Slow cooker meals have become a staple in kitchens around the globe, offering a convenient way to prepare delicious, home-cooked meals with minimal effort. Among these, Slow Cooker Beef Tips stand out as a comforting, hearty dish perfect for cold evenings or busy weekdays. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the best slow cooker beef tips, from selecting the right ingredients to serving suggestions.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
The foundation of a great slow cooker beef tips dish lies in the quality of its ingredients. Here’s what you need to know:
- Beef: Opt for cuts like top sirloin or chuck roast, which become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. For more on selecting beef cuts, consider reading about the ultimate guide to Hawaiian grilled teriyaki chicken, which also touches on choosing the right meat for different dishes.
- Broth and Seasonings: A rich, low-sodium beef broth enhances the dish without making it overly salty. Freshly ground black pepper, Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, and Italian seasoning add depth to the flavor.
- Optional Ingredients: Consider adding Worcestershire sauce, diced onions, and minced garlic for an extra layer of savoriness.
Preparing Your Beef Tips for the Slow Cooker
Proper preparation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your beef tips. Here are the key steps:
- Cleaning and Cutting: Trim any excess fat from the beef and cut it into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Searing: Although not always necessary, searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker can deepen the flavor. A quick sear in a hot pan with a bit of vegetable oil is all it takes. For a detailed guide on cooking techniques, check out the ultimate guide to easy guacamole, which includes tips that are applicable to preparing meat.
The Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Tips Recipe
Follow these steps for tender and delicious beef tips:
- Season the beef cubes with seasoned salt and pepper.
- If desired, sear the beef in batches to lock in flavor.
- Place the beef in the slow cooker and add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, thyme, diced onions, minced garlic, and a bay leaf.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
- To thicken the gravy, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the slow cooker. Cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Slow Cooker Beef Tips are versatile and can be served in various ways:
- Over creamy mashed potatoes, white or brown rice, or buttered noodles.
- Accompanied by a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
- With warm bread or rolls to soak up the delicious gravy.
Incorporating Slow Cooker Beef Tips into your meal rotation is a surefire way to enjoy a comforting, flavorful dish that requires minimal active cooking time. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to create a meal that’s both satisfying and convenient, perfect for any night of the week.
Slow Cooker Beef Tips
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef tips
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons beef bouillon (Better Than Bouillon recommended)
- 2 .87 oz low-sodium brown gravy packets or 1/2 cup cornstarch
Instructions
- Spray crockpot with nonstick spray. Season beef with salt and pepper and place meat in the crockpot. Add remaining ingredients. Stir and cover with lid.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours until meat is tender. (Or high for 4-6 hours, but low is recommended for more tender beef.)
- Once beef is tender, stir everything together in the crockpot. (The gravy will thicken once stirred.) Serve immediately, as desired (over potatoes, noodles, rice, etc.).
