Slow Cooker Beef Tips are a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. This recipe features tender sirloin steak strips slow-cooked with onions and mushrooms in a rich, savory sauce. The slow cooking process ensures that the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the blend of seasonings and ingredients creates a depth of flavor that is sure to satisfy. Serve these beef tips over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Beef Tips:
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 8 oz baby Bella mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into strips, excess fat trimmed
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup dry red wine, plus a splash for deglazing
- 2½ cups fat-free beef broth
- 2 tbsp corn starch
- ¼ cup cold water, whisked together
Instructions
Preparing the Beef Tips:
- Prepare Ingredients: Begin by slicing the onion and mushrooms. Cut the sirloin steak into strips, trimming any excess fat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and mushrooms. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker.
- Brown the Beef: In the same skillet, add the sirloin steak strips. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the beef until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Deglaze the Pan: Add a splash of red wine to the skillet to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker.
- Add Liquid and Seasonings: Pour the remaining red wine, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.
Thickening the Sauce:
- Prepare Cornstarch Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
- Add to Slow Cooker: About 30 minutes before serving, stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Continue Cooking: Cover and continue to cook on high until the sauce has thickened.
Serving:
- Serve: Once the sauce has thickened and the beef is tender, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve the beef tips over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, if desired.
Cook’s Notes
- Beef: For the best results, use a high-quality sirloin steak. You can also substitute with other cuts like chuck or stew meat.
- Wine: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with additional beef broth.
- Mushrooms: Baby Bella mushrooms add a rich flavor, but you can use other types like white button or cremini mushrooms.
- Thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add more cornstarch and water mixture until the desired consistency is reached.
Variations
- Garlic: Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the sautéed vegetables for additional flavor.
- Herbs: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves to enhance the flavor profile.
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or peas for a heartier dish.
- Spicy: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Keto and Low-Carb Version
Ingredients:
- Onion and Mushrooms: Use the same amount as the original recipe.
- Beef: Choose a high-fat cut like ribeye or chuck roast.
- Broth: Use bone broth instead of beef broth for added nutrients.
- Thickener: Replace the cornstarch with xanthan gum or glucomannan powder to thicken the sauce without adding carbs.
- Wine: Use a dry, low-carb red wine or substitute with additional bone broth.
Instructions:
Follow the same steps as the original recipe, but make the following adjustments:
- Thicken Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle a small amount of xanthan gum or glucomannan powder into the slow cooker, stirring well to avoid clumping. Continue to cook until the sauce has thickened.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use other cuts of beef?
- Yes, you can use chuck roast, stew meat, or even ribeye for a richer flavor.
- Can I cook this on the stovetop?
- Yes, you can cook this recipe on the stovetop. Sauté the onions, mushrooms, and beef in a large pot, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer on low heat for 1-2 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Can I freeze the leftovers?
- Yes, you can freeze the cooked beef tips. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
- What can I use instead of red wine?
- You can substitute the red wine with additional beef broth, chicken broth, or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- How can I make this dish gluten-free?
- Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free, including the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Use a gluten-free thickener like arrowroot powder or cornstarch.
Slow Cooker Beef Tips are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that will quickly become a favorite in your household. The tender beef and rich, savory sauce make this dish a perfect comfort food for any occasion. With its versatile variations and keto-friendly options, there’s a version of this recipe for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special gathering, these beef tips are sure to impress. Happy cooking
