Slow Cooker Beef Tips Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Beef Tips recipe delivers tender, flavorful beef cooked low and slow for ultimate comfort. Perfect for busy days, it combines savory seasonings with a rich sauce that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

This image shows a close-up of a dark brown stew with thick chunks of tender meat soaked in rich, glossy sauce. The meat pieces have a slightly rough texture and are mixed with small thin strips of ingredients, possibly vegetables or herbs. Tiny green leaves are scattered on top, adding a fresh touch. A wooden spoon is partially dipped into the stew, lifting some of the meat with a few green herb leaves on it. The background and container are dark, making the stew look warm and hearty. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 3 lb boneless beef chuck, cubed
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 5-6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1½-2 cups beef stock (or broth)
  • 3 Tbsp red wine (optional)
  • 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 3 Tbsp butter
  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2-3 Tbsp cold water

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the cubed beef dry with paper towels, then season evenly with sea salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When hot, sear the beef in an even layer, working in batches if necessary, for about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the onions over the beef in the slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, beef stock, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and red wine (if using) into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine. Top with butter and fresh thyme sprigs, then cover.
  4. Step 4: Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
  5. Step 5: When the beef is tender, switch the slow cooker to HIGH. Whisk together the cornstarch and cold water mixture, then pour into the slow cooker. Stir and cook for another 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
  6. Step 6: Serve the beef tips hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, Texas toast, or warm biscuits for a hearty meal.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra depth, use homemade beef stock if possible, and add a splash of red wine for richer flavor.
  • Substitute fresh thyme with rosemary or a combination of dried herbs if fresh herbs are not available.
  • To make this gluten-free, confirm the Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free or substitute with tamari sauce.
  • Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce perfectly.

Storage

Store leftover beef tips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of beef stock if the sauce has thickened too much. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up of a pot filled with dark brown beef stew, showing thick chunks of tender meat layered throughout a rich, glossy sauce with visible bits of carrot and small green herb leaves scattered on top. A wooden spoon is scooping up some stew from the left side, highlighting the glossy texture of the sauce and the juicy meat pieces surrounded by the sauce liquid. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use beef stew meat or sirloin tips, but boneless beef chuck is preferred for its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking.

Is red wine necessary for the recipe?

No, red wine is optional and can be omitted without sacrificing too much flavor. It adds a nice depth to the sauce but can be replaced with additional beef stock if desired.

Print
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Slow Cooker Beef Tips Recipe


  • Author: Lila
  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Slow Cooker Beef Tips recipe features tender chunks of beef chuck slow-cooked to perfection in a savory sauce made with garlic, onions, Italian seasoning, and a rich blend of balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. Finished with a butter and thyme infusion and thickened with a cornstarch slurry, it’s a comforting meal ideal for serving over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or warm bread.


Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Seasoning

  • 3 lb boneless beef chuck, cubed
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 56 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 23 sprigs fresh thyme

Liquids and Sauces

  • 2 cups beef stock (or broth)
  • 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 Tbsp red wine (optional)

Thickening and Finishing

  • 3 Tbsp butter
  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2-3 Tbsp cold water

Instructions

  1. Season and Sear Beef: Pat the cubed beef dry with paper towels and season evenly with sea salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Working in batches, add the beef in an even layer and sear each side for about 2 minutes until browned. Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker.
  2. Sauté Onion: In the same skillet, add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Then add the onions on top of the beef in the slow cooker.
  3. Add Aromatics and Liquids: Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, beef stock, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and red wine (if using) to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine the ingredients. Place the butter and fresh thyme sprigs on top of the beef mixture.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or until the beef is fork-tender and flavors are melded.
  5. Thicken Sauce: Once the meat is tender, switch the slow cooker to HIGH. Whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to form a slurry and pour it into the cooker. Stir gently and cook for another 30 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken beautifully.
  6. Serve: Serve the beef tips hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, Texas toast, or open-faced warm biscuits for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Searing the beef before slow cooking seals in the juices and adds depth of flavor.
  • Red wine is optional but adds richness to the sauce.
  • You can substitute fresh thyme with dried thyme if needed; use about 1 tsp dried.
  • For thicker gravy, adjust cornstarch slurry amount slightly according to desired consistency.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freeze nicely for up to 2 months.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: slow cooker beef tips, beef stew, slow cooked beef, hearty beef recipe, comforting dinner, crockpot beef, beef chuck recipe

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