Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe

If you’re craving something warm, tender, and downright comforting, I have to share this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe that has quickly become a go-to in my house. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy enough for guests but is so easy you can throw it together on a busy weeknight. Believe me, once you try this slow cooker recipe, you’ll find yourself wanting it on repeat because the beef turns out fork-tender and the mushrooms add this incredible earthy richness that just sings.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe is how simple and accessible the ingredients are, yet together they create a flavor-packed feast. You’ll want to use fresh mushrooms and quality beef to get that perfect balance of tenderness and earthiness.

• Beef tips (cubed sirloin or stew meat): Choose well-marbled pieces for juiciness and tenderness after slow cooking.
• Frozen pearl onions: They add a sweet, mild onion flavor and save prep time since you don’t need to peel fresh ones.
• Tomato paste: This deepens the flavor and adds a subtle tang that complements the beef.
• Garlic powder & onion powder: These dry spices layer in savory notes effortlessly.
• Dried thyme: Adds that lovely herbaceous touch often found in classic beef dishes.
• Coarse sea salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring all the flavors together.
• Fresh mushrooms (sliced or diced): Use button, cremini, or a mix for earthiness and texture.
• Low-sodium beef broth: The base for the gravy—low sodium helps control saltiness.
• Cornstarch: You’ll use this to thicken the gravy perfectly without lumps.
• Optional garnishes (fresh parsley): Fresh herbs brighten up the dish at the end and add a pop of color.

Variations

I love that this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe is a blank canvas for your tastes — feel free to tweak and make it your own! Sometimes, I like switching up the seasonings or adding extra veggies to mix things up.

• Mushroom Mix: I’ve tried adding wild mushrooms like shiitake or cremini for a deeper flavor, and it never disappoints.
• Herb Variations: Swap thyme for rosemary or add a bay leaf while cooking for a different aroma.
• Vegetable Boost: Sometimes I throw in a handful of sliced carrots or celery to sneak in extra veggies and add sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use arrowroot powder or gluten-free cornstarch to thicken the gravy so everyone can enjoy it.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe

Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Start by placing the beef tips into your slow cooker along with the frozen pearl onions (no need to thaw here — this step saves me so much prep time). Next, add the tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything gently until the beef and onions get a nice coating of those flavorful seasonings and that rich tomato paste. Then, add the fresh mushrooms on top and pour in the beef broth. It’s a simple, hands-off assembly that sets the stage perfectly.

Step 2: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours. When I first tried this, I liked the low-and-slow method because the beef came out incredibly tender, but the high setting works great if you’re short on time. Halfway through, resist the urge to lift the lid — patience is key here for perfect tenderness and flavor development.

Step 3: Thicken Up That Delicious Gravy

Once your beef is fork-tender and ready to serve, it’s time to thicken the gravy. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with about ¼ cup of hot liquid from the slow cooker in a small bowl until smooth—this slurry trick is a game-changer for lump-free gravy. Stir that back into the slow cooker, cover, and switch to high for another 30 minutes to thicken. If you want it thicker, just repeat with a bit more cornstarch. I discovered this trick after a few gloopy attempts, and it makes all the difference!

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms over creamy mashed potatoes, buttery noodles, or even mashed cauliflower if you want something lighter. Sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top for color and freshness. Each bite bursts with that tender beef and savory mushroom gravy — pure comfort on a plate.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley right before serving—it brings a burst of color and a subtle freshness that brightens all the rich flavors. Sometimes a tiny drizzle of good quality olive oil or a pinch of cracked black pepper on top adds a lovely finishing touch, too.

Side Dishes

Mashed potatoes are my classic side because they soak up every bit of that luscious gravy. But I also enjoy mashed parsnips or cauliflower mash for a twist. Egg noodles or buttery buttered noodles work beautifully if you’re in the mood for pasta. Roasted green beans or steamed broccoli round out the plate nicely with some green crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For cozy dinner parties, I like serving the beef tips in individual ramekins with a swirl of gravy and a fresh parsley sprig on top—it looks restaurant-worthy with zero extra effort. Sometimes, I layer mashed potatoes on the bottom for a fun plating twist or use a bed of buttery polenta instead of traditional sides. A fresh baguette on the side is perfect for wiping up that sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I always let mine cool a bit before sealing to keep the gravy nice and thick. I’ve found that the flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight, so leftovers often taste even better the next day!

Freezing

This recipe freezes well too! Just cool completely and portion into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently. I recommend freezing the beef tips and gravy without any sides so you can customize what you serve it with later.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to bring back that silky gravy texture. Adding a splash of beef broth or water helps when reheating to loosen the gravy if it thickened too much in the fridge.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe is pure comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I absolutely love how simple it is to make yet how impressive it tastes — perfect for busy days when you want something hearty with hardly any fuss. When I first tried it, I was amazed by how tender the beef became and how the mushrooms and pearl onions worked their magic in the gravy. Give it a shot and watch it become a family favorite—you’ll be so glad you did!

Print