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
5–6 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
2–3 sprigs fresh thyme

Liquids and Sauces

1½–2 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

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.
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.
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.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or until the beef is fork-tender and flavors are melded.
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.
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