Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms – Tender, Juicy & Smothered in Rich Mushroom Gravy!
Description
If you’re craving a warm, comforting dinner that practically cooks itself, these Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms are exactly what you need! Tender chunks of beef simmer slowly in a rich, savoury mushroom gravy made with cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and flavourful beef broth.
As the beef cooks low and slow, it becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all the delicious flavours of the gravy. The mushrooms soften beautifully, adding an earthy flavour that makes every bite even more satisfying.
This easy crockpot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday family dinners, or chilly evenings when you want something hearty and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
The best part is how little preparation is required. Simply add the ingredients to your slow cooker, give everything a gentle stir, and let the crockpot do the work!
Serve these delicious beef tips over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, egg noodles, or roasted vegetables. The rich mushroom gravy makes every serving extra comforting.
If you love easy slow cooker meals, tender beef recipes, and homemade comfort food, this recipe deserves a place in your regular dinner rotation!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7–8 hours on LOW or 4–5 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes on LOW
- Servings: 6
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Main Course
- Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning the beef)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Optional Gravy Thickener
- 1 tablespoon cornflour
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Optional Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Pat the beef stew meat dry with paper towels.
If the beef pieces are particularly large, cut them into smaller, evenly sized chunks so they cook more consistently.
Season the beef lightly with black pepper and garlic powder.
You can use beef chuck, stew meat, or another suitable slow-cooking beef cut.
Step 2: Brown the Beef (Optional)
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Working in batches, add the beef chunks and brown them on all sides for approximately 2–3 minutes per batch.
Browning adds extra flavour and creates a richer gravy, but you can skip this step if you want an even easier slow cooker meal.
Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker.
Step 3: Add the Mushrooms
Arrange the sliced mushrooms over and around the beef.
White button mushrooms, or cremini mushrooms, both work wonderfully.
The mushrooms will release moisture during cooking and absorb the savoury flavours of the beef and gravy.
Step 4: Prepare the Mushroom Gravy
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and beef broth.
Add Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme if desired.
Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the soup mix is evenly distributed.
The mixture will look creamy and slightly thick.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Pour the mushroom gravy mixture evenly over the beef and mushrooms.
Gently stir to coat the ingredients with the sauce.
Make sure the beef pieces are mostly covered by the gravy mixture.
Place the lid securely on the slow cooker.
Step 6: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for approximately 4–5 hours.
Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of the beef chunks.
The beef should become fork-tender, and the mushrooms should be soft.
For the best texture, low cooking is recommended because it allows the beef to become tender gradually.
Avoid repeatedly lifting the lid because this releases heat and increases cooking time.
Step 7: Thicken the Gravy (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker mushroom gravy, combine cornflour and cold water in a small bowl.
Stir until completely smooth.
Pour the slurry into the slow cooker during the final 20–30 minutes of cooking.
Stir gently, cover, and allow the gravy to thicken.
If the gravy is already thick enough, you can skip this step.
Step 8: Final Seasoning
Taste the gravy before adding any additional salt.
Onion soup mix and canned mushroom soup already contain sodium, so extra salt may not be necessary.
Add more black pepper or garlic powder if desired.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the slow cooker and allow the beef tips to rest for a few minutes.
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top.
Serve the tender beef chunks generously coated in creamy mushroom gravy.
Enjoy with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or your favourite vegetables!
Notes
- Best Beef Cut: Beef chuck or stew meat works beautifully because these cuts become tender during slow cooking.
- Mushrooms: Fresh button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms provide excellent flavour and texture.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This creates the creamy base for the gravy. Regular or reduced-sodium varieties can be used.
- Onion Soup Mix: Adds convenient seasoning and savoury onion flavour.
- Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth if you prefer more control over the salt.
- Browning: Browning the beef is optional but adds extra depth of flavour.
- Gravy Thickness: Add the cornflour slurry only if you want a thicker consistency.
- Don’t Add Too Much Liquid: The mushrooms and beef release moisture during cooking, so the measured broth is usually sufficient.
- Avoid Overcooking: Once the beef is fork-tender, avoid unnecessary additional cooking.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Tips
1. Choose the Right Beef
A chuck roast or stew meat is ideal because it contains connective tissue that breaks down during slow cooking.
2. Cut Uniform Pieces
Try to keep the beef chunks similar in size so they cook evenly.
3. Brown for Better Flavour
Although optional, searing the beef creates delicious browned flavours that enhance the finished gravy.
