Beef Tips in Crock Pot Recipe for Juicy, Tender, No-Fuss Meals

The first time I made this beef tips in crock pot recipe, it was purely out of necessity. We were snowed in, the pantry was running low, and I had one last pack of sirloin tips left. I tossed them into the crock pot with mushrooms, onions, broth, and a splash of cooking sherry, just working with what I had. Hours later, the result was so tender and flavorful, I knew I had found a new family favorite.

As someone raised between Moroccan spices and American comfort food, I’ve always loved simple dishes that still feel special. This beef tips in crock pot recipe delivers on both. It’s rich, hearty, and comes together with little effort—ideal for busy nights or make-ahead meals.

Whether you’re new to cooking or just want dinner ready when you walk through the door, this recipe has you covered. Serve it over mashed potatoes or rice, and dinner practically makes itself. You’ll find this dish featured in our Slow Cooker and Beef Recipes collections for good reason.

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Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need for the Best Beef Tips in Crock Pot Recipe

Best Cuts of Beef for Slow Cooking

When it comes to this beef tips in crock pot recipe, your meat choice matters. Sirloin tips are ideal—they’re lean, tender, and hold their shape well during slow cooking. But don’t worry if you have a different cut on hand. Chuck roast, cut into chunks, works beautifully too. Even stew meat is a solid choice, though it might need a bit more cook time to get as soft.

The slow cooker’s gentle heat breaks down tough fibers, so even affordable cuts become juicy and tender. That’s the magic of recipes like this and why it’s featured in our go-to Budget Beef Meals collection.

Recommended Beef Cuts	Texture After Cooking
Sirloin Tips	Tender, holds shape
Chuck Roast	Rich, soft, flavorful
Stew Meat	Great with longer cook

Pantry Ingredients That Bring It All Together

Here’s what you’ll need for this beef tips in crock pot recipe—and most of it’s likely in your kitchen already:

• Beef sirloin tips (or stew meat/chuck)
• Onions (yellow or white, chopped)
• Mushrooms (sliced; white or cremini work well)
• Beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• Cornstarch or tapioca starch (to thicken)
• Garlic powder, salt, black pepper
• Cooking sherry or Worcestershire sauce

Want a richer flavor? Swap sherry with balsamic vinegar or a dash of soy sauce. For added depth, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard works wonders too.

If you’re preparing this on a meal-prep Sunday, chop the onions and mushrooms ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. It makes tossing this into the slow cooker on a weekday morning a breeze.

For more weeknight-friendly ideas, check out our Dump-and-Cook Crock Pot Recipes.

How to Make Crock Pot Beef Tips Like a Pro

Do You Need to Sear the Beef First?

Let’s settle this: for this beef tips in crock pot recipe, you don’t have to sear the beef. The long, slow cook time gives you tender results either way. But if you have a few extra minutes, browning your beef in a hot skillet with a touch of oil adds rich flavor and creates a deeper color in the final sauce.

That said, I skip the sear on most busy mornings. Just tossing everything into the slow cooker still gives amazing flavor, especially if you’re using a good broth and aromatics like garlic and onions.

Easy, Foolproof Cooking Instructions

You won’t need more than 10 minutes of prep time—your slow cooker handles the rest. Here’s how to get this beef tips in crock pot recipe going in the morning and come home to a hearty, ready-to-eat dinner.

Step-by-Step:

1. Add beef tips to your crock pot.
2. Top with sliced mushrooms and chopped onions.
3. In a small bowl, mix broth, cooking sherry (or Worcestershire), garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours, or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in a cornstarch slurry (2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) to thicken the sauce.

Let the lid stay off during the last half-hour if you want the sauce to reduce and thicken more.

If you’re a fan of no-fuss, throw-it-all-in meals like this one, check out our Easy One-Pot Dinners collection for more inspiration.

Cook Time Tip:
While 3–4 hours on high will work in a pinch, cooking low and slow for 6–8 hours gives you beef that falls apart with a fork. That’s the real reward of a slow cooker.

What to Serve with Beef Tips in Crock Pot Recipe

Perfect Side Dishes for a Complete Meal

Beef tips in a crock pot cook up into a savory, saucy dish that’s begging for something to soak up all that flavor. Mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, but don’t stop there. Try buttery egg noodles or fluffy white rice—they’re all great bases to catch the rich gravy.

