If you’re looking for a beef tips in crock pot recipe that’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to prepare, this slow cooker dinner deserves a place on your menu. Tender pieces of beef cook with onions, mushrooms, and a savory broth until they’re ready to serve with rich, silky gravy.
There is something wonderful about coming home to a meal that’s been quietly cooking all afternoon. The kitchen smells inviting, dinner is nearly ready, and all that’s left is preparing a simple side dish.
I’m Lisa Kane, and I love meals that bring together everyday ingredients without making dinner complicated. These crock pot beef tips are exactly that kind of comfort food. Serve them over fluffy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or steamed rice, and you have a satisfying meal with very little hands-on work.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to choose the best beef, get the cooking time right, make a smooth mushroom gravy, and avoid mistakes that can leave slow cooker beef tough or dry.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Beef Tips
This beef tips in crock pot recipe is especially useful when you want something homemade without spending the evening standing over the stove.
- Simple preparation: Most of the work involves cutting an onion, slicing mushrooms, and mixing the sauce.
- Rich, savory gravy: Beef broth, mushrooms, and a little dry sherry create a flavorful sauce.
- Flexible beef choices: Sirloin tips work for the original recipe, while chuck roast suits longer, slower cooking.
- Family-friendly sides: Pair the beef with potatoes, rice, noodles, or vegetables.
- Good for meal planning: Leftover beef tips and gravy can be portioned for another meal.
One reason this beef tips in crock pot recipe works for busy households is its flexibility. Once you understand the basic cooking method, you can adjust the seasonings and vegetables to suit your family’s preferences. For more ideas, explore our easy dinner recipes.
Ingredients for Beef Tips in Crock Pot Recipe with Gravy
You don’t need a long shopping list for this beef tips in crock pot recipe. Most of these ingredients are familiar grocery-store staples. The measurements below make four servings.
Main Ingredients
- 1½ pounds beef sirloin tips: Cut into roughly 1½-inch pieces. Similar-size pieces cook more evenly. Chuck roast can replace the sirloin but generally needs more time.
- ½ medium onion, chopped: Yellow or white onions add a mild sweetness to the gravy.
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms: White button or cremini mushrooms both work. Cremini mushrooms have a slightly earthier flavor.
- ½ cup low-sodium beef broth: Creates the gravy base. Slow cookers retain moisture, so there’s no need to cover the beef with liquid.
- ¼ cup dry sherry: Adds savory complexity. Cooking sherry can be used, but it often contains added salt.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Distributes garlic flavor evenly through the sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt, plus more to taste: Start with less; broth and bottled sauces vary in sodium.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Balances the richness of the mushrooms and meat.
No sherry? For this beef tips in crock pot recipe, replace the ¼ cup sherry with 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce plus 3 tablespoons additional beef broth. Worcestershire is more concentrated than sherry; do not substitute ¼ cup for ¼ cup.
For Thickening the Gravy
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Combine the cornstarch and cold water just before using so you have a smooth slurry that won’t leave lumps in the hot gravy.
Equipment You’ll Need
A 4- to 6-quart slow cooker works well for this beef tips in crock pot recipe. You will also need a cutting board, knife, measuring utensils, and small mixing bowl. A skillet is optional if you plan to brown the beef.
Choosing the Best Beef for a Crock Pot
Choosing a cut suited to the cooking time is the first step toward a successful beef tips in crock pot recipe. Chuck and sirloin behave differently, so a single fixed cook time is not right for every package of beef tips.
Sirloin Tips
For a beef tips in crock pot recipe made with sirloin, expect relatively lean pieces that retain a pleasant, sliceable texture. For pieces roughly 1½ inches thick, begin checking for tenderness after about 5 hours on LOW. Approximately 5–6 hours, including gravy thickening, is a starting range, but the exact cut and your cooker will influence timing.
Because sirloin is lean, cooking it long after it has become tender may leave it dry.
Chuck Roast
If you want this beef tips in crock pot recipe to finish with soft, fall-apart meat, chuck is a good choice. Its connective tissue breaks down during longer, moist cooking, producing a richer sauce. Cut boneless chuck into 1½-inch cubes and plan for roughly 7–8 hours on LOW, checking for fork tenderness before thickening the gravy.
