Name: Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon avocado oil, divided (for Instant Pot version only); 2 lbs. beef tips (cubed sirloin) or cubed beef stew meat (1- to 2-inch pieces); 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen pearl onions (add while still frozen); ¼ cup tomato paste; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced or coarsely diced; 1 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth; 2 to 4 tablespoons cornstarch; For serving: cooked mashed potatoes, mashed parsnips or cauliflower, or noodles; Snipped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and effortlessly delicious, you’ve got to try this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe. I love this because it fills the house with amazing aromas and yields tender beef coated in a rich mushroom and onion gravy that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a simple weeknight meal, this recipe has “favorite” written all over it, and I promise you won’t be disappointed.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Slow Cooking: Just set it and forget it, then come back to perfectly tender beef every time.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You won’t need anything fancy to make a crowd-pleaser with deep, rich taste.
Versatility: Pair it with mashed potatoes, noodles, or veggies for endless meal options.
Perfect for Any Skill Level: Whether you’re a newbie or seasoned pro, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving.

The dish shows a white bowl filled with two main layers: the bottom layer is creamy mashed potatoes with a soft, smooth, and lightly textured white surface, creating a base that fills the bowl. The top layer is a thick stew made of dark brown beef chunks and small whole pearl onions in rich gravy, fully covering the center of the mashed potatoes. Fresh green parsley leaves are sprinkled on top and around the edges of the stew for a pop of color. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with another white plate partially visible below it holding a similar dish. Scattered parsley leaves and a fork with a striped cloth are nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together perfectly to create that classic, comforting beef tips and mushrooms dish. The key is in choosing quality beef and fresh mushrooms to boost flavor and texture. Don’t skip the pearl onions—they add sweetness and a lovely pop of texture in every bite.

Beef tips (sirloin or stew meat): Cubed beef with a bit of marbling gives you that juicy, tender texture after slow cooking.
Frozen pearl onions: These add sweetness and are nice and soft after cooking but hold their shape well.
Tomato paste: A small amount amps up the umami without making it taste like tomato sauce.
Garlic powder & onion powder: Pantry staples that lend deep savory notes quickly and evenly.
Dried thyme: Earthy herb that blends beautifully with beef and mushrooms.
Coarse sea salt & black pepper: Keeps the seasoning on point and brings out all the flavors.
Fresh mushrooms: Whether sliced or diced, they soak up flavors while adding meaty texture.
Low-sodium beef broth: Forms the base of the luscious gravy without overpowering the beef.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy just right so it clings to every bite.
Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle adds brightness and color at the finish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe just as it is, but sometimes I kick it up a notch or switch things around based on what we’re craving or what’s in the fridge. Feel free to tweak it – it’s super forgiving and you’ll discover your own favorite version.

Mushroom Mix: I’ve swapped in cremini or baby bella mushrooms for a deeper, woodsy flavor—totally worth trying!
Wine Boost: Adding a splash of red wine to the broth can add extra complexity if you want something a bit richer.
Slow Cooker Speed: If you’re short on time, cooking on high for 4 hours works great; low and slow for 6-8 hours delivers melt-in-your-mouth beef.
Fresh Herbs: Toss in a sprig of rosemary or a bay leaf for added aroma, just remember to remove before serving.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Layer the Ingredients

This is where your slow cooker does most of the work for you. Simply toss the beef tips right into your slow cooker along with the frozen pearl onions—no need to thaw these beforehand, which saves time. Then add tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir so those beef cubes get completely coated, locking in that flavor from the get-go. Then add the fresh mushrooms and pour the beef broth all over – it’ll create that amazing savory base.

Step 2: Let It Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and set it on high for about 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking magic transforms the beef to fork-tender, while the pearl onions soften and the mushrooms soak up all those savory flavors. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how each bite was packed with cozy richness.

