Slow Cooker Mushroom Beef Tips

You can also use:

• Chuck roast
• Sirloin tips
• Round steak
• Top sirloin
• Beef tips

For the most tender slow-cooked result, cuts with some connective tissue and marbling are often excellent choices.

If using a whole piece of beef, simply cut it into fairly even bite-sized pieces so everything cooks at roughly the same rate.

Tools You’ll Need

• Slow cooker, 5–6 quart
• Large skillet, if browning the beef
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Whisk
• Ladle or large spoon

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully flexible.

Add Carrots

Diced carrots can add sweetness and another layer of flavor.

Add Potatoes

For a one-pot meal, add small chunks of potatoes. Keep the pieces relatively uniform so they cook evenly.

Use Different Mushrooms

White button mushrooms are easy and affordable, but cremini or baby bella mushrooms give the dish a deeper mushroom flavor.

You can even use a mixture.

Add Onion Soup Mix

Some cooks like using onion soup mix in beef-tip recipes for extra savory flavor. If you do, reduce the added salt because packaged mixes can already be quite salty.

Substitute the Worcestershire Sauce

A small amount of soy sauce can provide a similar savory boost, although the flavor will be slightly different.

Add Red Wine

For a richer gravy, replace part of the beef broth with dry red wine.

Make It Creamy

For creamy mushroom beef tips, stir in a little sour cream or heavy cream near the end of cooking.

Don't add dairy too early, as long cooking can cause some dairy products to separate.

How to Make Slow Cooker Mushroom Beef Tips

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Pat the beef pieces dry with paper towels.

Season them lightly with salt and black pepper.

If your beef is already cut into stew-sized pieces, there's no other preparation needed.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

This step is optional, but I highly recommend it.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the beef in batches and brown the outside for a couple of minutes per side.

You don't need to cook the beef through. You're simply developing that gorgeous browned flavor.

Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

Don't overcrowd the skillet.

If you put all the beef in at once, it may steam instead of brown.

Step 3: Add the Mushrooms and Onion

Place the sliced mushrooms and diced onion into the slow cooker around the beef.

Add the minced garlic.

Already smelling good!

Step 4: Make the Cooking Liquid

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Tomato paste
• Italian seasoning
• Onion powder
• Remaining salt
• Black pepper

Pour the mixture over the beef and mushrooms.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on:

LOW for 6–8 hours

or

HIGH for 3–4 hours.

The exact cooking time can vary depending on the size and cut of your beef and the slow cooker itself.

For the most tender beef, I prefer the low setting.

Step 6: Thicken the Gravy

Once the beef is tender, make a cornstarch slurry.

Whisk together 3 tablespoons cornstarch and 3 tablespoons cold water until smooth.

Stir the slurry into the liquid in the slow cooker.

Cover and cook on HIGH for another 10–15 minutes, or until the gravy thickens.

If you prefer a thinner gravy, use less slurry.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Give the gravy a taste.

You may want to add:

• More black pepper
• A little salt
• Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh parsley

Remember that flavors can become more concentrated as the gravy thickens, so adjust gradually.

Step 8: Serve

Spoon the beef tips and mushroom gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or another favorite side.

Finish with fresh parsley if desired.

Then dig in!

Do You Have to Brown the Beef First?

No.

You can put the seasoned beef directly into the slow cooker and continue with the recipe.

However, browning adds extra depth and a richer roasted flavor.

If you have an extra 10 minutes, I think it's worth doing.

If you're rushing out the door?

Skip it.

The slow cooker will still produce a delicious meal.

How to Get the Best Mushroom Gravy

The gravy is one of the stars of this recipe, so let's make sure it turns out beautifully.

Don't Add Too Much Liquid

It can be tempting to pour in extra broth, but slow cookers retain a lot of moisture.

Adding too much liquid can leave you with a thin sauce.

Use a Cornstarch Slurry

Always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to hot liquid.

This helps prevent lumps.

Don't Add Dry Cornstarch Directly

Sprinkling dry cornstarch straight into the hot slow cooker liquid can create unpleasant clumps.

Give the Gravy Time to Thicken

After adding the slurry, allow it a little time to work.

If it's still too thin, you can make a small additional slurry and add it gradually.

What to Serve With Mushroom Beef Tips

This is where things get really good.

Mashed Potatoes

My number-one choice.

The creamy potatoes soak up that mushroom gravy beautifully.

Egg Noodles

Tender egg noodles make this dish feel almost like a cozy beef stroganoff.

Rice

White rice, brown rice, or even wild rice can work wonderfully.