4. Use Fresh Mushrooms
Fresh mushrooms provide a wonderful earthy taste. Slice them evenly for consistent cooking.
5. Keep the Lid Closed
Every time you open the slow cooker, heat escapes. Keep the lid closed as much as possible.
6. Taste Before Adding Salt
Both onion soup mix and cream of mushroom soup can be salty, so taste the gravy before adjusting the seasoning.
7. Make Extra Gravy
If your family loves gravy, prepare an additional small amount using beef broth and mushroom soup. Adjust the seasoning carefully.
8. Serve Immediately
These beef tips are especially delicious when served hot over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Serving Suggestions
These slow cooker beef tips pair perfectly with comforting side dishes.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The rich mushroom gravy tastes amazing over fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Egg Noodles: Serve the beef and gravy over buttered egg noodles for a classic comfort-food dinner.
- Steamed Rice: White or brown rice absorbs the savoury gravy beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Pair with carrots, broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of mushroom gravy.
- Cauliflower Mash: A lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
- Dinner Rolls: Serve with warm homemade rolls for a hearty family meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator: Allow leftovers to cool slightly and transfer them to airtight containers. Refrigerate promptly and enjoy within 3–4 days.
Freezer: Store cooled beef tips and gravy in freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months for best quality.
Reheating on the Stove: Place the beef and gravy in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much. Heat until steaming hot.
Microwave: Place an individual portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in intervals, stirring occasionally until thoroughly hot.
Meal Prep: Divide the beef tips and gravy into individual containers. Store your rice, noodles, or vegetables separately for convenient meals throughout the week.
Nutritional Information
Approximate nutritional values per serving, based on 6 servings and excluding optional garnishes and sides:
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 38 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Fibre: 1 g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and vary depending on the beef cut, soup brand, broth, and onion soup mix used.
Health Benefits
1. Excellent Source of Protein
Beef provides high-quality protein that supports muscle maintenance, tissue repair, and normal body functions.
2. Provides Important Minerals
Beef contains iron, zinc, and selenium, which contribute to healthy body functions.
3. Mushrooms Add Nutrients.
Mushrooms provide nutrients such as B vitamins, selenium, and other beneficial compounds.
4. Satisfying Comfort Food
The combination of protein and flavourful gravy makes this a hearty meal that can help keep you satisfied.
5. Easy Homemade Dinner
Preparing this dish at home allows you to choose your ingredients, adjust seasonings, and control portion sizes.
6. Meal-Prep Friendly
This recipe stores and reheats well, making it convenient for preparing several meals ahead of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Beef chuck roast, stew meat, or other suitable slow-cooking cuts work well. Avoid very lean cuts that may become dry during extended cooking.
Q2: Do I need to brown the beef first?
No. Browning is optional. You can add the beef directly to the slow cooker, although searing adds extra flavour.
Q3: Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned mushrooms?
Absolutely! Fresh sliced button or cremini mushrooms are recommended for the best texture.
Q4: Can I cook this recipe on HIGH?
Yes! Cook on HIGH for approximately 4–5 hours, checking for fork-tender beef. LOW cooking generally produces the best texture.
Q5: How do I make the mushroom gravy thicker?
Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water. Stir into the slow cooker during the final 20–30 minutes of cooking.
Q6: Can I make this recipe without cream of mushroom soup?
Yes! You can make a homemade mushroom gravy using sautéed mushrooms, beef broth, milk or cream, and a little flour or cornstarch.
Q7: Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Carrots, onions, and celery are excellent additions. Add vegetables according to their cooking time and desired texture.
Q8: Can I prepare this recipe the night before?
You can prepare and refrigerate the ingredients separately in advance. For food safety, keep raw beef refrigerated and transfer everything to the slow cooker when ready to cook.
Q9: What should I serve with beef tips?
Mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, roasted vegetables, and cauliflower mash are all delicious choices.
Q10: Can I freeze leftover beef tips?
Yes! Store the cooled beef and gravy in airtight freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months for best quality.
Q11: Why is my beef still tough?
It may need more cooking time. Slow-cooking beef becomes tender as its connective tissue breaks down. Continue cooking until the beef is fork-tender.
Final Thoughts
These Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms are the ultimate easy comfort-food dinner! Tender chunks of beef, soft mushrooms, and rich homemade-style gravy come together in one delicious crockpot meal.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can enjoy a hearty family dinner without spending the entire evening in the kitchen.
Serve over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttered egg noodles, and let that delicious mushroom gravy bring everything together.
