Juicy slow cooker beef tips and mushrooms with rich gravy are everyone’s favorite. Discover a more yummy and delicious way to make this recipe with different variations, like mushroom stroganoff, peppers, onions, potatoes, or cream of mushroom soup. If you are a meat lover and your love for tender, juicy meat is unconditional, then this recipe is for you. The recipe we are sharing is perfect, not because we are sharing it but because it’s an authentic, tried-and-tested recipe from many households. Normally, people hesitate to share their family secrets, but here we are, giving it all to you for the love of slow cooker beef and mushrooms.
You can make this on lazy Sunday afternoons or when guests are coming over because this recipe will never disappoint you in terms of taste and will be sufficient in quantity due to its rich and thick gravy. The slow cooker does the job for you while you can relax and wait for delicious hot beef tips with mushroom gravy.
The Secret to Perfect Beef Tips
Ever wondered why beef tips taste so tender and flavorful in slow-cooked recipes? The answer lies in the slow-cooking process. Cooking beef over low heat for several hours allows connective tissue to break down, resulting in fork-tender meat. Slow cooking also gives ample time for spices, aromatics, and the savory goodness of mushrooms to infuse the dish.
To achieve the best results:
- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for stew meat, chuck roast, or sirloin tips. These cuts have enough fat and connective tissue to become meltingly tender during slow cooking.
- Sear the Beef: While optional, browning the beef beforehand enhances the flavor by creating a caramelized crust.
Why Slow Cook?
There’s so much emphasis on cooking beef in a slow cooker because it is truly a game-changer. The slow cooking of meat for long hours allows the gravy to absorb all the flavors of the meat, spices, and mushrooms. Also, this recipe can be made in so many different variations, like with peppers, onions, or potatoes, all according to your preference.
Here is the recipe for slow cooker beef tips and mushrooms:
Ingredients:
Beef tips = 2 pounds
Sliced mushrooms = 2 cups
Onion = 2 medium diced
Garlic cloves = few cloves finely chopped
Cream of mushroom soup = 1 can (250 ml)
Worcestershire Sauce = 2 tablespoons
Thyme = half teaspoon
Salt = according to taste
Black pepper = half a teaspoon
Corn flour = 2/3 tablespoons dissolved in water for thickening the gravy
How to cook?
- First of all, season the beef tips with salt and pepper.
- Put all the ingredients, like beef tips, mushrooms, onions, and garlic, into the slow cooker.
- Add cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme as well.
- Cover and let it cook slowly for 4-6 hours or until the beef is fully tender and some water left.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of corn flour dissolved in water into the gravy.
- Cook for a few more minutes and let the gravy thicken a bit more.
- Serve it hot and enjoy. You can add sides of your choice such as mashed potatoes or boiled rice or sautéed vegetables to complete your meal.
Reader Tip: Want a lighter version? Substitute cream of mushroom soup with low-sodium beef broth and add a splash of heavy cream at the end for richness
Sides and Add-Ons:
Here are a few great variations to try and find out which one suits your taste buds best.
Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff
When the dish is about to be ready, add a cup of sour cream and cook it for a bit to dissolve completely in the gravy. It will leave a creamy yet tangy taste and will taste great with noodles or rice.
Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Peppers and Onions
In this variant, you can add sliced red and green peppers and onion rings instead of mushrooms. This combination is most people’s favorite as it adds a unique taste to the dish.
Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Potatoes
Potatoes go well with almost every dish. Add potato cubes and cook until tender to make this dish a heavy yet delicious one-pot meal.
Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Cream of Mushroom Soup
Add a little extra cream of mushroom soup to make the gravy richer and creamier. This variant creates a soothing creamy gravy with cream of mushroom soup and tastes good with a side of mashed potatoes.
Tips and Tricks:
- Choose the right cut of beef, like stew meat or lean meat, for the best results.
- Taste the gravy before serving so you can adjust the spice’s quantity.
- You can try searing the beef to add a more rich flavor.
- Add a glass of water to avoid drying the gravy.
Most Popular Serving Suggestions
Slow cooker beef tips and mushrooms taste great with:
- Mashed potatoes.
- Egg noodles
- Brown or white rice.
- Sautéed vegetables.
- Beans.
Perfect Pairings
Wondering what to serve alongside your slow cooker masterpiece? Here are some crowd-pleasing ideas:
- Classic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes soak up the gravy beautifully.
- Buttered Egg Noodles: Perfect for a stroganoff-style serving.
- Steamed Green Beans or Brussels Sprouts: Add a touch of freshness to balance the richness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about food—it’s about creating moments. It’s the joy of your home filling with savory aromas, the ease of letting your slow cooker do the work, and the satisfaction of serving a dish that gets rave reviews from everyone around the table.
So, grab your ingredients and let your slow cooker work its magic. Whether you’re making the classic version or your unique spin, Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Mushrooms is bound to become a family favorite.
For more inspiration, check out other comforting recipes like Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli and Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff.
Final Thoughts
Slow cooker beef tips and mushrooms are a classic comfort food that is a favorite of elders and children. The best part about this dish is that it comes with a lot of variations, and it is an easy-to-cook one-pot dish. You can adjust the sides according to your preference or serve it with multiple options. In both situations, it is a win-win.
Give this recipe a try for your next family event, and your guests will all praise you.
Questions You Might Have
The beef should be fork-tender. If it’s still tough, let it cook longer. Patience is key with slow cooking.
Yes! Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and cornstarch for thickening instead of flour.
No problem! Use a Dutch oven and cook at 325°F in the oven for 3-4 hours.
