Description
Quick Slow Cooker Beef Tips: Your easy weeknight dinner solution! Toss ingredients in for tender, flavorful beef that cooks itself. So simple!
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast, cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
- Flavor Boosters:
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- Thickening & Finishing:
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
- Serving Suggestions:
- Hot cooked egg noodles (or mashed potatoes)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Your Beef & Veggies:: Okay, first things first, grab that beef stew meat. If it’s not already in 1-inch pieces, get chopping! Trim off any really big chunks of fat, but don’t go crazy, a little fat means flavor, hon. Toss those beef pieces with a good sprinkle of salt, pepper, and garlic powder right in the slow cooker insert. Then, chop up your yellow onion. I usually do a medium dice, nothing too precise, it’s all going to melt down anyway. Add the onion right in with the beef. You should see a nice mix of red and white, smelling savory already, honestly!
- Combine & Conquer:: Now for the liquids and flavor boosters! Pour in your beef broth and that condensed cream of mushroom soup. Don’t worry if the soup looks a bit thick and gloopy; it’ll all meld together beautifully. Add your Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme. Give everything a good stir with a spoon, making sure the beef is mostly submerged in the liquid. This is where I always take a deep breath, knowing the hard part is over. The mixture will look a bit pale, but trust me, it’s going to transform.
- Low & Slow Magic:: Pop the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to low and let it do its thing for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2.5 to 3.5 hours. I prefer the low setting; it really gives the beef time to get super tender, falling apart with just a fork. I’ve rushed it on high before, and while it’s edible, it just doesn’t have that same melt-in-your-mouth quality. The house will start smelling absolutely divine around hour three, I didn’t expect that the first time!
- Thicken That Gravy:: Once the cooking time is up and the beef is wonderfully tender, it’s time to make that gravy luscious. In a small bowl, whisk together your cornstarch with a bit of cold water until you have a smooth slurry. No lumps, remember? Carefully pour the slurry into the slow cooker, stirring constantly until the sauce starts to thicken. It won’t be instant, but you’ll see it happen right before your eyes. You want it to coat the back of a spoon, not be watery.
- Serve It Up Hot:: While your gravy is thickening, get your egg noodles (or mashed potatoes!) ready. Cook them according to package directions. I always make sure they’re perfectly al dente because nothing is worse than mushy noodles, honestly. Drain them well and get ready for serving. The beef tips will be incredibly tender now, practically shredding themselves.
- Garnish & Enjoy:: Ladled generous portions of your Quick Slow Cooker Beef Tips Dinner over those fluffy noodles. If you’re feeling fancy, or just want a little pop of color, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley over the top. It adds a nice fresh contrast to the rich, savory dish. Take a moment to just inhale that amazing aroma – you earned this! It’s one of those meals that just screams ‘comfort’ from the first bite.