the meat is mostly submerged.
4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-9 hours or high for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally if possible. The beef should become tender, and the sauce should thicken and intensify in flavor.
5. Thicken the Sauce (if needed): If the sauce is too thin at the end of cooking, remove a small amount of liquid, mix with cornstarch or flour, and stir back in. Let it cook an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken.
6. Serve: Spoon the beef tips and sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

When Things Go Wrong

Even the best recipes can encounter bumps along the way. Common issues include:

• Tough meat: Usually caused by insufficient cooking time or using a very lean cut. Extend cooking on low heat, and ensure meat is cut into uniform pieces.
• Watery sauce: The slow cooker retains moisture, so sometimes the liquid doesn’t reduce enough. Thicken with cornstarch or flour, or remove the lid for the last hour to allow evaporation.
• Overcooked, dry meat: This can happen with lean beef tips or high cooking temperatures. Adjust by adding more broth or finishing with a splash of cream to restore moisture.

Expert Tips

• Searing is key: Even though it’s optional, searing adds a caramelized flavor that slow cooking alone cannot achieve.
• Cut evenly: Uniform beef tip sizes ensure consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from overcooking while others remain tough.
• Layer flavors: Adding mushrooms, garlic, and fresh herbs in stages can create a more complex sauce.
• Don’t over-stir: Frequent stirring slows down cooking and can break up the meat prematurely.

Can I Do This Without A Slow Cooker?

Absolutely! Beef tips can be made on the stovetop or in the oven with slightly modified methods:

• Stovetop: Brown the meat and vegetables in a heavy pot, add liquids and seasonings, then simmer covered on low heat for 2-3 hours until tender.
• Oven: Use a Dutch oven at 325°F (160°C), covered, for 2-3 hours. Oven cooking provides consistent heat and can yield a texture very similar to slow cooking.

Both alternatives require occasional checking to ensure the sauce doesn’t reduce too much or the meat doesn’t dry out.

Reheating Leftovers In Slow Cooker

Slow cookers are excellent for reheating beef tips without drying them out. Set the cooker on low heat, add a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture, and allow the dish to warm gradually over 1-2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This method preserves tenderness and prevents the sauce from separating or becoming greasy. Avoid reheating on high, which can toughen the meat.

FAQs

What Cut Of Beef Is Best For Making Beef Tips In A Slow Cooker?

The best cuts for slow cooker beef tips are those with good marbling and connective tissue, such as chuck roast, sirloin tip, or round. These cuts become tender and flavorful when cooked slowly over several hours.

Do I Need To Sear The Beef Before Adding It To The Slow Cooker?

Searing the beef is optional but recommended. Browning the beef in a hot skillet before slow cooking adds depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction and helps retain juices during cooking.

How Long Should Beef Tips Cook In A Slow Cooker?

Beef tips generally need 6 to 8 hours on low heat or 3 to 4 hours on high heat. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the beef chunks and the slow cooker model.

What Liquids Can I Use To Cook Beef Tips In A Slow Cooker?

Common liquids include beef broth, red wine, a combination of soy sauce and broth, or even canned soup bases. The liquid helps tenderize the meat and forms the base for the sauce or gravy.

Can I Add Vegetables To The Slow Cooker With The Beef Tips?

Yes, vegetables like onions, mushrooms, carrots, and bell peppers can be added. Harder vegetables should be added at the beginning, while softer vegetables may be added later to avoid overcooking.

Do I Need To Thicken The Sauce For Beef Tips?

If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add a slurry of cornstarch or flour mixed with cold water toward the end of cooking. Let it cook an additional 15-30 minutes to thicken properly.

Can I Freeze Cooked Beef Tips For Later?

Yes, cooked beef tips freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Reheat slowly on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

How Can I Make My Beef Tips More Flavorful?

Enhance flavor by using aromatics such as garlic, onions, and herbs like thyme or rosemary. Adding Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or tomato paste can also boost depth of flavor in the sauce.

What Side Dishes Pair Well With Slow Cooker Beef Tips?

Beef tips pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or roasted vegetables. The rich sauce from the beef tips can be poured over these sides for added flavor.

Can I Cook Beef Tips In A Slow Cooker Without A Lid?

It is not recommended to cook without a lid, as moisture will escape and the beef may become dry. The lid helps maintain a consistent temperature and keeps the meat tender.