There’s something about the slow simmer of tender beef that transports me back to lazy summer days at my grandmother’s house in upstate New York. While most think of stews and hearty roasts as winter fare, our family always made slow cooker beef tips a summer staple. It was our secret to enjoying rich, savory flavors without heating up the house — just set it, forget it, and come back to dinner ready and waiting.
This recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Tips is a nostalgic nod to those deliciously simple meals. With a rich, savory gravy and melt-in-your-mouth beef, it’s perfect over creamy mashed potatoes — and just as good ladled over egg noodles or rice if you’re switching things up. Whether you’re hosting a casual summer gathering or just want an easy dinner after a day at the lake, this one’s for you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off cooking: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
- Perfect for summer: No need to crank up the oven or hover over a hot stove.
- Comfort food flavor: Rich gravy, tender beef, creamy mashed potatoes — it’s a hug in a bowl.
- Versatile: Serve with potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread for dipping.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish together:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared separately — try my creamy summer mashed potatoes for the perfect match)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prep the Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, combine the beef stew meat, beef broth, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and black pepper. Stir everything well to coat the beef.
2. Let the Magic Happen
Cover the slow cooker and cook:
- On low for 6–8 hours
- Or on high for 3–4 hours
The beef should be fall-apart tender and soaked in a deeply savory sauce.
3. Thicken the Gravy (Optional)
About 30 minutes before serving, if you’d like a thicker gravy, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker and let it cook on high for the remaining time.
4. Serve It Up
While your beef finishes cooking, whip up a batch of mashed potatoes. To serve, pile a generous scoop of potatoes on each plate and ladle over the beef tips and gravy. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Tips
- Choose the right cut: Chuck roast or stew meat with marbling works best for slow cooking.
- Sear the beef first (optional): If you have time, browning the meat adds depth of flavor, though it’s not necessary for a tasty outcome.
- Double the batch: This recipe freezes beautifully — make extra and stash some away for a future no-fuss dinner.
- Add veggies: Toss in mushrooms, carrots, or pearl onions in the last 2 hours for a one-pot meal.
Summer Pairings & Serving Ideas
While mashed potatoes are the traditional base, here are a few fresh ways to make this recipe shine in summer:
- Serve with herbed rice or buttered noodles for a lighter touch.
- Pair with grilled corn on the cob or a crisp garden salad.
- Add a side of Southern-style green beans or roasted summer squash.
- Top with chives, lemon zest, or a drizzle of olive oil for a bright finish.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I use a different protein?
You can substitute pork or even plant-based meat alternatives, though cooking times may vary. The gravy works well with many variations.
What if I don’t have onion soup mix?
Use a mix of dried onion flakes, garlic powder, and a bouillon cube for a quick DIY substitute.
Reader Love 💬
“This recipe has become our go-to for easy family dinners. We even brought it camping and kept it warm in the crockpot at the site. So good!” — Allie M.
“I had no idea beef tips could be a summer thing, but wow — this was fantastic with roasted veggies and a glass of chilled rosé.” — Daniel P.
Final Thoughts
This slow cooker beef tips recipe is more than just a meal — it’s a nostalgic taste of home, simplified for today’s busy summers. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a crowd, this dish delivers all the comfort of a classic stew without the seasonal heaviness.
Serve it up, sit back, and enjoy a dish that practically cooks itself while you soak up the sunshine.
Print
Slow Cooker Beef Tips: A Comforting Summer Classic
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (on low)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
There’s something about the slow simmer of tender beef that transports me back to lazy summer days at my grandmother’s house in upstate New York. While most think of stews and hearty roasts as winter fare, our family always made slow cooker beef tips a summer staple. It was our secret to enjoying rich, savory flavors without heating up the house — just set it, forget it, and come back to dinner ready and waiting.
Ingredients
2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup beef broth
1 packet onion soup mix
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared separately)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prep the Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, combine the beef stew meat, beef broth, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and black pepper. Stir everything well to coat the beef.
2. Let the Magic Happen
Cover the slow cooker and cook:
-
On low for 6–8 hours
-
Or on high for 3–4 hours
The beef should be fall-apart tender and soaked in a deeply savory sauce.
3. Thicken the Gravy (Optional)
About 30 minutes before serving, if you’d like a thicker gravy, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker and let it cook on high for the remaining time.
4. Serve It Up
While your beef finishes cooking, whip up a batch of mashed potatoes. To serve, pile a generous scoop of potatoes on each plate and ladle over the beef tips and gravy. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Notes
- Choose the right cut: Chuck roast or stew meat with marbling works best for slow cooking.
- Sear the beef first (optional): If you have time, browning the meat adds depth of flavor, though it’s not necessary for a tasty outcome.
- Double the batch: This recipe freezes beautifully — make extra and stash some away for a future no-fuss dinner.
- Add veggies: Toss in mushrooms, carrots, or pearl onions in the last 2 hours for a one-pot meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours on low (or 3–4 hours on high)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup beef + ⅔ cup mashed potatoes
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: slow cooker beef tips, beef tips with gravy, crockpot beef tips, summer comfort food
