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Slow Cooker Beef Tips – Tender, Hearty & Comforting

When life calls for warm, hearty comfort food, nothing beats a bowl of Slow Cooker Beef Tips. This dish features cubes of beef simmered for hours until fork-tender, coated in a flavorful, savory gravy. It’s budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and perfect for busy days since the slow cooker does all the work. Beef tips are a staple in Southern and Midwestern kitchens, often served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Whether for Sunday family dinner or a weeknight meal, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🥩 Meat:
  • 2 lbs beef stew meat or sirloin tips/chuck roast, cut into cubes
🧄 Fruits & Vegetables:
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
🥫 Canned Goods:
  • 3 cups beef broth
🌾 Dry & Pantry:
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
🥄 Condiments:
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste optional, for richness
🫒 Oils & Fats:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
🥛 Dairy (optional garnish):
  • Fresh parsley or sour cream for serving

Equipment

  • Slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
  • Large skillet (for searing)
  • Cutting board & knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons

Method
 

Step 1 – Prep the Beef
  1. Toss beef cubes in flour, salt, and pepper until lightly coated.
Step 2 – Sear the Meat
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Sear beef in batches until browned on all sides (don’t overcrowd). Transfer to slow cooker.
Step 3 – Build the Flavor
  1. In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
  2. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and 1 cup beef broth to deglaze the pan. Scrape up browned bits for extra flavor.
  3. Pour mixture into slow cooker.
Step 4 – Slow Cook
  1. Add remaining beef broth, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
  2. Stir gently, cover, and cook:
  3. Low: 7–8 hours
  4. High: 4–5 hours
Step 5 – Thicken the Gravy (optional)
  1. If gravy is too thin, whisk 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water. Stir into slow cooker during last 20 minutes.
Step 6 – Serve
  1. Spoon beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days in airtight container.
Freeze up to 3 months (thaw overnight before reheating).
Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth to loosen gravy.
🥄 Variations
Mushroom Beef Tips: Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms for earthy flavor.
Red Wine Beef Tips: Replace 1 cup broth with red wine.
Spicy Cajun Beef Tips: Stir in 1 tsp Cajun seasoning.
Vegetable Boost: Add carrots, peas, or green beans for a stew-like meal.
❓ 10 FAQs
What cut of beef works best?
Chuck roast, stew meat, or sirloin tips — slow cooking makes them tender.
Do I have to sear the beef first?
No, but searing adds depth of flavor.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes — simmer covered on low for ~2 hours.
How do I know it’s done?
Beef should be fork-tender and gravy thickened.
Can I use frozen beef?
Thaw first for best texture and safe cooking.
Can I add cream for richness?
Yes, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end.
What’s the best side dish?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use an 8-quart slow cooker.
Can I use cornstarch instead of flour to coat beef?
Yes, it makes a gluten-free option too.
How long does it keep in the freezer?
Up to 3 months, tightly sealed.
🏁 Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Beef Tips recipe is the perfect mix of simple prep and incredible payoff. With tender beef cubes simmered in savory gravy, it’s a cozy dinner that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day — even though the slow cooker did the work. Serve it over mashed potatoes or noodles, and you’ll have a family favorite in no time.