Beef Tips in Crock Pot: A Simple, Tender Recipe
Beef tips in the crock pot have become one of my favorite dishes over the years, especially when I’m looking for a meal that’s both comforting and incredibly easy to make. There’s something magical about a slow cooker, where tough cuts of meat transform into tender, juicy bites with minimal effort. It’s the perfect solution when life gets busy, and you need a meal that’s satisfying and low-maintenance.
I vividly remember the first time I made beef tips in the crock pot. It was one of those weeks where everything felt chaotic, and I wasn’t sure what I could make that would be both delicious and require little time in the kitchen. That’s when I decided to try cooking beef tips. The transformation of that tough meat into something incredibly tender after hours of simmering was nothing short of a revelation. From that moment on, beef tips in the crock pot became a go-to comfort food in my kitchen.
Beef Tips in Crock Pot
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place beef tips in the crock pot.
- In a small bowl, combine the ranch dressing mix, brown gravy mix, and garlic powder (if using).
- Pour the seasoning mix over the beef tips. Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or with your favorite side dish.
Notes
Table of Contents
The Story of Beef tips in the crock pot
Cooking beef tips in the crock pot has always been one of those comforting, reliable go-to recipes. I remember the first time I decided to try making beef tips this way – it was a chilly weekend, and I was craving something hearty and warm, but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The crock pot seemed like the perfect solution.
I tossed the beef tips in, added a few seasoning staples, and let the slow cooker do the work. When it was done, the beef was so tender, the flavor rich, and it just melted in my mouth. Ever since, this simple, no-fuss dish has become a family favorite.
The beauty of cooking beef tips in a crock pot is how easy it is. Once you set it up, you’re free to go about your day while the magic happens. Whether you serve them over mashed potatoes, rice, or with a side of veggies, the result is always a comforting, flavorful meal. If you’re looking for other easy crockpot recipes, check out my chicken and dumplings crock pot for a comforting family meal or try the crock pot french onion meatloaf for a hearty dinner.
How to Make Beef tips in the crock pot
The Ingredients You’ll Need for Beef tips in the crock pot
The list of ingredients for this dish is incredibly simple, but the flavors it brings are anything but basic. You’ll need:
- 2 lbs of beef tips (usually chuck or stew meat)
- 1 packet of ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet of brown gravy mix
- 1 cup of beef broth or water
- 1/2 cup of Worcestershire sauce
- A tablespoon of garlic powder (optional)
The simplicity of the ingredients doesn’t compromise on taste. The ranch dressing mix and brown gravy mix come together to create a flavorful base that infuses the beef tips as they slow cook.
If you’re looking for more ways to use your crock pot, consider making crock pot crack potato soup or a delicious crock pot shrimp boil for your next gathering.
Step-by-Step Process for Beef tips in the crock pot
- Start by placing your beef tips in the crock pot.
- In a separate bowl, mix the ranch dressing mix, brown gravy mix, and garlic powder (if using).
- Pour the seasoning mix over the beef tips and add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for about 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily falls apart with a fork.
This method ensures a wonderfully tender result without the need for constant attention.
Tips for Perfect Beef Tips Every Time
Cooking Time and Tenderness
One of the most frequently asked questions is about how long to cook beef tips in the crock pot. It’s simple: cook them for about 6-8 hours on low heat for the perfect tenderness. Cooking beef tips at a low temperature allows the meat to break down, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth texture.
If you’re craving more slow cooker recipes, you could try spaghetti crock pot chicken or make a delicious batch of crock pot chili.
Avoiding Overcooking
You might wonder, “Can you overcook beef tips in a crock pot?” While it’s hard to truly overcook beef tips in a crock pot due to the slow cooking process, cooking them for too long on high heat can lead to them becoming dry or stringy. The key is to use low heat and stick to the recommended cooking times for a tender and juicy result.
Should You Sear Beef Tips Before Cooking in the Crock Pot?
The Benefits of Searing
One of the key questions people have is whether they should sear beef tips before putting them in the crock pot. While you can absolutely throw them in without searing, taking the extra step of browning the beef tips in a hot pan before adding them to the crock pot will enhance the flavor. This caramelization adds depth and richness to the final dish.
If you’re short on time, you can always skip searing and try my corned beef in crock pot recipe instead, where everything gets slow-cooked to perfection.
When to Skip Searing
However, searing is an optional step. If you’re looking to save time or prefer a simpler approach, you can skip it. The crock pot will still work wonders on the beef, and you’ll end up with a delicious, tender meal. If you want something just as comforting, try crack chicken crock pot for a different take on crockpot meals.
FAQ
How long do you cook beef tips in the crockpot?
Beef tips typically cook for 6-8 hours on low in the crock pot. The slow cooking process allows the meat to become tender and flavorful.
Do beef tips get more tender the longer they cook?
Yes, beef tips become more tender the longer they cook, as the collagen in the meat breaks down over time. However, cooking them for too long on high heat can lead to dryness.
Can you overcook beef tips in a crock pot?
It is difficult to overcook beef tips on low heat in a crock pot, but cooking on high heat for too long can dry out the meat. Stick to low heat for best results.
Should I sear beef tips before putting in a crock pot?
Searing the beef tips before placing them in the crock pot is optional, but it does enhance the flavor by creating a caramelized crust on the meat.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a meal to serve at a family gathering, Beef tips in the crock pot pot are a surefire way to deliver tender, flavorful comfort food with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with a meal that’s as delicious as it is easy. For more delicious slow cooker recipes, be sure to check out my marry me chicken crock pot or a cozy crock pot chicken pot pie.
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