Slow Cooker Smothered Beef Tips
Ingredients
- 3 lbtri tip or sirloin beef roast
cut into 1- to 2-inch pieces
- salt and pepper
for seasoning
- 2 tbspolive oil
avocado oil or canola/vegetable oil
- 1 cdiced onions
- 2 clovesgarlic
finely minced
- 3 cbeef broth or beef stock
- 1 tbspworcestershire sauce
- 2bay leaves
- dried thyme
- 3 tbspbutter
- 3 tbspflour
- 1 tspred wine vinegar
- fresh parsley)
for serving (optional
Directions
- 1
Season the beef pieces on all sides with salt and pepper. Heat the oil over medium heat in a skillet until hot and rippling. Add some of the beef in a single layer, not touching, and cook for 30 seconds or so until golden, flip and brown on the other side. Transfer beef to the insert of 6-quart slow cooker. Repeat with remaining beef, adding additional oil, if needed (let it heat up before adding more beef pieces).
- 2
Once the beef has all been browned and transferred to the slow cooker, add the onions to the skillet set over medium heat. If the skillet is dry, add a teaspoon or so of oil.
- 3
Cook the onions for 3-4 minutes, until translucent. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Pour in the beef broth or stock and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a simmer, scraping up bottom of pan.
- 4
Pour mixture into the slow cooker with the beef. Add the bay leaves and thyme. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or 4-5 hours on high until beef is tender.
- 5
Transfer the beef to a dish and cover to keep warm. At this point you can strain the liquid in the slow cooker to remove any solids/onions or use as is for the gravy. You should have about 3-4 cups of liquid.
- 6
For the gravy, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. add the flour and whisk to combine. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until bubbling (it's ok if it browns slightly). Add the reserved liquid from the slow cooker about one cup at a time, whisking vigorously to avoid lumps.
- 7
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Stir in the red wine vinegar and season to taste with additional salt and pepper, to taste. If the mixture is too thin, stir together equal parts softened butter and flour until smooth and quickly whisk into simmering gravy. If the mixture is too thick, thin with additional beef broth.
- 8
Add the beef pieces back to the slow cooker or to a serving dish and pour the gravy over the top. Serve over mashed potatoes with fresh parsley (optional).
Slow Cooker Smothered Beef Tips
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Based on 116 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a deeply comforting, hearty meal that practically cooks itself? These Slow Cooker Smothered Beef Tips deliver melt-in-your-mouth tenderness in a rich, savory gravy, making weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings effortlessly delicious. You'll love how the slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable main course.
The magic of this recipe lies in the slow cooking process, which breaks down tougher cuts of beef into luscious, fork-tender pieces. Infused with aromatic onions, garlic, and a blend of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme, the flavors deepen and meld over hours. A simple butter and flour roux then creates a velvety, satisfying gravy that coats every bite.
Expect incredibly tender beef tips that are fall-apart soft, swimming in a thick, savory, and wonderfully rich gravy. The long cook time ensures maximum flavor development and a truly succulent texture. This main course offers a comforting, homestyle experience with minimal active cooking time, allowing you to set it and forget it until dinner is ready.
While this recipe shines with tri tip or sirloin beef roast, you can readily swap the olive oil for avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil depending on what you have on hand. For a brighter finish, a sprinkle of fresh parsley is an optional but highly recommended garnish, adding a pop of color and herbaceous freshness.
This robust and satisfying main course is perfect for a comforting family dinner. Serve it generously over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or wide egg noodles to soak up every last drop of that delectable, savory gravy.