This dish features tender beef tips cooked slowly with mushrooms in a rich sauce that will make your mouth water. It’s perfect for busy days; just set it and forget it!
There’s something magical about coming home to a warm, hearty meal. I love enjoying it over rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using beef sirloin or chuck for tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could replace it with turkey or chicken, though the flavor will differ. For a vegetarian version, try using seitan or mushrooms!
Mushrooms: White button or cremini mushrooms work great here. If you can’t find these, try using portobello or shiitake for added flavor. Just make sure to slice them evenly for even cooking.
Onion and Garlic: A medium onion and fresh garlic give this dish depth. You can swap the onion for a shallot or use onion powder if you’re in a pinch. Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder will do in a hurry!
Beef Broth: For a deeper flavor, consider swapping in homemade beef broth. If needed, vegetable broth is a suitable alternative for a lighter option.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a tangy element. If you’re avoiding it, a mix of soy sauce and a squeeze of lemon can work well for a similar flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Beef Tips Are Tender?
Cooking beef tips until they’re tender can be tricky, especially if you’re pressed for time. Using a slow cooker is your best bet! Here’s how to achieve that perfect tenderness:
- Sear the beef beforehand on medium-high heat to lock in those juices and develop flavor. This step is key!
- Cook the beef on low for 6-8 hours. The slower, the better for breaking down tougher cuts of meat.
- Don’t rush the cooking time! Allowing the flavors to meld together helps the meat tenderize.
In the end, patience is key. This will give you melt-in-your-mouth beef! Enjoy this comforting warm dish comfortably at home.
Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Tender Mushrooms
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into bite-sized tips
- 1 pound mushrooms, sliced (white button or cremini)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons butter
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This flavorful dish requires about 20 minutes of prep time, plus a cooking time of 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker. Allow time for the beef to become super tender and the flavors to meld beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Take your seasoned beef tips (with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme) and sear them in batches, cooking until they’re browned on all sides—about 3-4 minutes per batch. Once done, transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add in the butter and let it melt. Sauté the chopped onions for about 3-4 minutes, or until they become nice and translucent. That’s when the kitchen starts smelling wonderful!
3. Cook the Mushrooms and Garlic:
Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook everything together for about 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and begin to give off their juices. This is where the flavor starts to build up!
4. Make the Sauce:
Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and mix well. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes to get rid of that raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens a little.
5. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker:
Transfer your lovely mushroom sauce to the slow cooker over the seared beef tips. It’s going to make everything even better!
6. Slow Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic! Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or if you’re short on time, on high for 3-4 hours. You know it’s ready when the beef is fork-tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
7. Final Touches:
Take a moment to taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh touch!
8. Serve:
These beef tips and mushrooms are delightful served over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Make sure to scoop up all that rich sauce—you won’t want to miss a drop!
Enjoy your delicious meal! 😊
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef?
Absolutely! While sirloin or stew meat works best for tenderness, cuts like chuck roast or round beef can also be used. Just remember that tougher cuts will need longer cooking times to become tender.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! If you don’t have beef broth, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or chicken broth. For added flavor, you can also mix in a bit of water, soy sauce, and seasonings!
How to Thicken the Sauce Further?
If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving, and let it cook on high until thickened.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes! You can freeze the beef tips and mushrooms in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, so it’s ready to enjoy again anytime!
