This Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Mushrooms recipe is perfect for busy days! You just toss everything into the crockpot and let it cook low and slow, creating tender beef with tasty mushrooms.
Honestly, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl! I love serving it over rice or mashed potatoes. The rich sauce makes it feel special, but really, it’s super simple to make! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I usually go for beef sirloin tips for my recipe; they’re tender and flavorful. You can substitute with stew meat if sirloin isn’t available or if you prefer a more budget-friendly option.
Mushrooms: I love using cremini mushrooms because they add a deeper flavor compared to regular white mushrooms. If you can’t find them, button mushrooms work just fine!
Onion Soup Mix: This gives a lot of flavor with little effort. If you’re avoiding processed mixes, try using a mixture of onion powder and a bit of beef bouillon for a homemade flavor booster!
Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce, but you can use flour or arrowroot powder if you prefer. Just remember that it may change the texture slightly.
How Do You Ensure the Beef is Tender and Flavorful?
To get the most out of this dish, really focus on cooking it low and slow. If you decide to brown the beef first, it adds extra flavor, but it isn’t necessary. Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do its thing!
- Brown the beef (optional): Heat a skillet to medium-high, add olive oil, then the beef, cooking until browned on all sides.
- Add everything to the crockpot: Layer the beef, mushrooms, and broth with the seasonings. Stir lightly to mix.
- Cook time matters: Low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This ensures the beef becomes tender.
- Thicken the sauce right: Mix cornstarch with cold water, add it to the cook pot about 30 minutes before serving. This gives you a nice thick sauce to savor!
Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Mushrooms
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef and Vegetables:
- 2 pounds beef sirloin tips or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (white or cremini)
- 1 small onion, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
For Thicking:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Seasoning and Garnish:
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation, plus you’ll need 6-8 hours of cooking on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH in the crockpot. It’s perfect for setting it and forgetting it! Just pop it in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef: (Optional)
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, throw in the beef tips and fry until they are browned on all sides, about 3-5 minutes. This step enriches the flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time!
2. Combine in the Crockpot:
Transfer the browned beef into your crockpot. Add the sliced mushrooms and onion. Pour in the beef broth, and sprinkle over the onion soup mix and garlic powder. Drizzle the Worcestershire sauce on top. Give it all a gentle stir to combine.
3. Cook Your Beef Tips:
Cover the crockpot and choose your cooking time. Set it on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The beef will become tender and the flavors will meld wonderfully!
4. Thicken the Sauce:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, mix the cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl to form a slurry. Stir this mixture into the crockpot to help thicken the sauce. Cook for another 20-30 minutes so it can reach the perfect consistency.
5. Season and Serve:
Once everything is thoroughly cooked, taste the dish and add salt and pepper as desired. Garnish with some fresh parsley for that pop of color and flavor!
6. Enjoy Your Meal!
Serve the beef tips over cooked egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy rice. Enjoy your delicious and comforting meal!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Mushrooms
Can I Use Frozen Beef in This Recipe?
While it’s best to use thawed beef for even cooking, you can use frozen beef tips; just add an extra hour to the cooking time on LOW or 30 minutes on HIGH to ensure they cook through properly.
Can I Substitute the Mushrooms?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can skip them entirely or replace them with other vegetables, like bell peppers or carrots. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or warm it on the stovetop until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free beef broth and substitute the dry onion soup mix with a gluten-free alternative. Check the label on the Worcestershire sauce as well; there are gluten-free brands available!
