These scrumptious beef tips will melt in your mouth after a long, luxurious simmer in a rich red wine sauce. The tender chunks of beef, paired with earthy mushrooms and aromatic onions, create a comforting, homemade meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew tips or well-trimmed chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (white button or cremini)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef tips with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet until browned on all sides, about 4–5 minutes. This step locks in flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
2. Transfer the beef tips to your slow cooker. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and mushrooms, then pour in the beef broth, red wine, and sprinkle in the dried thyme.
3. Give everything a gentle stir to blend the flavors. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
4. In the last 20–30 minutes of cooking, whisk together the cornstarch and water, and stir the mixture into the slow cooker. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
5. Serve the beef tips warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. They’re especially tasty over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
This recipe is fantastic because of its savoriness and ease: a few minutes of prep in the morning leads to a delicious, fall-apart meal by dinnertime. It’s perfect for families, dinner parties, or simply a comforting solo meal. Feel free to swap out the red wine for more beef broth or use balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist. Experiment with different vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, and adjust the flavorings to suit your palate. Enjoy this cozy, hearty dish whenever you need a comforting meal that tastes like it took all day to perfect—because it did the work on its own in the slow cooker!
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
