Slow-Cooked Beef Tips with Mushrooms
Tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich, savory mushroom gravy make this slow-cooked meal perfect for busy days. Serve it over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed rice for a hearty dinner.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
- Low: 7–8 hours
- High: 3½–4½ hours
Servings
6
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or beef sirloin tips, cut into 1½-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce
- 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
To Thicken (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Season the Beef
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss the beef pieces until evenly coated.
2. Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. The beef doesn’t need to cook through—browning adds flavor to the finished dish.
Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
3. Add the Vegetables
Scatter the sliced mushrooms, diced onion, and minced garlic over the beef.
4. Make the Cooking Liquid
In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, parsley, and smoked paprika. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables.
5. Slow Cook
Cover and cook:
- LOW: 7–8 hours
- HIGH: 3½–4½ hours
The beef is ready when it is fork-tender.
6. Thicken the Gravy (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker gravy, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
Stir the slurry into the slow cooker during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking. Replace the lid and allow the sauce to thicken.
7. Serve
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Roasted vegetables
- Buttered biscuits
- Crusty bread for soaking up the gravy
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy becomes too thick.
Tips for Success
- Browning the beef first creates a deeper, richer flavor.
- Cremini mushrooms provide a more robust taste than white button mushrooms.
- Low-sodium broth lets you better control the saltiness.
- For an even richer sauce, stir in 2–3 tablespoons of sour cream just before serving (do not boil after adding).
- Leftovers often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
