If you have been searching for a hearty, comforting meal that’s packed with savory goodness, then this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe is your new best friend. Tender chunks of beef mingle with earthy mushrooms and sweet pearl onions, all simmered slowly in a rich, flavorful broth until everything is melt-in-your-mouth perfect. The thickened gravy that results is pure bliss spooned over mashed potatoes, parsnips, or noodles, making this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners or cozy weekend meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each element brings balance to the final dish, whether it’s the robust flavor of beef, the subtle sweetness from pearl onions, or the herbal depth of thyme.
- 2 lbs. beef tips: Use cubed sirloin or stew meat for tender, juicy bites that soak up all the flavors.
- 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen pearl onions: Adding these frozen retains their sweetness and texture beautifully during the slow cooking process.
- ¼ cup tomato paste: This thick, concentrated paste boosts umami and deepens the gravy’s color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic enhances the savory profile without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Layered onion flavor complements the fresh pearls for a rounded taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme introduces a subtle earthiness that pairs wonderfully with mushrooms.
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Just enough bite to add warmth without heat.
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms: Sliced or coarsely diced, they add meaty texture and hearty umami.
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth: Creates the luscious base for cooking and thickening the sauce.
- 2 to 4 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy for that perfect consistency.
- Cooked mashed potatoes, parsnips, cauliflower, or noodles: For serving, these soak up every drop of the delicious sauce.
- Snipped fresh parsley: Optional fresh garnish to brighten and freshen each plate.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Combine the Ingredients
Start by placing the beef tips into your slow cooker. Add the frozen pearl onions, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir everything gently to coat the meat and onions evenly with the tomato paste and seasonings, ensuring every bite will be bursting with flavor.
Step 2: Add Mushrooms and Broth
Next, layer the fresh mushrooms right on top of the mixture. Pour the beef broth over all the ingredients in the slow cooker, which will provide moisture and develop the rich gravy as it cooks gently for hours.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Put the lid on your slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours. During this time, the beef becomes decadently tender, the flavors meld beautifully, and the mushrooms soften just enough while still giving texture.
Step 4: Thicken the Gravy with Cornstarch
Once the beef is tender, ladle about a quarter cup of the hot cooking liquid into a small bowl and whisk in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth. Pour this slurry back into the slow cooker, mix well, cover, and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the gravy. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply repeat this step with more cornstarch until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these succulent beef tips and savory mushrooms smothered in their gloriously thickened gravy over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy noodles, or even velvety mashed parsnips or cauliflower for a low-carb option. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of freshly snipped parsley is my go-to garnish for this dish. It adds a cheerful green contrast and a hint of brightness that perfectly balances the richness of the gravy. Feel free to experiment with thyme sprigs or even a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving.
Side Dishes
While mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, this meal truly shines with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed cauliflower or parsnips make a wonderful lighter alternative, while egg noodles soak up the sauce wonderfully. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots alongside add a sweet crunch to complete the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely family-style presentation, serve the beef tips in the slow cooker right at the table so everyone can help themselves. Alternatively, consider plating individual portions over a bed of your favorite mashed vegetable and carefully ladling the gravy on top. A rustic bread basket alongside invites guests to dip into every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors continue to deepen over time, making for even tastier bites the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for a later date, this dish freezes very well. Transfer cooled beef tips and sauce to freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the beef tips gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave portions covered in short intervals, stirring in between for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin tips or stew meat work best because they become tender during slow cooking, chuck roast cut into cubes is a great alternative for a similar texture and flavor.
Do I have to use frozen pearl onions?
Frozen pearl onions are wonderful because they hold their shape and add sweetness without extra prep. However, you can substitute with fresh peeled pearl onions if available, just add them at the same stage and cook as directed.
How do I make the gravy thicker without cornstarch?
If you prefer to avoid cornstarch, you can use flour to make a roux beforehand or cook the gravy uncovered in the slow cooker to reduce and thicken naturally. Be mindful that this will slightly alter cooking time and texture.
Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! You can brown the beef and sauté mushrooms in the Instant Pot using the Saute function, then pressure cook everything together for about 35 minutes. This method speeds up the process while still delivering wonderful results.
What’s the best side to soak up the rich gravy?
Mashed potatoes are the classic choice for a reason—they absorb the gravy beautifully and complement the beef perfectly. Noodles or mashed parsnips also make excellent alternatives that soak up all the delicious sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe is such a treasure to have in your meal rotation. It’s easy to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and the slow cooking process turns simple ingredients into a dish that feels luxurious and comforting. If you’re looking to impress with minimal effort or want to cozy up on a chilly evening, you’ll be so glad you tried this one. Trust me, every spoonful is worth it!
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Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms recipe offers tender, flavorful beef cooked low and slow with mushrooms, pearl onions, and a savory tomato-based gravy. Perfect served over mashed potatoes, vegetables, or noodles, this hearty and comforting dish is easy to prepare and makes for delicious leftovers.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasonings
- 2 lbs. beef tips (cubed sirloin) or cubed beef stew meat (1- to 2-inch pieces)
- 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen pearl onions (add while still frozen)
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Liquids
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced or coarsely diced
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth
Thickening and Garnish
- 2 to 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- Snipped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
To Serve
- Cooked mashed potatoes, mashed parsnips, cauliflower, or noodles
Optional for Instant Pot Version
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil, divided (for searing beef)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients. Make sure beef is cut into 1- to 2-inch pieces. Keep pearl onions frozen for adding directly to the cooker.
- Add Beef and Seasonings to Slow Cooker: Place beef tips, frozen pearl onions, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper into a 6- to 7-quart slow cooker. Stir well to coat the beef and onions evenly with tomato paste and seasonings.
- Add Mushrooms and Broth: Layer sliced mushrooms on top of the beef mixture. Pour the low-sodium beef broth over all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Beef: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
- Make Cornstarch Slurry: When the beef is tender, ladle about ¼ cup of the hot cooking liquid into a small bowl. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth, creating a slurry for thickening the gravy.
- Thicken Gravy: Pour the slurry back into the slow cooker and stir well to incorporate. Cover again, set to high, and cook for 30 minutes or until the gravy thickens. If you prefer a thicker gravy, repeat the slurry step using an additional 2 tablespoons cornstarch.
- Serve: Spoon the beef tips and mushroom gravy over cooked mashed potatoes, mashed parsnips, cauliflower, or noodles. Garnish with fresh snipped parsley, if desired, for a fresh touch.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Optional Instant Pot Searing: For added flavor, use the sauté function on the Instant Pot. Heat ½ tablespoon avocado oil until shimmering. Brown half of the beef tips for about 2 minutes per side. Remove and repeat with the remaining oil and beef. Set browned beef aside.
- Instant Pot Mushroom Sauté: Add ½ cup beef broth to the Instant Pot and scrape the bottom to deglaze. Add mushrooms, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, then press ‘Cancel’ to stop.
Notes
- For the slow cooker version, no searing is required but adds extra flavor if desired.
- Frozen pearl onions can be added directly without thawing.
- Cornstarch slurry is key to achieving a luscious gravy. Adjust thickness as needed by varying cornstarch amount.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, parsnips, cauliflower, or your favorite noodles.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, perfect for meal prep.
- For an Instant Pot adaptation, sear the beef and sauté mushrooms to boost flavor and reduce cooking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