Packaged Stew Meat
Stew meat can work, but packages sometimes contain pieces from more than one cut, so tenderness may be uneven. For predictable results, select a chuck roast and cut it yourself.
Lisa’s tip: If you’re planning a shorter cooking session, sirloin tips can work. For an all-day slow cooker dinner, chuck is generally more forgiving.
How to Make This Beef Tips in Crock Pot Recipe
The method for this beef tips in crock pot recipe is straightforward, and browning is optional. The steps below use sirloin tips; adjust the time if you’re cooking chuck.
Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Vegetables
Before starting this beef tips in crock pot recipe, make sure your beef is fully thawed. Trim large pieces of excess fat and cut the meat into 1½-inch cubes. Chop the onion and slice the mushrooms. Place the onion and mushrooms in the slow cooker, then arrange the beef on top.
Step 2: Mix the Savory Cooking Liquid
In a small bowl whisk together the ½ cup low-sodium broth, ¼ cup dry sherry, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. For the sherry-free version, use 1 tablespoon Worcestershire and 3 tablespoons additional broth in place of the sherry.
Pour the mixture over the beef, onion, and mushrooms. It doesn’t need to completely cover them: the vegetables and beef release more moisture during cooking.
Step 3: Cook Until the Beef Is Tender
To cook this beef tips in crock pot recipe, put the lid on and select LOW. With sirloin tips, start checking around 5 hours and plan for approximately 5–6 hours total, including the final thickening step. Chuck can need about 7–8 hours on LOW.
If you’re short on time, HIGH may work, with roughly 3–4 hours for sirloin or 4–5 hours for chuck as starting ranges. Slow cooker models vary, so check that the beef is fully cooked and tender instead of trusting the clock alone.
Avoid frequently opening the lid. Removing it allows heat to escape and extends the cooking time.
Step 4: Thicken the Mushroom Gravy
Once the beef is tender and you’re about 20–30 minutes from serving, finish the gravy for this beef tips in crock pot recipe: stir 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water together until smooth. Briefly lift the lid, stir the slurry into the hot cooking liquid, set the slow cooker to HIGH, and replace the lid.
Allow roughly 20–30 minutes for the sauce to become hot enough to thicken. If it still seems watery, transfer some cooking liquid to a small saucepan and simmer until the gravy thickens, then return it to the cooker.
Leaving the lid off throughout this step can cool the contents and prevent the starch from thickening properly.
Step 5: Taste and Serve
Before you serve this beef tips in crock pot recipe, taste the gravy and add a pinch of salt or pepper if needed. Serve the beef and mushrooms hot over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or rice, with plenty of sauce spooned over the top. Chopped fresh parsley is an optional finishing touch.
Should You Sear Beef Tips Before Slow Cooking?
Searing isn’t required for this beef tips in crock pot recipe, but it adds extra flavor. Contact with a hot pan produces browned surfaces and a more roasted taste through the Maillard reaction, something a moist slow cooker can’t easily achieve.
To sear, pat the beef dry and heat about 1 tablespoon neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the surface of the cubes for approximately 1–2 minutes per side, then transfer them to the slow cooker. You don’t need to cook the meat through in the pan.
If you’re short on time, skip it. Fully thawed raw beef can go directly into a properly functioning slow cooker. However, don’t start this recipe with frozen beef. See the USDA’s guidance on slow cooker safety for safe preparation practices.
Tips for Tender Beef Tips and Smooth Gravy
Use Less Liquid Than You Think
This beef tips in crock pot recipe needs less liquid than a stovetop stew: slow cookers don’t allow much evaporation with the lid on, and mushrooms and onions release moisture. This is why the recipe uses only ½ cup broth plus the sherry or its alternative. Several cups of liquid can make the result more like soup than gravy.
Match the Meat to the Time
Chuck becomes tender as its connective tissue gradually softens. Sirloin is leaner and needs earlier checks. If you’ll be gone all day, chuck is often the safer texture choice.
