Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 270 min
Total time: 280 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 pound beef tips; 2 tablespoon tomato paste; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon Cantanzaro herbs; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Pinch pepper; 8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced; 3/4 cup beef bone broth; 2 tablespoon cornstarch

Cook Time: 270 minutes

Ingredients:

1 pound beef tips
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon Cantanzaro herbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
3/4 cup beef bone broth
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Directions:

1. Combine beef tips, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, Cantanzaro herbs, salt, and pepper in a 6- to 7-quart slow cooker. Stir until the beef is evenly coated in tomato paste and seasonings.

2. Pour beef bone broth over the mixture, ensuring all ingredients are covered.

3. Cover the slow cooker and cook the beef on High for 4 hours or on Low for 6 to 8 hours, until the beef is tender.

4. About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, add the sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker.

5. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of hot broth from the slow cooker. Stir with a small whisk or fork until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.

6. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir to combine with the rest of the ingredients.

7. Set the slow cooker to High, cover, and cook for another 30 minutes, or until the liquid has thickened to your desired consistency.

Cooks Note: Cantanzaro herbs can be found at the Savory Spice Shop. If you're unable to find them, a mix of garlic, lemon peel, marjoram, European basil, Mediterranean thyme, rosemary, and Greek oregano can be used to create a similar flavor profile.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Nutrition Facts	Amount per Serving
Calories	184
Total Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	2g
Cholesterol	53mg
Sodium	872mg
Total Carbohydrate	11g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	3g
Protein	21g
Vitamin C	5mg
Calcium	31mg
Iron	3mg
Potassium	525mg

Servings: 4

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origins of Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy

Slow cooker beef tips with mushroom gravy trace their roots to mid-20th century America, when the convenience of slow cookers became a kitchen revolution. Originally, beef tips were derived from tender cuts like sirloin or round, which were affordable yet flavorful. The addition of mushrooms and a rich gravy elevated a simple cut into a comforting, home-style dish. Over time, this meal became synonymous with easy weeknight dinners, combining practicality with hearty flavor.

Regional Characteristics

This dish is particularly popular in the Northeastern and Midwestern United States, regions known for embracing slow-cooked comfort foods. Regional variations often include locally sourced mushrooms, such as cremini or portobello, and the choice of herbs can differ. For instance, some Midwestern cooks prefer a hint of thyme and parsley, while Northeastern adaptations may include Worcestershire sauce for a deeper umami profile. The slow cooking technique ensures the beef remains tender while the gravy absorbs regional flavor nuances.

Differences from Similar Dishes

While beef tips may seem similar to beef stroganoff or pot roast, key distinctions exist. Unlike stroganoff, which uses sour cream as a primary thickener, this recipe relies on cornstarch for a glossy, smooth gravy. Compared to a traditional pot roast, beef tips are cut into smaller pieces, allowing for faster cooking and a more even coating of sauce. The use of tomato paste and Cantanzaro herbs in this recipe adds a subtle Mediterranean twist, differentiating it from classic American interpretations.

Where It Is Typically Served

Slow cooker beef tips with mushroom gravy are commonly served in casual home settings, family dinners, and comfort-food-focused restaurants. They pair exceptionally well with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles, making them a versatile main course. In some American diners, it is offered as part of a hearty lunch or dinner platter, often accompanied by seasonal vegetables. Its popularity also extends to potlucks and holiday gatherings due to its simplicity and ability to feed multiple servings.

Interesting Facts

The slow cooker, or crockpot, gained popularity in the 1970s, which coincided with a surge in home-cooked comfort foods like beef tips with mushroom gravy.
Mushrooms not only enhance flavor but also increase the dishs nutritional profile, providing fiber, potassium, and antioxidants.
Many home cooks experiment with different brothsbeef, chicken, or vegetableto adjust the richness of the gravy without altering the basic cooking method.
The dishs adaptability makes it ideal for meal prep; it can be frozen and reheated while maintaining its tender texture and flavorful gravy.
Culinary enthusiasts often explore variations with wine or beer added to the gravy for depth, reflecting the influence of European slow-cooked beef dishes.

FAQ about Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy Recipe

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the beef tips and gravy for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stove, adding a bit of water or broth if needed to maintain the gravy consistency.

Yes, you can use other cuts of beef like chuck roast or sirloin tips. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and tenderness of the cut. If you’re using a tougher cut, you may need to cook it a bit longer until it's tender.

Yes, you can make the beef tips ahead of time. Once cooked, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave. It’s often even more flavorful the next day!

It is recommended to thaw the beef tips before cooking to ensure even cooking. If you use frozen beef tips, make sure they are fully thawed in the refrigerator overnight before adding them to the slow cooker.

If you don’t have Cantanzaro herbs, you can make a substitute by combining garlic, lemon peel, marjoram, European basil, Mediterranean thyme, rosemary, and Greek oregano. Use equal parts of each herb to achieve a similar flavor profile.

Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, onions, or potatoes to the slow cooker for additional flavor and nutrition. Just keep in mind that they may change the cooking time slightly, so adjust accordingly. Add firmer vegetables like carrots at the beginning and softer ones like potatoes 1-2 hours before the end.

Searing the beef is optional but recommended for extra flavor. It helps to develop a deeper color and enhances the umami in the gravy. If you prefer a quicker method, you can skip the searing step and directly add the beef to the slow cooker.

If the gravy is too thin, you can create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with a little bit of the hot broth from the slow cooker. Then, stir the slurry back into the slow cooker and cook on High for 30 more minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.

Comments

Kelly Taylor

01/17/2025 03:54:03 PM

I used an entire can of broth and included onions to enhance the flavor, richness, and texture. I browned the beef before incorporating some pan juices. In the future, I may consider doubling the recipe to have extra portions for leftovers.