Ingredients:
- 1 packet Au Jus Gravy
- 1 packet Lipton Onion Soup mix
- 1 packet Ranch mix
- 2 pounds stew meat
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
- Mashed potatoes (for serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crockpot:
- Grease the crockpot insert with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Place the stew meat evenly at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Season the Meat:
- Sprinkle the packets of Au Jus Gravy, Lipton Onion Soup mix, and Ranch mix evenly over the meat.
- Add Butter:
- Place the stick of butter on top of the seasoned meat.
- Cooking:
- Cover the crockpot with its lid.
- Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours. Alternatively, cook on high heat for 2-3 hours, but low and slow is preferable for tender meat.
- Serve:
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid.
- Stir gently to combine the meat with the flavorful juices and melted butter.
- Serve the beef tips hot over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
Notes:
- Additional Vegetables: You can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms to the crockpot for a complete meal.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the crockpot during the last hour of cooking.
- Garnish: Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives over the beef tips before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting Crockpot Beef Tips!
Here are some helpful tips to elevate your Crockpot Beef Tips recipe:
- Brown the Meat: Before adding the stew meat to the crockpot, consider quickly searing it in a hot skillet with a little oil. This step helps to lock in flavor and adds a nice caramelized crust to the meat.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality stew meat and packet mixes. Quality ingredients can make a significant difference in the flavor and overall enjoyment of the dish.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor profile by adding fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the crockpot during cooking. Fresh herbs bring brightness and depth to the dish.
- Customize Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasoning packets to your taste preferences. You can add a dash of garlic powder, paprika, or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor depth.
- Include Aromatics: Add depth of flavor by including aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, and celery to the crockpot along with the meat. These vegetables will infuse the dish with rich, savory flavors as they cook.
- Deglaze the Pan: If you brown the meat before adding it to the crockpot, deglaze the skillet with a splash of beef broth or red wine to scrape up any flavorful browned bits. Pour this liquid into the crockpot for added depth of flavor.
- Finish with Freshness: Just before serving, brighten up the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest. The acidity will balance the richness of the beef and butter.
- Allow for Resting Time: After cooking, allow the beef tips to rest in the crockpot with the lid off for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures a more delicious final dish.
- Garnish Creatively: Garnish each serving with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flair and flavor.
- Serve with Complementary Sides: While mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment, consider serving the beef tips with other sides like buttered noodles, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.
By following these tips, you can take your Crockpot Beef Tips from delightful to absolutely irresistible! Enjoy experimenting and making this recipe your own.
Achieving the perfect Crockpot Beef Tips involves attention to detail and a few secretsHere they are:
- Quality Meat Selection: Choose well-marbled stew meat or beef chuck for tender and flavorful beef tips. Look for cuts with some fat content, as they will result in more succulent meat after slow cooking.
- Proper Seasoning: Season the meat generously with the seasoning packets provided (Au Jus Gravy, Lipton Onion Soup mix, and Ranch mix). These flavor enhancers work together to create a rich and savory base for the beef tips.
- Layering Ingredients: Layering the ingredients properly ensures even distribution of flavors. Start with the meat at the bottom, followed by the seasoning packets, and then the stick of butter on top. This layering technique allows the meat to absorb the flavors while cooking.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Cooking the beef tips on low heat for 4-6 hours allows the meat to become tender and juicy without overcooking or drying out. Avoid the temptation to cook on high heat, as it may result in tougher meat.
- Minimize Lid Opening: Resist the urge to open the crockpot lid frequently during cooking. Each time the lid is lifted, heat escapes, prolonging the cooking time and affecting the final texture of the meat.
- Stirring Carefully: If you need to stir the beef tips during cooking, do so gently to avoid breaking apart the meat. Stirring too vigorously can cause the meat to shred and lose its texture.
- Resting Period: Allow the beef tips to rest in the crockpot for a few minutes after cooking. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together and ensures a more cohesive and delicious final dish.
- Adjusting Seasonings: Taste the beef tips before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add additional salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste preferences.
- Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a slurry of cornstarch and water and adding it to the crockpot during the last hour of cooking. This will result in a luscious and velvety gravy.
- Serve with Love: Finally, serve the Crockpot Beef Tips with care and attention to detail. Plate them alongside creamy mashed potatoes or your favorite sides, garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
By following these secrets, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the perfect Crockpot Beef Tips every time!
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about Crockpot Beef Tips along with their answers:
- Can I use a different cut of beef for beef tips?
- Yes, you can use other cuts such as beef chuck roast or sirloin steak, but ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Can I make this recipe without using the seasoning packets?
- Yes, you can substitute the seasoning packets with homemade seasoning blends or individual spices according to your taste preferences.
- How long should I cook beef tips in the crockpot?
- Cook beef tips on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender and cooked through.
- Can I add vegetables to the crockpot with the beef tips?
- Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms to the crockpot for a complete meal. Ensure they are cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Do I need to brown the meat before adding it to the crockpot?
- Browning the meat before adding it to the crockpot is optional but recommended as it adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
- You can thicken the sauce by mixing a slurry of cornstarch and water and adding it to the crockpot during the last hour of cooking.
- Can I freeze leftover beef tips?
- Yes, you can freeze leftover beef tips in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- What can I serve with Crockpot Beef Tips?
- Crockpot Beef Tips are delicious served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. You can also serve them with steamed vegetables or crusty bread.
- Can I make this recipe without butter?
- While butter adds richness to the dish, you can omit it if desired or substitute with olive oil or beef broth for a lighter option.
- Can I cook beef tips on the stovetop instead of using a crockpot?
- Yes, you can cook beef tips on the stovetop in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over low heat for 1-2 hours until the meat is tender.
These are just a few of the common questions and answers related to Crockpot Beef Tips. Feel free to ask if you have any more questions!