Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Name: Slow Cooker Beef Tips
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 300 min
Total time: 315 min
Ingredients: 2½ pounds boneless beef chuck roast (cut into 1½-inch cubes); 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing); 1 large sweet onion (thinly sliced); 12 ounces cremini mushrooms (thickly sliced); 5 garlic cloves (minced); ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 3 fresh thyme sprigs); 1¼ cups low-sodium beef broth; ½ cup smoky BBQ sauce (preferably not overly sweet); 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons cold water; Chopped fresh parsley; Mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles (for serving, optional)

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These Slow Cooker Beef Tips melt in your mouth! They simmer to perfection in a smoky BBQ gravy that infuses them with savory, umami flavors. Served over white rice or creamy mashed potatoes, it’s the ultimate comforting meal.

Slow cooker beef tips served over white rice.

As a busy mom, spending hours hovering over a barbecue is not an option. That’s why I love this slow cooker recipe. You get all the flavors and texture of perfectly cooked beef without the effort. Even the homemade gravy is as simple as whisking and pouring.

My kids love devouring these beef tips with a big scoop of creamy Boursin mashed potatoes. I’ll also serve them with white rice or egg noodles for an easy, comforting meal.

Recipe Overview

Skill Level

Intermediate

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

5 hrs

Key Ingredients

Here are the main ingredients for this easy slow cooker recipe. The full ingredient list and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

ingredients to make slow cooker beef tips.

Beef chuck roast: I prefer boneless beef chuck roast. Slow cooking makes it fall-apart tender and it’s budget-friendly.
Onion and garlic: I use a sweet onion and 5 garlic cloves.
Cremini mushrooms: They’re earthy, meaty, and pair perfectly with beef.
Seasonings: I use smoked paprika and dried thyme. You can also use fresh thyme.
Smoky BBQ Gravy: I make it from scratch with beef broth, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and cornstarch. The smoky, savory, slightly sweet flavor beats anything store-bought!

How to make Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Cook the beef: Pat the beef dry with paper towels, then season with pepper and smoked paprika. In a large skillet, sear the beef in two batches for 1-2 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Transfer to a slow cooker.

process shot to cook the beef tips and adding them into the slow cooker.

Add onions, mushrooms, garlic, and thyme: Add onions, mushrooms, garlic, and thyme to the seared beef.

Make the BBQ gravy: In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Pour over the beef and vegetables. Stir.

process shot of adding the mushrooms in the slow cooker and then adding broth over it.

Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours (recommended) or HIGH for 4-5 hours if you’re short on time.

Add the slurry: Once the beef is fork-tender, whisk the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the beef mixture. Cover and cook on HIGH for 20-25 minutes, until the gravy thickens and coats the beef. Garnish with fresh parsley. Spoon over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or egg noodles for serving.

adding the slurry over the cooked beef and mushroom sauce in slow cooker.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Don’t skip searing: I highly recommend searing the beef first for a deeper, more savory flavor.
Use low heat: If I have the time, I’ll set the slow cooker on low heat. The lower temperature and longer cook time yield the most succulent results.
Cook until tender: Before adding the slurry, I always check the beef’s texture. If it’s still chewy, I continue cooking until it is tender.
Make the slurry before mixing: If you simply dump and stir the cornstarch, it won’t thicken the gravy properly.

Simple Variations

Try other beef cuts: Rump roast or brisket are great alternatives. The low-and-slow cooking process makes tougher meats perfectly tender.
Use a rub: A smoky spice rub like the one I use on my Slow Cooker Chuck Roast would add a ton of flavor.
Add some veggies: Sometimes, I’ll sneak in extra veggies like carrots, potatoes, or green peas.
Go gluten-free: I already use cornstarch, but you could swap it for gluten-free flour. Also, check your condiment labels to make sure they’re gluten-free.

beef tips with mushroom sauce cooked in slow cooker served over white rice.

What to serve with Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Over noodles, with sides, or on a fluffy bun, you can enjoy these beef tips in so many ways. Here are some suggestions:

Storing and Reheating

Storing: Place the leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until thoroughly warmed, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if you need to loosen up the gravy.

Common Questions

Can I Use Other Types of Beef?

Yes, you can. However, I recommend using tougher cuts like rump roast or brisket, which are better for slow cooking.

Do I Have to Sear the Beef First?

No, but you should! Searing the beef adds a deeper layer of flavor. You can skip it, but your beef tips won’t be as flavorful.

Is High or Low Heat Better?

Low heat will yield the most tender results. But you can cook on high heat in a pinch.

Can I Add Cornstarch Directly Into the Slow Cooker?

I don’t recommend it. Mixing the slurry and then adding it to the slow cooker is how you get the ideal thick gravy texture.

Why Isn’t My Sauce Thickening?

Your slow cooker may not be hot enough. In this case, I recommend simmering the liquid with the slurry in a saucepan for about 2-3 minutes. Then, add it back to the slow cooker