Subtitle: Effortlessly Elegant Slow-Cooked Goodness for Any Occasion
Author: Nora
Preparation Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 hours (LOW) or 4 hours (HIGH) + 5-10 minutes (thickening)
Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes | Servings: 6
Reader Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.84 out of 42 votes
Published on: 09/10/2019 | Updated on: 02/12/2024
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about a dish that practically cooks itself while you go about your day. Enter Crockpot Beef Tips and Mushroom Gravy —a recipe designed to deliver rich, comforting flavors with minimal effort. Whether it’s a busy weekday dinner or a cozy Sunday supper, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. The tender beef tips paired with velvety mushroom gravy create an elegant yet hearty meal that pairs beautifully with everything from mashed potatoes to egg noodles. Best of all? It’s versatile enough to adapt to your taste preferences
Ingredients
https://tastenrecipes.com/easy-chicken-pozole-mexican-soup-recipe/Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, let’s gather our ingredients. toi ease of preparation, they’re divided into categories
For the Meat
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 ½ pounds beef tips (stewing beef or chuck roast work best)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1 pound mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or baby portobello varieties recommended)
- ½ teaspoon ground paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ⅓ cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Pinot Noir) OR beef broth
- 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian twist)
- 1–2 teaspoons salt (adjust based on the saltiness of your broth)
- Freshly ground black pepper
To Thicken
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with cold water (up to 4 tablespoons if needed)
Notes on Ingredients
- Beef Cut: Chuck roast or stewing beef provides the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor after slow cooking.
- Mushrooms: Feel free to mix and match types for added depth.
- Wine vs. Broth: Red wine adds a sophisticated layer of flavor, but substituting more broth keeps things simple and kid-friendly.
- Thickener Alternatives: If you prefer not to use cornstarch, arrowroot powder works just as well.https://tastenrecipes.com/easy-chicken-pozole-mexican-soup-recipe/
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Start by heating oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper, then lightly dust each piece with flour. Sear the beef in batches until golden brown on all sides—this step is crucial for developing deep, caramelized flavors. Once browned, transfer the meat to your slow cooker.
2. Cook the Mushrooms
Using the same skillet, add the onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Sauté until softened and fragrant. Stir in the paprika, parsley, and thyme, allowing their aromas to bloom. Deglaze the pan with red wine (or broth), scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning before pouring this mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
3. Slow Cook
Mix everything together in the slow cooker, ensuring the beef is fully submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. During this time, the beef will become incredibly tender, absorbing all the savory goodness of the sauce.
4. Thicken the Gravy
About 10 minutes before serving, prepare a slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water. Stir this into the slow cooker and let it simmer uncovered for 5–10 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Tips and Tricks for Success
Top Tips for Recipe Success
- Don’t Skip Browning the Meat: This step enhances both flavor and color, making your dish look as good as it tastes.
- Sauce Too Thin? Add more cornstarch slurry gradually until it reaches the right thickness.
- Season as You Go: Small adjustments at every stage ensure layers of flavor develop naturally.
- Keep That Lid Closed: Opening the slow cooker frequently can disrupt the cooking process and extend the total time.
Helpful Recipe Hints
- Adding flour to the beef helps with browning and contributes to a thicker final sauce.
Variations and Suggestions
Want to put your own spin on this classic? Here are some ideas
- Toss in diced carrots, celery, or potatoes for extra veggies.
- Stir in crème fraîche or sour cream at the end for a luxurious finish.
- Omit mushrooms entirely and double down on onions for a milder flavor profile.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a vibrant touch.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. They’ll keep for up to three days. When reheating, warm the dish in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
Safety Note: While mushrooms are generally safe to reheat, always store them properly and consume within the recommended timeframe to avoid spoilage.
Serving Ideas
This dish shines no matter how you serve it. Some suggestions include:
- Classic Comfort Dinner: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans.
- Elegant Entree: Serve over buttered egg noodles alongside roasted asparagus.
- Kid-Friendly Meal: Combine with fluffy rice and broccoli florets.
- Autumn Feast: Spoon over creamy polenta with glazed carrots on the side.
More Slow Cooker Comfort
If you enjoyed this recipe, try these other slow-cooked favorites
- Crock Pot Beef Stew
- The Best Crockpot Pot Roast
- Crock Pot Pork Chops
- Easy Crockpot Chili
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximate)
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 18g
About the Author
Nora has been sharing her love of home cooking through her blog for over a decade. Her mission? To inspire others to create delicious, approachable meals that bring people together. Learn more about her journey here .
Interactions with Readers
Have questions or feedback? Scroll down to leave a comment or rate the recipe! Your input helps improve the experience for everyone.
And there you have it—a complete guide to crafting mouthwatering Crockpot Beef Tips and Mushroom Gravy . Enjoy every bite
