Slow Cooker Mushroom Beef Tips

 

Ingredients You'll Need

2 pounds beef stew meat or chuck roast: Cut into approximately 1½-inch pieces. Both options work well for slow cooking and become tender with enough time.

16 ounces mushrooms: Halved or sliced. White button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms are excellent choices.

1 large yellow onion: Sliced to add sweetness and flavor to the gravy.

2 cups beef broth: The savory base of the mushroom gravy.

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Adds a deep, tangy, umami flavor.

3 cloves garlic: Minced for aromatic flavor.

½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory onion flavor.

½ teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a subtle earthy, herbal note.

¾ teaspoon salt: Seasons the beef and gravy.

½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle warmth.

3 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the cooking liquid into gravy.

3 tablespoons cold water: Mixed with the cornstarch to create a smooth slurry.

How to Make Slow Cooker Mushroom Beef Tips

Step 1: Add the Vegetables

Place the sliced onion and mushrooms in the bottom of your slow cooker. Spreading them across the bottom helps distribute their flavor throughout the dish.

Step 2: Season the Beef

Season the beef pieces with the salt and black pepper. Arrange the seasoned beef over the mushrooms and onions in an even layer.

Step 3: Prepare the Broth Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, onion powder, and dried thyme until combined.

Step 4: Pour Over the Beef

Pour the seasoned broth mixture over the beef and vegetables. Give the ingredients a gentle stir if needed, making sure the beef is coated in the liquid.

Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender. Cooking time depends on the size of the beef pieces, your slow cooker, and the cut of meat.

For the most tender results, use the LOW setting when your schedule allows.

Step 6: Make the Cornstarch Slurry

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until completely smooth. Make sure there are no dry lumps remaining.

Step 7: Thicken the Mushroom Gravy

Stir the cornstarch slurry into the cooking liquid. Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for another 15–20 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your preferred consistency.

If the gravy is thinner than you'd like, mix a little additional cornstarch with cold water before adding it. Avoid adding dry cornstarch directly to the slow cooker, as it can form lumps.

Step 8: Taste and Serve

Taste the gravy and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Spoon the tender beef tips, mushrooms, onions, and rich gravy over your favorite side dish. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Beef Tips and Mushroom Gravy

Choose the right cut of beef. Beef stew meat is convenient, while chuck roast cut into cubes is another excellent option. Both benefit from slow cooking.

Cut the beef evenly. Pieces of similar size tend to cook more consistently.

Don't rush the cooking time. If the beef is still tough, it may need more time. Continue cooking until it becomes fork-tender.

Use cold water for the slurry. Mixing cornstarch with cold water before adding it to hot liquid helps prevent lumps.

Add the thickener near the end. Thickening the gravy after the beef has cooked allows the meat to become tender without starting with an overly thick sauce.

Taste before serving. Broth and Worcestershire sauce brands vary in saltiness, so adjust the seasoning after the gravy thickens.

What to Serve With Slow Cooker Mushroom Beef Tips

The rich mushroom gravy makes this dish especially delicious with sides that soak up every drop.

Mashed potatoes: A classic pairing for tender beef and savory gravy.

Egg noodles: Wide egg noodles make an easy, comforting base.

Steamed white or brown rice: A simple option that lets the mushroom gravy shine.

Roasted vegetables: Carrots, green beans, or broccoli add color and balance.

Buttered rice or orzo: Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Crusty bread: Ideal for enjoying any extra gravy.

For a complete meal, serve the beef tips over mashed potatoes with a side of green beans or a fresh salad.

Variations to Try

Add Extra Garlic

If you love garlic, add another clove or two for a deeper savory flavor.

Use Cremini Mushrooms

Cremini mushrooms have a slightly deeper flavor than white button mushrooms and work beautifully in this gravy.

Add a Splash of Red Wine

For a richer, more complex sauce, replace a small portion of the beef broth with red wine. Keep the total liquid amount in mind so the gravy doesn't become too thin.

Make the Gravy Thicker

If you prefer a thicker, more substantial gravy, prepare a little extra cornstarch slurry and add it gradually. Let the sauce cook for several minutes after each addition before deciding whether it needs more.

Add Vegetables

Carrots can be added with the onions and mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. Cut them into pieces of similar size so they cook evenly.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerator: Let the leftovers cool slightly, then transfer them to shallow, airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours. Enjoy within 3–4 days.

Freezer: Freeze the cooled beef tips and gravy in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months for best quality. The gravy's texture may change slightly after thawing.

Reheating: Warm leftovers in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring partway through.

Thaw frozen leftovers in the refrigerator before reheating, and heat until the food reaches 165°F (74°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use beef stew meat instead of chuck roast?

Yes. Beef stew meat is a convenient choice for this recipe. Chuck roast cut into cubes also works well because its connective tissue softens during slow cooking.

Why is my beef still tough?

Beef that remains tough usually needs more cooking time. Continue cooking and check it periodically until it is fork-tender. Some cuts take longer than others, even when cut into similar-sized pieces.

Can I make this recipe without mushrooms?

Yes. You can leave out the mushrooms, although the finished dish will have a different flavor and less vegetable volume. Consider adding extra onions or carrots if desired.

Can I thicken the gravy without cornstarch?

Yes. All-purpose flour can be used as an alternative, but it should be mixed thoroughly with cold liquid before being added. You may need to adjust the amount and cooking time to achieve your preferred consistency.

Can I prepare the ingredients the night before?

Yes. Slice the vegetables, cut the beef, and mix the broth seasoning ahead of time. Store the prepared ingredients covered in the refrigerator, then transfer them to the slow cooker when you're ready to cook. Follow your slow cooker's instructions for safe use, and avoid placing a cold ceramic insert directly into a hot cooking environment unless the manufacturer permits it.

Is it better to cook beef tips on LOW or HIGH?

Both settings work. LOW for 6–8 hours is often the best choice for a relaxed cooking schedule and tender results. HIGH for 3–4 hours is useful when you have less time, but check the beef for tenderness before serving.

A Comforting Dinner Made Easy

These Slow Cooker Mushroom Beef Tips are everything a cozy homemade dinner should be: tender beef, flavorful mushrooms, sweet onions, and rich gravy made with simple pantry ingredients.

Serve them over creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table. With easy preparation and plenty of savory flavor, this slow cooker classic is one you'll want to make again and again.