As the seasons change and the air takes on a refreshing chill, I find myself looking for meals that not only satisfy but also fill the kitchen with warmth and comfort. Today, I want to share my beloved Slow Cooker Beef Tips Recipe.
This dish, rich in flavor and easy to prepare, is an absolute winner in my household, especially when paired with fluffy mashed potatoes or served atop a bed of rice. Picture this: tender beef tips simmering in a savory sauce, begging to soak up every delicious bite of your favorite side.
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Why This Recipe Is Great For You
What strikes me most about this recipe is its ease. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you focus on the important things in life—like family, friends, and maybe a good book. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe demonstrates that you don’t need a culinary degree to whip up something delightful.
Plus, it’s packed with protein and iron from the beef, making it a hearty option for anyone needing a little extra fuel. Best of all? This recipe is versatile. It can be a cozy weeknight dinner or a showstopper for your next gathering.
Let’s dive into the ingredients. Each one plays a significant role in creating that rich, deeply satisfying flavor. The heart of this dish is top sirloin, which I love for its tenderness. I pair it with mellow onions, fragrant garlic, and a blend of herbs and spices that elevate it to pure delight.
And the beauty of using a slow cooker is that these ingredients meld together beautifully, enhancing that comforting flavor profile that makes beef tips so irresistible.
The Ingredients List
Gather these essentials before we get cooking:
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided: This helps to sear the beef and adds a rich flavor.
- 3 pounds top sirloin, cut into cubes: A flavorful cut that transforms into tender bites.
- 1 teaspoon Lawry’s seasoned salt, divided: For that perfect blend of spices.
- 2 cups low-sodium beef stock: Adds moisture and enhances the beef flavor.
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste: A must for a peppery kick.
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend: A hint of Italian flavor regardless of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: The secret ingredient that deepens the flavor.
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion: Sweet and aromatic, the onion base is essential.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves: Provides earthiness to balance the dish.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses the dish with a delicate herbal note.
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic: A flavor powerhouse that brings everything together.
- 3 tablespoons water: Just enough to help with the cooking process.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a luxurious finish.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that sets this dish apart.
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste: Deepens the flavor and adds a touch of sweetness.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips Recipe
Now, let’s get to the fun part—cooking! I promise this will be simple and straightforward.
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cubes of top sirloin. I like to sear my beef in batches to ensure each piece gets a nice golden crust.
This step seals in juices and flavor. Don’t rush this; a good sear is key! As you sear, sprinkle half of the Lawry’s seasoned salt over the beef. Searing usually takes about 4-5 minutes per side. When done, set the beef aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the remaining vegetable oil if needed and toss in the chopped onions. Sauté until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute. The smell at this stage is intoxicating, and believe me, it only gets better from here!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Now, grab your slow cooker. Transfer the seared beef into it, along with the sautéed onions and garlic. Pour in the beef stock and add the Worcestershire sauce, the remaining Lawry’s seasoned salt, black pepper, Italian herb blend, dried thyme, bay leaf, smoked paprika, and tomato paste. Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Beef
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it on low for 6-8 hours. Or, if you’re pressed for time, you can set it on high for about 4-5 hours. As the beef cooks, it will absorb all those flavors, resulting in pièce de résistance you can’t resist.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, combine the cornstarch with water in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and add this to the slow cooker. This will help thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency. Give it a good stir and replace the lid.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Once the beef tips are tender and the sauce has thickened, it’s time to eat! Serve over a bed of mashed potatoes or rice with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a beautiful presentation. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a side of roasted vegetables to bring in more nutrients.
Nutrition Information
Recipe Notes
Let’s break down each ingredient for a better understanding:
- Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil that can handle high heat. You can use olive oil for added flavor.
- Top Sirloin: This cut is both economical and delicious. It tends to stay tender when cooked slowly.
- Lawry’s Seasoned Salt: Packed with flavors that blend well with the beef and help season without overpowering.
- Beef Stock: Enhances the beefy flavor and ensures the meat does not dry out. Go for low-sodium options to control salt content.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked has a more vivid taste than pre-ground. Adjust to your pepper preference.
- Italian Herb Blend: A mix of herbs that can include oregano, basil, and thyme, adding that Italian flair.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth. It’s tangy and savory, a little goes a long way!
- Yellow Onion: Offers sweetness when cooked, balancing the flavors.
- Thyme and Bay Leaf: Provide earthy and aromatic notes that enhance richness.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds an intense flavor. I avoid powdered garlic here as it doesn’t compare.
- Cornstarch: A thickening agent that transforms the sauce into a velvety companion for your meat.
- Smoked Paprika: The hint of smokiness elevates the flavor profile from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Tomato Paste: An umami booster that enriches the sauce, making it luscious.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to make this recipe your own! Here are a few ideas to adjust the dish to your taste and ingredients on hand:
- Add Vegetables: Toss in carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms for a one-pot meal. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Change the Protein: If you don’t have beef, you could make a chicken tip version with thighs or breasts, though the cooking time will vary.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or even a dash of hot sauce.