Here are some top side options that go hand-in-hand with this beef tips in crock pot recipe:

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy, soft, and comforting. Try our Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes if you’re in a rush.
• Egg noodles: Cooked al dente and tossed with butter or olive oil.
• Garlic rice or herbed couscous: Great options if you want something a little lighter.

Don’t forget a veggie side for balance. Steamed green beans, sautéed spinach, or roasted carrots add color and crunch.

Looking for an easy side idea? You’ll find more in our Simple Vegetable Sides collection.

Leftovers That Don’t Feel Like Leftovers

This beef tips in crock pot recipe makes amazing leftovers—and reheats beautifully. Store extra beef and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions up to 2 months.

Smart leftover ideas:

• Beef tip sandwiches: Pile on a crusty roll with melted provolone or mozzarella.
• Grain bowls: Layer with rice, sautéed greens, and a drizzle of sauce.
• Stuffed baked potatoes: Load beef tips over a fluffy potato and top with sour cream or chives.

The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, and the flavors get even better the next day.

Easy Customizations for Your Beef Tips in Crock Pot Recipe

Make It Work for Any Diet or Taste

One reason this beef tips in crock pot recipe is a hit with home cooks is because it’s incredibly flexible. Whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, or cooking for picky eaters, there’s room to tweak it without losing flavor.

• Gluten-free? Use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Cornstarch and tapioca starch are already safe options.
• Low-sodium? Choose low-salt broth and skip added salt until the end. You can always adjust to taste.
• Creamy version? Stir in ¼ cup sour cream or cream cheese during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking for a rich, stroganoff-style twist.

This beef tips in crock pot recipe is also great for sneaking in veggies. Try adding chopped carrots, green peas, or baby potatoes halfway through cooking. These additions boost the heartiness of the dish while keeping prep minimal.

If you love flexible meals like this, check out our Make-It-Your-Way Slow Cooker Recipes for more customizable ideas.

Flavor Boosters That Keep It Interesting

Want to switch things up a little? These flavor variations work beautifully with the base recipe:

• Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar instead of sherry.
• Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a rustic feel.
• Stir in a little Dijon mustard to sharpen the flavor.

The beauty of this beef tips in crock pot recipe is that the flavors deepen over time, so even small changes can create a whole new experience.

By using this recipe as your foundation, you can keep dinner exciting without starting from scratch. Whether you’re keeping it classic or making it creamy, spicy, or herby, the slow cooker handles it all with ease.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Beef Tips in Crock Pot Recipe

Cooking Too Long or Too Short

Even though this is a hands-off meal, timing still matters. One of the biggest mistakes people make with a beef tips in crock pot recipe is either undercooking or overcooking the meat. Undercooking means the connective tissue hasn’t broken down, and your beef tips may turn out chewy. Overcooking, especially on high, can cause the meat to dry out and lose its richness.

The solution? Always cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. That’s the sweet spot for transforming budget-friendly beef cuts into tender bites. If you’re short on time, 3 to 4 hours on high works, but keep an eye on the texture.

Thickening at the Wrong Time

Another common pitfall in a beef tips in crock pot recipe is adding your thickener—usually cornstarch—too early. If you stir in the slurry at the beginning, it can break down over time and leave the sauce thin or gritty.

Always mix your cornstarch (or tapioca starch) with equal parts cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cook time. Then, leave the lid off to let the sauce reduce and thicken naturally.

This step is essential if you want that rich, velvety texture that makes this dish so satisfying.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Skip Seasoning

Slow cookers can sometimes mute flavors, so don’t be shy with seasoning. Taste and adjust before serving. A splash of soy sauce, vinegar, or even a pinch of salt at the end can elevate your beef tips in crock pot recipe without overpowering it.

Conclusion

If you’re craving a meal that’s hearty, hands-off, and guaranteed to satisfy, this beef tips in crock pot recipe delivers every time. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and rich, savory flavor, it’s a staple you’ll keep coming back to—whether for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or meal prepping your freezer.

Serve it over potatoes, rice, or noodles, and let the slow cooker do the work. From the first bite to the last, this is one of those comfort food recipes that checks all the boxes: easy, budget-friendly, and deeply delicious.

So grab your ingredients, load up that slow cooker, and make your kitchen smell like home. For more meals like this, visit our Slow Cooker Recipes section and discover what else you can make effortlessly.

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FAQs About Beef Tips in Crock Pot Recipe