This Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips and Mushrooms dish is the ultimate comfort food! Tender beef tips and savory mushrooms simmer together in a rich, creamy sauce that’s oh-so-good.
It’s perfect for busy days because all you need to do is toss everything in the crockpot and let it do its magic. I love serving it over mashed potatoes—totally cozy! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Beef sirloin tips are perfect for this recipe due to their tenderness. You can also use stew meat, which often has more marbling for added flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, chuck roast works well too!
Mushrooms: Both white and cremini mushrooms are great here. If you want a different flavor, try using shiitake mushrooms or even canned mushrooms for convenience.
Sour Cream or Heavy Cream: I love using sour cream for its tangy flavor, but heavy cream gives a rich, silky texture. Greek yogurt is a nice low-fat substitute if you’re looking for something lighter.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a depth of flavor. If you’re out, soy sauce can be a good stand-in, but adjust the salt in the recipe since soy sauce is saltier.
How Can I Ensure My Beef is Tender?
The key to tender beef is slow cooking. Let your beef tips marinate in the flavorful sauce for hours. The collagen in the meat breaks down slowly, making it tender and juicy.
- Brown the beef before adding it to enhance the flavor, but if you’re short on time, just add it straight to the crockpot.
- Keep the lid on while cooking; lifting it lets heat escape, which can make cooking time longer.
- Let it cook on low for the best results; this gentle heat helps make the beef fall-apart tender.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have melt-in-your-mouth beef tips every time!
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips and Mushrooms
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef and Sauce:
- 2 pounds beef sirloin tips or stew meat, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (white or cremini)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 6-8 hours of cooking on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it well worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef tips and brown them on all sides for about 3-4 minutes. Browning adds lots of flavors, but if you’re in a hurry, feel free to skip this step!
2. Transfer to Crockpot:
Once the beef is nicely browned, transfer it to the crockpot. It’s okay if there’s some leftover oil in the skillet.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté until it’s translucent, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms start to soften, about 5 more minutes.
4. Add the Veggies to the Crockpot:
Once the vegetables are ready, transfer the onion, garlic, and mushroom mixture over to the crockpot with the beef.
5. Combine the Sauce Ingredients:
Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over the mixture. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, then give it a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients.
6. Slow Cook:
Now, cover the crockpot and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is nice and tender.
7. Make it Creamy:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the sour cream or heavy cream to create a rich and creamy sauce.
8. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the flour together with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot and let it cook uncovered on high for an additional 20-30 minutes, until thickened to your liking.
9. Adjust Seasoning:
Give your dish a taste and feel free to adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a splash more Worcestershire sauce if you like!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish your creamy beef tips and mushrooms with some fresh chopped parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a comforting meal. Enjoy your delicious creation!
FAQ for Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips and Mushrooms
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but be sure to thaw it completely beforehand for even cooking. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for a faster option.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef mixture the night before and keep it in the fridge until ready to cook. Just add everything to the crockpot in the morning and let it cook while you’re away.
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up the creamy sauce. You could also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.