- Asian Twist: Use soy sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce and include ginger for a different flavor profile.
- Herb Variations: Swap the Italian herbs for a herb de Provence mix for a different aromatic blend.
- Slow Cooker Size: If you’re using a smaller slow cooker, simply halve the ingredient amounts.
Slow Cooker Beef Tips Recipe
Equipment
- Tablespoon, Skillet
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil divided: This helps to sear the beef and adds a rich flavor.
- 3 pounds top sirloin cut into cubes: A flavorful cut that transforms into tender bites.
- 1 teaspoon Lawry’s seasoned salt divided: For that perfect blend of spices.
- 2 cups low-sodium beef stock: Adds moisture and enhances the beef flavor.
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste: A must for a peppery kick.
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend: A hint of Italian flavor regardless of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: The secret ingredient that deepens the flavor.
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion: Sweet and aromatic the onion base is essential.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves: Provides earthiness to balance the dish.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses the dish with a delicate herbal note.
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic: A flavor powerhouse that brings everything together.
- 3 tablespoons water: Just enough to help with the cooking process.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a luxurious finish.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that sets this dish apart.
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste: Deepens the flavor and adds a touch of sweetness.
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Beef
- Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cubes of top sirloin. I like to sear my beef in batches to ensure each piece gets a nice golden crust.
- This step seals in juices and flavor. Don’t rush this; a good sear is key! As you sear, sprinkle half of the Lawry’s seasoned salt over the beef. Searing usually takes about 4-5 minutes per side. When done, set the beef aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add the remaining vegetable oil if needed and toss in the chopped onions. Sauté until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute. The smell at this stage is intoxicating, and believe me, it only gets better from here!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
- Now, grab your slow cooker. Transfer the seared beef into it, along with the sautéed onions and garlic. Pour in the beef stock and add the Worcestershire sauce, the remaining Lawry’s seasoned salt, black pepper, Italian herb blend, dried thyme, bay leaf, smoked paprika, and tomato paste. Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Beef
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it on low for 6-8 hours. Or, if you’re pressed for time, you can set it on high for about 4-5 hours. As the beef cooks, it will absorb all those flavors, resulting in pièce de résistance you can’t resist.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
- About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, combine the cornstarch with water in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and add this to the slow cooker. This will help thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency. Give it a good stir and replace the lid.
Step 6: Serve It Up
- Once the beef tips are tender and the sauce has thickened, it’s time to eat! Serve over a bed of mashed potatoes or rice with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a beautiful presentation. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a side of roasted vegetables to bring in more nutrients.
Notes
- Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil that can handle high heat. You can use olive oil for added flavor.
- Top Sirloin: This cut is both economical and delicious. It tends to stay tender when cooked slowly.
- Lawry’s Seasoned Salt: Packed with flavors that blend well with the beef and help season without overpowering.
- Beef Stock: Enhances the beefy flavor and ensures the meat does not dry out. Go for low-sodium options to control salt content.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked has a more vivid taste than pre-ground. Adjust to your pepper preference.
- Italian Herb Blend: A mix of herbs that can include oregano, basil, and thyme, adding that Italian flair.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth. It’s tangy and savory, a little goes a long way!
- Yellow Onion: Offers sweetness when cooked, balancing the flavors.
- Thyme and Bay Leaf: Provide earthy and aromatic notes that enhance richness.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds an intense flavor. I avoid powdered garlic here as it doesn’t compare.
- Cornstarch: A thickening agent that transforms the sauce into a velvety companion for your meat.
- Smoked Paprika: The hint of smokiness elevates the flavor profile from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Tomato Paste: An umami booster that enriches the sauce, making it luscious.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen beef?
Yes! But make sure to thaw it first. Cooking frozen beef in a slow cooker might not allow it to reach a safe temperature quickly.
2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free beef stock and ensure that the Worcestershire sauce is safe for your dietary needs.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Allow the beef tips to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
4. Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Absolutely! Just sear the beef and sauté the vegetables in a deep pot. Then, add the liquid and let it simmer on low heat for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
5. What can I serve with beef tips?
Beyond mashed potatoes or rice, try serving with egg noodles, crusty bread, or a side salad to balance the richness of the beef.
6. How do I know when the beef is done?
The beef is done when it is fork-tender. Resist the urge to check too often, as this can lengthen cooking time.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Beef Tips Recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking for comfort food with plentiful flavor. Its simplicity ensures that even the busiest schedules can accommodate a hearty meal without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re bringing it to a gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish will definitely impress. With the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll end up with tender beef tips that just melt in your mouth.
Dig in and enjoy! Remember, the best meals are those shared with loved ones, so don’t forget to invite a friend or family member to join you. Happy cooking!
