If you’re longing for a comforting, hearty meal that almost makes itself, the Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef cubes, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious creamy sauce that clings perfectly to every bite. It’s a truly soul-satisfying dinner that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, making it an instant favorite for weeknights or cozy weekends alike. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked beef tips any other way!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together effortlessly to create a dish that’s as flavorful as it is simple. Each one serves a purpose, from the rich beef broth adding depth, to the creamy soup lending indulgence, to the fresh mushrooms providing texture and earthiness.
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat or beef tips: The star of the dish, this tender meat soaks up all the delicious flavors during the slow cooking process.
- 1 onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and a savory base that rounds out the taste.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic punch.
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced: Provides an earthy, meaty texture that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Creates luscious creaminess and ties all the flavors together.
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix: Brings a subtle tang and herbaceous kick to the sauce.
- 1 packet (1 oz) brown gravy mix: Enhances the sauce with rich, savory notes and adds thickness.
- 1 cup beef broth: Boosts the beefy depth, making the sauce truly comforting.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and smooth.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds a silky richness and a touch of indulgence.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by trimming and cutting your beef into bite-sized cubes if not already done, then finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Slice the mushrooms so they’re ready to release their delicious juices during cooking.
Step 2: Layer Beef and Mushrooms in the Crockpot
Place the beef stew meat and sliced mushrooms into the slow cooker, distributing them evenly. This layering ensures the mushrooms will steam and absorb those wonderful beef flavors.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, ranch dressing mix, brown gravy mix, and heavy cream. This rich mixture is the heart of the creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms Recipe, creating a sauce that is full-bodied and silky.
Step 4: Combine and Cook
Pour the creamy sauce over the beef and mushrooms in the crockpot. Gently stir to coat everything evenly, then cover and set your slow cooker on low. Let it cook for about 8 hours until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
Step 5: Finish with Butter and Seasoning
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the butter for extra velvety richness. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper seasoning as needed to make the flavors truly shine.
How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or some thinly sliced green onions make a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy sauce. You can also add a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper for a little extra bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice or buttered egg noodles, which soak up the decadent sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables are also fantastic partners.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style presentation, serve the beef tips in a large rustic bowl surrounded by sides, encouraging everyone to dig in. You can also spoon it atop toasted baguette slices for an elegant appetizer twist or pile it high over baked potatoes for a hearty meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve as it sits, making leftovers just as delicious.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, allow it to cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently so the sauce doesn’t burn. You can add a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen up the sauce if needed and restore its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat or beef tips are ideal for tenderness after slow cooking, chuck roast cut into cubes also works wonderfully in this Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms Recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe without heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with sour cream or Greek yogurt, but add it at the end of cooking on low heat to avoid curdling. This tweaks the texture slightly but keeps the creaminess intact.
How thick should the sauce be when the dish is done?
The sauce should be rich and creamy but not too thick to coat the beef and mushrooms smoothly. If it’s too thin, you can cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to thicken it up.
Can I prepare this recipe on the stove instead of a crockpot?
Yes, you can simmer the beef and mushrooms with the sauce ingredients on low heat on the stove. Just be patient and cook gently until the beef becomes tender, which may take a couple of hours.
What’s the best way to make this recipe more flavorful?
Using homemade beef broth or adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce enhances the savory depth. Also, searing the beef before adding to the crockpot introduces wonderful caramelized notes.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for an easy yet indulgent dish to wow your family or friends, the Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms Recipe is your new go-to. It fills your kitchen with incredible aromas and delivers a bowl full of comfort that feels like a warm hug. Try it this week—you’ll be making it again and again!
Print
Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms recipe is a comforting slow-cooked dish featuring tender beef stew meat simmered with mushrooms in a rich and velvety mushroom sauce. Perfect for busy days, it requires minimal prep and delivers hearty flavor with a creamy finish, ideal served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Beef and Vegetables
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat or beef tips, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet (1 oz) brown gravy mix
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Begin by cutting the beef stew meat into bite-sized cubes and slice the mushrooms. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves to ensure they will blend well into the sauce.
- Layer Meat and Mushrooms: Place the beef stew meat along with the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion into the slow cooker, spreading evenly for uniform cooking.
- Mix Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, ranch dressing mix, brown gravy mix, beef broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly to create a smooth and well-seasoned sauce.
- Add Sauce to Slow Cooker: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the beef and mushrooms in the slow cooker. Dot the top with butter pieces to enhance richness.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours. This slow, gentle cooking tenderizes the beef while allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Final Touches and Serve: Once cooking is complete and the beef is fork-tender, give the mixture a gentle stir. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles for a hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- You can substitute sour cream for heavy cream if preferred for a tangier sauce.
- Use fresh mushrooms for best flavor but canned mushrooms can be used in a pinch.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if your broth or soup is already salted.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