Add Cornstarch Near the End
Adding cornstarch before several hours of slow cooking may produce unpredictable thickening. Mix the slurry just before using and give it enough heat to thicken the sauce.
Taste Before Adding More Salt
Low-sodium broth is helpful, but bottled sauces and cooking sherry can add salt. Taste the cooked dish before seasoning it further.
What to Serve With Slow Cooker Beef Tips
The gravy is one of the best parts of this beef tips in crock pot recipe, so choose a side that can soak it up.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic pairing. Their soft texture complements the rich mushroom gravy, and they make a complete, comforting plate with the beef.
Buttered Egg Noodles
Boil egg noodles separately according to the package instructions, drain, and toss with a little butter. The noodles catch the sauce beautifully.
Rice and Vegetables
White or brown rice is practical for meal prep. For vegetables, serve steamed green beans, roasted carrots, sautéed spinach, or broccoli to contrast with the rich sauce.
For another comfort-food side, try our Mueller’s macaroni and cheese recipe.
Easy Variations for Slow Cooker Beef Tips
This beef tips in crock pot recipe can be adapted with cream, fresh herbs, or vegetables depending on what you have available.
Creamy Beef Tips
For a creamy beef tips in crock pot recipe, stir in ¼ cup sour cream after the beef is cooked and the gravy is thick. Warm gently rather than boiling vigorously, which can make the sour cream split. This makes a tangy, stroganoff-style sauce that’s excellent with noodles.
With Carrots or Peas
Add one or two carrots cut into thick chunks at the beginning of cooking. Frozen peas are better added near the end, with enough time to heat completely through.
Garlic and Herb Beef Tips
Add a small fresh thyme or rosemary sprig before cooking and remove the stem before serving. The herb makes the mushroom gravy taste more rustic.
Gluten-Free Version
Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, but some broths and Worcestershire sauces are not. Check labels, select gluten-free products if needed, and serve over rice or potatoes.
Lower-Sodium Version
Choose unsalted or reduced-sodium beef broth, skip the initial salt, and taste at the end. If using sherry, note that cooking sherry often has extra salt.
The recipe
Slow-Cooker Beef Tips
A simple and flavorful beef tips in crock pot recipe with sirloin, mushrooms, and savory gravy. Perfect for busy days and meal prep.
- Prep
- 10 minutes
- Cook
- 6 hours
- Total
- 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield
- 4 servings
Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
Instructions
- Place beef tips, onions, and mushrooms in crock pot.
- Mix broth, sherry, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour over beef.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4.
- Mix cornstarch and water, stir in during last 30 mins.
- Remove lid for final 15 mins to thicken sauce.
- Serve over potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Notes
Use chuck roast or stew meat if needed.
Add carrots or peas in final hour for extra veggies.
Skip searing for simplicity or brown meat beforehand for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving size
- 1 plate
- Calories
- 410
- Sugar
- 2g
- Sodium
- 580mg
- Fat
- 21g
- Saturated fat
- 8g
- Unsaturated fat
- 11g
- Trans fat
- 0g
- Carbohydrates
- 8g
- Fiber
- 1g
- Protein
- 39g
- Cholesterol
- 125mg
Recipe from EasyCookedRecipes.com
Common Slow Cooker Beef Tips Problems
Why Is My Beef Tough?
If the beef from this beef tips in crock pot recipe turns out tough, the answer often depends on the cut. Chuck can remain tough when its connective tissue hasn’t softened, so it may need more covered cooking time. Sirloin can become dry and firm from overcooking, in which case cooking it longer is unlikely to help. Serve lean beef with plenty of gravy and check earlier next time.
Why Is My Gravy Watery?
Mushrooms release liquid, and slow cookers retain it. Stir in a cold-water cornstarch slurry when the cooking liquid is hot, replace the lid, and allow it to thicken. If the cooker can’t get the gravy hot enough, finish the sauce in a saucepan.
Why Are the Beef Tips Dry?
Lean meat may dry out after it passes the point of tenderness. Cut the pieces uniformly, check sirloin earlier, and choose chuck when cooking for a longer period.
