Creamy Beef Tips and Mushrooms in a Crockpot Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting dinner that practically cooks itself, let me introduce you to Creamy Beef Tips and Mushrooms in a Crockpot. This cozy classic combines tender chunks of beef, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, velvety sauce that’s perfect for spooning over fluffy mashed potatoes or buttery noodles. With just a handful of ingredients and your slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, you’re only a few steps away from a meal the whole family will beg for again and again. Trust me, this Creamy Beef Tips and Mushrooms in a Crockpot recipe is the answer for busy nights when you want pure comfort with zero fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of making Creamy Beef Tips and Mushrooms in a Crockpot is using a simple lineup of wholesome ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Each one adds something important—whether it’s the savory depth of the beef, the creamy texture of the sauce, or that classic herby finish.
- Beef stew meat: This cut becomes irresistibly tender as it slow-cooks and soaks up all the savory flavors.
- Mushrooms: Earthy, meaty mushrooms add a touch of umami and pair perfectly with creamy sauces.
- Onion: Chopped onion brings natural sweetness and helps build a complex, savory base for the sauce.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses every bite with a fragrant aroma and subtle zing.
- Beef broth: The foundation of the sauce, adding richness and deep beefy flavor.
- Heavy cream: Whips the sauce into its signature luxurious, velvety texture—don’t skip this for that creamy finish!
- Worcestershire sauce: Just a dash delivers tang and depth, enhancing all the other flavors.
- Dried thyme: This gentle herb brings warmth and earthiness, balancing the richness.
- Salt and pepper: Classic seasonings to make those flavors pop—add to taste along the way.
- Cornstarch (optional): For those who love an extra-thick sauce, this is your ticket to a silky gravy style finish.
- Chopped parsley: A sprinkle at the end adds fresh, vibrant color and a hint of herbiness.
How to Make Creamy Beef Tips and Mushrooms in a Crockpot
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by cutting your beef stew meat into bite-sized chunks if it isn’t already. Taking this extra moment ensures every piece becomes meltingly tender and easy to scoop onto your fork. Plus, more surface area means more flavor in every bite of your Creamy Beef Tips and Mushrooms in a Crockpot!
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms (Optional, but Recommended!)
If you have a few spare minutes, give your mushrooms a quick sauté in a hot skillet. This step draws out their earthy flavor and amps up their golden, slightly chewy texture. It’s a little kitchen “secret” that takes these slow-cooker beef tips to a whole new level.
Step 3: Build the Crockpot Base
Toss your prepared beef, those irresistible sautéed mushrooms, chopped onion, and minced garlic right into your slow cooker. Seriously, this step is as easy as it sounds! Layering these ingredients ensures that every bite gets kissed by those robust, savory flavors as they cook.
Step 4: Season and Pour
Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over everything, then sprinkle in your thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir so everything is well combined. The broth and seasonings will soak right into the meat and veggies, setting the stage for that signature Creamy Beef Tips and Mushrooms in a Crockpot flavor.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfect Tenderness
Cover your crockpot, set it to low for 6-8 hours (or high for 3-4 hours if you’re in a hurry), and let the magic happen. The beef turns fork-tender and every ingredient melds into a soul-satisfying meal. No peeking necessary—just let those aromas tease you all day!
Step 6: Add Cream and Finish the Sauce
About 30 minutes before serving, pour in the heavy cream and give everything a gentle stir. For a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a splash of water to make a slurry and add it at this point. Now watch as your Creamy Beef Tips and Mushrooms in a Crockpot transform into the silkiest, coziest dish imaginable.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon your beef tips and creamy mushroom sauce over a big scoop of mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy rice. Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of freshness and color, then dig in!
How to Serve Creamy Beef Tips and Mushrooms in a Crockpot
Garnishes
For that extra-special finish, top each serving with a generous showering of chopped parsley. If you’re feeling fancy, add a crack of black pepper or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for richness. A little garnish can go a long way to make your Creamy Beef Tips and Mushrooms in a Crockpot look as irresistible as they taste.
Side Dishes
This dish was made for cozy pairings! Creamy Beef Tips and Mushrooms in a Crockpot sits perfectly atop mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles. For sides, try a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to add a little crunch and contrast to all that creamy, savory goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, crowd-pleasing twist, serve the creamy beef and mushrooms over toasted bread, stuffed into flaky puff pastry shells, or even in a crusty bread bowl. Individual ramekins with a buttery pie crust top make them instant dinner-party winners. Let your imagination run wild—Creamy Beef Tips and Mushrooms in a Crockpot always rises to the occasion!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, just transfer your Creamy Beef Tips and Mushrooms in a Crockpot to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors deepen beautifully overnight, making lunchtime leftovers the highlight of your week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes like a dream! Once cooled, portion your beef tips and sauce into freezer-safe containers and stash them away for up to three months. Just keep in mind that creamy sauces can occasionally separate a bit after freezing, but a gentle reheat and stir will bring it back together.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your Creamy Beef Tips and Mushrooms in a Crockpot gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently. You can also use the microwave in short bursts, mixing between intervals. If the sauce is too thick after chilling, just add a splash of beef broth or milk to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is convenient and easy to find, you can use chuck roast cut into cubes or even sirloin tips. The slow cooker’s gentle heat ensures just about any cut becomes fork-tender and delicious in these Creamy Beef Tips and Mushrooms in a Crockpot.
Do I have to sauté the mushrooms?
Not at all—it’s a totally optional but highly recommended step. Sautéing brings out the best flavor and texture, but if you’re tight on time, pop those mushrooms straight into the crockpot and let the slow-cooker do all the work!
Which mushrooms work best in Creamy Beef Tips and Mushrooms in a Crockpot?
Button mushrooms, baby bellas (cremini), or even a mix of wild mushrooms taste fantastic here. Don’t be afraid to experiment or use whatever you have on hand; the creamy sauce is the ultimate backdrop for all their earthy flavors.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! Just ensure your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth are gluten-free, and use cornstarch for thickening the sauce rather than flour. Creamy Beef Tips and Mushrooms in a Crockpot can be a perfect fit for gluten-free dinners with simple swaps.
What if I want a thicker or thinner sauce?
You have full control! For a thicker texture, use the optional cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking time. Prefer it a little looser? Add a splash more broth or cream to reach your desired consistency. Tweak until it’s just right for you!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a truly comforting meal that’s just as easy as it is impressive, I can’t recommend Creamy Beef Tips and Mushrooms in a Crockpot enough. It’s one of those dishes that tastes like home, and once you try it, I wouldn’t be surprised if it lands in your regular dinner rotation. Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting—and prepare for pure dinnertime bliss!
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Creamy Beef Tips and Mushrooms in a Crockpot Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Creamy Beef Tips and Mushrooms slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot. Tender beef, savory mushrooms, and a luscious cream sauce make this dish a hearty favorite.
Ingredients
Beef Tips:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
Mushrooms:
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
Onion Mixture:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Seasonings:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Thickener and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Cut beef into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Mushrooms: Optionally, sauté mushrooms until golden brown.
- Combine Ingredients: In the crockpot, mix beef, sautéed mushrooms, onion, and garlic.
- Add Liquid and Seasonings: Pour in broth and Worcestershire sauce, season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Finish: In the last 30 minutes, add cream and stir.
- Serve: Over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Garnish with parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: Creamy Beef Tips, Crockpot Recipe, Slow Cooker Beef Tips, Creamy Mushroom Beef
