Beef Tips Crock Pot Recipe: Best Set and Forget Meal
This beef tips crock pot recipe simmers all day to create fork-tender beef in rich, savory gravy without any effort. Perfect for busy days when you need dinner ready when you walk in the door.
Wish dinner could just make itself while you’re at work? Crock pots make this dream reality, but only if you use cuts that benefit from long, slow cooking.
The solution is this beef tips crock pot recipe using sirloin tips that become tender after 6-8 hours in savory gravy. Set it in the morning, come home to ready dinner.
Why does this work? Long, low-heat braising breaks down connective tissue while keeping beef moist. The enclosed environment traps moisture and flavors. Learn more in our ultimate guide to beef cuts and cooking.
Here’s how to master crock pot beef tips.
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
- True set-and-forget cooking
- Tender, flavorful results every time
- Perfect for busy weekdays
- Minimal hands-on time
- House smells amazing when you get home
- Leftovers reheat perfectly
Choosing Beef
Best: Sirloin tips or stew meat. Needs some marbling. Amount: 2-3 lbs for 6-quart crock pot. Avoid: Very lean cuts will dry out.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 lbs | Sirloin Tips, cubed |
| 1 packet | Onion Soup Mix (or homemade) |
| 1 can (10 oz) | Cream of Mushroom Soup |
| 1 cup | Beef Broth |
| 8 oz | Mushrooms, sliced |
| 1 large | Onion, diced |
| 3 cloves | Garlic, minced |
| 2 tbsp | Worcestershire Sauce |
| 1 tsp | Dried Thyme |
| Salt & Pepper | To taste |
Instructions
- Place beef in crock pot.
- Add mushrooms, onion, garlic on top.
- Mix soup, broth, soup mix, Worcestershire, thyme.
- Pour over beef.
- Cover, cook on LOW 6-8 hours or HIGH 4-5 hours.
- Stir, taste, adjust seasoning.
- Serve over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Recipe Card
🛠 Equipment Needed
- 6-quart slow cooker
Expert Tips
Don’t Peek: Every lid lift adds 20-30 minutes. LOW is Better: More tender than HIGH. Thicken if Needed: Mix 2 tbsp cornstarch + ¼ cup water, stir in last 30 minutes. Brown First (Optional): Searing before slow cooking adds flavor but isn’t required.
Storage
Fridge: 4 days. Freezer: 3 months. Reheat: Stovetop or microwave with splash of broth.
FAQs
Q: Can I put frozen beef in the crock pot? A: Not recommended for safety. Thaw first.
Q: How long can I leave it on LOW? A: 8-10 hours is safe. Beyond that, beef may get mushy.
Q: Do I need to brown the beef first? A: No, but it adds flavor. Decide based on your time.
Q: Can I use a different soup? A: Yes! Cream of celery, golden mushroom, or make roux-based gravy instead.
Conclusion
Beef tips crock pot recipe is the ultimate busy-day solution. Set it, forget it, come home to tender beef in rich gravy.
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