Why Is My Gravy Too Salty?
This often happens when broth, cooking sherry, and Worcestershire are combined with too much salt. Add a little unsalted broth to dilute the seasoning, and serve with a plain side such as potatoes or rice.
Why Is the Gravy Lumpy?
Cornstarch can clump when added directly to hot liquid. Always mix it with cold water first and whisk the slurry until smooth.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Beef Tips
One useful thing about this beef tips in crock pot recipe is that the beef and gravy keep well together for later meals.
Refrigerate Leftovers Safely
After making this beef tips in crock pot recipe, move the beef and gravy to shallow airtight containers and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking, or within 1 hour if the surrounding temperature exceeds 90°F (32°C). Use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days.
Freeze for Another Meal
Portion the beef and gravy together in freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. For best quality, use within about 2–3 months. Label each portion with the date.
Reheat Thoroughly
Thaw frozen portions safely in the refrigerator when practical. Reheat the beef and sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring so the temperature is even, until the leftovers reach 165°F (74°C). If the gravy becomes too thick, stir in a splash of broth. Don’t use a slow cooker to reheat refrigerated leftovers. For details, see the USDA guidance on leftovers and reheating.
More Easy Comfort-Food Recipes
Enjoyed this beef tips in crock pot recipe and looking for another hearty meal? Browse our dinner recipe collection or try our pizza tacos recipe when you want another family-friendly dinner. For something with different flavors, our Phat Si-Io Thai noodles make a great change of pace.
Beef Tips in Crock Pot Recipe: Frequently Asked Questions
Should I sear beef tips before putting them in a crock pot?
In this beef tips in crock pot recipe, searing is optional. It adds richer browned flavor, but fully thawed raw beef can go directly into the cooker. Skip searing when you want the easiest preparation.
Do beef tips get more tender the longer they cook?
Not always. A beef tips in crock pot recipe made with chuck usually improves as connective tissue breaks down, up to a point. Leaner sirloin can become dry from overcooking. Match the cooking time to the cut and check for tenderness.
Are beef tips the same as stew meat?
Not necessarily. Beef tips may be sold as sirloin or other cuts, while packaged stew meat can contain different cuts. Knowing what cut you’re using helps you choose the right slow-cooking time.
Can you put raw beef directly into a slow cooker?
Yes, if it is fully thawed and you use a properly operating slow cooker. Browning isn’t required for food safety. Thaw frozen meat first and keep ingredients refrigerated until cooking.
How long should beef tips cook in a crock pot?
For this beef tips in crock pot recipe with 1½-inch sirloin cubes, start checking around 5 hours on LOW; about 5–6 hours total may work. Chuck often needs around 7–8 hours on LOW. Times vary with cooker size, fill level, and meat cut.
Can I make crock pot beef tips without mushrooms?
Absolutely. Leave out the mushrooms if you prefer, but remember they contribute flavor and moisture. You can adjust the seasoning or add a little more broth if needed.
How do I thicken slow cooker beef gravy?
Stir together 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water. Add it to the hot cooking liquid near the end, cover, and heat on HIGH for roughly 20–30 minutes. If it stays thin, simmer part of the liquid in a saucepan until it thickens.
Can I cook frozen beef tips in a crock pot?
No. Thaw beef safely before slow cooking so the meat heats appropriately and doesn’t spend too long at unsafe temperatures.
Final Thoughts
A good beef tips in crock pot recipe should make dinner easier, not more complicated. Tender beef, earthy mushrooms, savory seasoning, and smooth homemade gravy turn simple ingredients into a satisfying family meal.
Choose sirloin when you can check the pot earlier, or chuck when you need a longer, gentler cook. Whichever you use, the three details that matter most are matching the cut to the cooking time, checking the actual tenderness, and thickening the gravy near the end.
Serve the beef over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles and enjoy a cozy homemade dinner without spending the evening in the kitchen.
Have you tried these slow cooker beef tips? Share your favorite side dish or any changes you made in the comments. I’d love to hear what worked in your kitchen.
— Lisa Kane, EasyCookedRecipes
Around the table