Roasted Vegetables

Try:

• Green beans
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Brussels sprouts
• Asparagus

Crusty Bread

You need something to mop up every last drop of gravy.

Trust me.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Choose Good Beef

Don't feel like you need the most expensive cut. Slow cooking is particularly useful for tougher cuts because the long cooking time helps break down connective tissue.

Brown When You Can

It adds flavor, but don't skip the recipe just because you're short on time.

Don't Overcrowd the Slow Cooker

Give the ingredients enough room to cook properly.

Keep the Lid Closed

Every time you lift the slow cooker lid, heat escapes.

Try to resist peeking!

Don't Overcook the Beef

Longer isn't always better.

Once the beef is tender, it's ready.

Taste Before Serving

Seasoning levels can vary depending on the broth, Worcestershire sauce, and beef used.

Always taste the finished gravy before serving.

Can You Make Beef Tips Ahead of Time?

Absolutely.

This recipe is actually a fantastic make-ahead meal.

Prepare the beef tips according to the recipe, allow them to cool, and refrigerate them in an airtight container.

When you're ready to eat, gently reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave.

The flavors can become even better after sitting overnight.

How to Store Leftovers

Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy has become too thick.

Heat until the beef and gravy are thoroughly warmed.

Can You Freeze Mushroom Beef Tips?

Yes!

Allow the cooked beef tips and gravy to cool completely.

Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.

Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

The texture of the mushrooms may change slightly after freezing, but the beef and gravy should still be delicious.

Can You Make This in the Oven?

Yes, although the slow cooker is the easiest method.

For an oven version, use a covered Dutch oven and cook at a low temperature until the beef becomes tender.

Check the beef periodically and make sure there is enough cooking liquid.

General Recipe Information

Prep time: 15–20 minutes
Browning time: 10 minutes, optional
Slow cooking time: 6–8 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Gravy thickening: 10–15 minutes
Total time: About 6½–8½ hours
Servings: 6
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen beef in the slow cooker?

For food-safety reasons, it's best to thaw beef before putting it into a slow cooker. Thawed beef cooks more predictably and reaches a safe temperature more efficiently.

Can I use canned mushrooms?

Yes, although fresh mushrooms generally provide better texture. If using canned mushrooms, drain them well before adding them.

Why is my beef tough?

Tough beef can result from using a cut that needs more cooking time or from not cooking it long enough for the connective tissue to break down.

If the beef is still tough, continue cooking until tender rather than assuming it needs less time.

Why is my gravy too thin?

Slow cookers produce a lot of steam and retain moisture. If your gravy is too thin, use a cornstarch slurry and allow it to cook briefly until thickened.

Why is my gravy too thick?

Simply stir in a small amount of warm beef broth until you reach your preferred consistency.

Can I make this recipe without mushrooms?

Absolutely. If mushrooms aren't your thing, simply leave them out and make the beef tips with the savory gravy.

Can I add cream?

Yes. For a creamy version, stir in sour cream or heavy cream toward the end of cooking.

Can I add cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, if you enjoy the classic creamy slow cooker style. Reduce the amount of additional liquid accordingly and taste before adding extra salt.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

It can be adapted, but check the labels on your beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and other packaged ingredients to make sure they meet your dietary requirements.

Final Thoughts

There are dinners that require constant attention, and then there are dinners like these Slow Cooker Mushroom Beef Tips.

You do a little preparation, let the slow cooker take over, and several hours later you have tender beef swimming in rich mushroom gravy.

It's hearty, comforting, family-friendly, and wonderfully easy.

Serve it over a mountain of mashed potatoes, spoon that gravy over everything, and don't forget the crusty bread for soaking up whatever is left on the plate.

This is slow-cooker comfort food at its best!!

If you make this recipe, I'd love to hear what you served it with. Leave a review and share your favorite additions or substitutions! And if you snap a photo of your dinner, share it on Pinterest so other home cooks can discover this cozy recipe, too.

More Cozy Dinner Recipes to Try

If you're looking for more easy comfort food, add these to your recipe list:

• Classic Slow Cooker Pot Roast
• Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
• Crockpot Beef and Gravy
• Homemade Beef Stroganoff
• Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
• Classic Meatloaf With Brown Gravy
• Slow Cooker Country-Style Beef Ribs
• Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken
• Easy Homemade Mashed Potatoes
• Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per serving, assuming 6 servings and served without mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice:

• Calories: 390
• Protein: 43g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 780mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific beef, broth, seasonings, and other ingredients used.