Step 3: Thicken the Gravy Just Right

Once your beef is tender and ready, it’s time to thicken that wonderful gravy. I use a cornstarch slurry trick: mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with about ¼ cup of the hot liquid from your slow cooker until smooth. Stir that slurry back into the beef and mushroom mixture, then set your slow cooker to high and cook, covered, for 30 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce thickens perfectly, clinging to the beef and mushrooms. Want it thicker? No problem—repeat the slurry step with more cornstarch until it’s just how you like it.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the beef tips and mushrooms over creamy mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, or buttered noodles. I love the way the gravy soaks into the sides, making every bite a comforting delight. Plus, the leftovers? Even better! Just wait until you taste the next day’s flavors all melded together.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe

Don’t Skip Browning (If You Can): While optional, browning your beef before slow cooking adds amazing depth—just don’t overcrowd the pan.
Frozen Pearl Onions Are Your Friend: These save you prep time and soften beautifully without losing their charm during cooking.
Slow Cooker Lid Placement Matters: Keep the lid sealed tight the whole cooking time to lock in moisture and ensure tender beef.
Adjust Thickening Gradually: Add cornstarch slurry little by little – sauce thickens more as it cools, so you don’t want it too gloopy hot off the slow cooker.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe

A white bowl holds two layers: the bottom layer is smooth, creamy mashed potatoes with a soft white color and slightly swirled texture, and the top layer is a thick, dark brown stew with chunks of tender meat and small round onions, scattered with bright green chopped parsley leaves. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with fresh parsley leaves and a small wooden bowl of parsley nearby, along with a striped cloth napkin and silver fork and knife to the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly snipped parsley on top—it’s such a simple way to add a fresh burst of color and a subtle herbaceous note that brightens the plate. If you want, some cracked black pepper on the finished dish intensifies the flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

Mashed potatoes are my go-to because they soak up every bit of that luscious gravy. But I also love serving this over creamy mashed parsnips or cauliflower mash for a lower-carb option. And on weeknights when I’m feeling cozy, buttered egg noodles are a nostalgic favorite that my family adores.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve these beef tips in elegant mini cast-iron skillets or rustic earthenware bowls. Adding a side of roasted seasonal vegetables and crusty bread ups the presentation and makes the meal feel extra special without much extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—it lasts beautifully up to 5 days. The beef stays tender and the gravy thickens even more overnight, which actually makes reheating a dream.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe several times with great results. Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep that tender texture.

Reheating

When reheating, I add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the gravy a bit, then warm it slowly on the stove over medium-low heat. This keeps the beef moist and avoids drying out the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through, and you’re ready to enjoy again!

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe?

Beef tips made from sirloin or beef stew meat work best because they’re tender enough to break down nicely in the slow cooker without turning mushy. Look for cuts with some marbling to keep the meat juicy and flavorful after long cooking.
Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Browning the beef first in the Instant Pot on sauté mode adds flavor, then you can pressure cook the beef tips with the rest of the ingredients for a faster result. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—usually about 35 minutes on high pressure.
How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too runny?

Use a cornstarch slurry made by mixing cornstarch with a small amount of the hot cooking liquid until smooth, then stir it back in. Cook for 30 minutes on high in the slow cooker, and repeat if you want it thicker. Be patient, as gravy thickens more as it cools.
Can I use fresh onions instead of frozen pearl onions?

Yes, but keep in mind that fresh onions will cook faster and could become mushier, so add them a little later in the cooking process or sauté lightly beforehand to maintain texture.
What should I serve with Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe?

Mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower, buttered noodles, or even creamy polenta are all excellent pairings. Choose your favorite cozy side to soak up the rich gravy and make a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t recommend this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms Recipe enough. It’s one of those dishes that feels both comforting and elegant, and it’s so simple to make—ideal for busy days or casual dinner parties alike. Every time I make it, my family goes crazy for the tender beef and rich gravy, and I love knowing that the slow cooker did all the heavy lifting while I relaxed. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a favorite in your home too!