Slow Cooker Beef Tips
Recipe Tested & Approved by Mia Hartwell
Every recipe is developed, cooked, and tested by Mia in a real home kitchen using everyday ingredients to ensure reliable, repeatable results.
Tender chunks of beef slow-cooked in a rich, savory mushroom gravy. Served over rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes, it's pure hands-off comfort food.
By Mia HartwellUpdated November 23, 2025
Developed using tested cooking methods — cook to the temperatures given and adjust times to your equipment.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Fork-tender beef in a rich mushroom gravy
- 36g of protein per serving
- Hands-off comfort food over rice or potatoes
- Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
Slow Cooker Beef Tips
8 hr 15 min totalServes 6
Nutrition (per serving)
Values are estimates. See our disclaimer for details.
- Calories
- 360kcal
- Protein
- 36g
- Carbs
- 12g
- Fat
- 18g
- Fiber
- 1g
- Sugar
- 3g
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Pat the beef dry, toss with the flour, salt, and pepper, and sear in the olive oil over medium-high until browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- 2
Add the onion, mushrooms, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire, tomato paste, and thyme.
- 3
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
- 4
Whisk the cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water, stir into the slow cooker, and cook on HIGH 15 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- 5
Season to taste and serve over rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Sear the beef first for a deeper, richer gravy.
- Chuck (stew meat) becomes tender and juicy over the long cook; avoid lean cuts that stay tough.
- Brown the mushrooms with the beef if you want even deeper flavor.
- Thaw beef fully before slow cooking for safe, even cooking.
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How to Cook Slow Cooker Beef Tips
New to this dish? Follow along with the detailed guide below — we break down each stage so you get perfect results the very first time.
Sear and build flavor
Toss the beef in flour and sear it before slow cooking — the browned crust adds savory depth, and the flour helps thicken the gravy. Searing is the difference between a flat and a rich-tasting dish.
Slow cook until tender
Add the beef with mushrooms, onion, and a savory broth, then cook low and slow until the chuck turns fork-tender. The long cook breaks down the connective tissue that makes the meat melt in your mouth.
Thicken the gravy
Finish by stirring in a cornstarch slurry and cooking on HIGH until the gravy thickens to a luscious, spoon-coating consistency. Serve over rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes to catch every bit.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat gently in the gravy. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
This slow cooker beef tips pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, crusty bread, or your favorite grain. Add a simple side of roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut should I use?+
Beef chuck (often sold as stew meat) is ideal. Sirloin tips are leaner and quicker but can be less tender over a long cook.
How do I thicken the gravy?+
Stir in a cornstarch slurry at the end and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes, or simmer uncovered to reduce.
Can I freeze it?+
Yes — beef tips and gravy freeze well for up to 3 months.
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