Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Tender, flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth slow cooker beef tips make a comforting and easy meal that practically cooks itself. This classic recipe combines succulent pieces of beef simmered to perfection in a rich, savory gravy. Minimal prep delivers maximum flavor – perfect for busy weekdays or a weekend family meal.

Course dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 4

Total Time 4 15

Servings

Calories 276kcal

Author Imma

Equipment

1 Slow cooker

Ingredients

2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
2 tablespoons (28g) butter
2 pounds (950g) stew meat, cubed
1 teaspoon (5-6g) salt
1 teaspoon (2-3g) black pepper
1 teaspoon (4-5g) Creole seasoning (optional)
1½ cups (45g) minced onion
2 teaspoons (5-6g) minced garlic
2 teaspoons (2g) fresh thyme, minced
1 cup (236ml) water
2-3 cups (473-710ml) beef broth
1 teaspoon (2-3g) bouillon powder
1 tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce
4 tablespoons (4g) all-purpose flour

Instructions

Heat olive oil and butter over medium-high in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed cast-iron skillet.
Season the cubed stew meat with salt, black pepper, and Creole seasoning (if using). Add the seasoned meat to the pot.
Sear the meat, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. That should take about 2 minutes per side.
Once the meat is browned, add the minced onion to the pot. Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and thyme. Cook for another minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Pour a small amount of water into the pot to deglaze it, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook for about a minute.
Transfer the contents of the pot to a slow cooker.
Add the beef broth, bouillon powder, and Worcestershire sauce to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The beef is done when fork-tender and shreds easily.
Prepare the thickening mixture about 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete. In a small bowl, whisk the flour and water until smooth.
Stir it into the slow cooker, making sure it is well incorporated.
If the sauce is too thick, add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference with additional salt and black pepper.
Serve the beef stew over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Notes

Avoid overcrowding. Overloading the slow cooker can result in uneven cooking and not-so-tender beef. Aim to fill it about two-thirds to three-quarters full.
Don't skip searing. The Maillard reaction locks in flavor and adds a rich, caramelized layer. The few minutes it takes make a huge difference.
The lower, the better. Cooking beef tips on low for a longer (usually 6-8 hours) yields the best results as it breaks down connective tissue, making tenderer and more flavorful beef. Cooking beef tips too quickly at high temperatures can make them tough.
Please remember that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.

Nutrition