Here is a complete guide to making Crockpot Beef Tips, which features a simplified version using three seasoning packets, as you requested. The search results included detailed information on techniques, history, and nutrition to make this a comprehensive resource.
🥩 Introduction to Crockpot Beef Tips
This dish is a quintessential American comfort food, where chunks of beef are transformed into a rich and savory meal through slow, gentle cooking. The version you’ve listed—using stew meat, seasoning packets, and butter—is a beloved shortcut that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s a direct descendant of traditional stews that have sustained families for centuries, now perfectly adapted for the modern kitchen.
đź“ś Historical & Cultural Context
The technique of slow cooking meat into a tender stew is ancient, with roots in cultures worldwide, such as the pib ovens of the Maya and the iron cauldrons of medieval Europe. The modern appliance that makes this recipe so easy—the Crock-Pot—was introduced in 1971. It revolutionized home cooking by allowing meals to simmer safely all day, fitting perfectly with busier lifestyles and making recipes like this one a weekday staple.
âś… Key Benefits of This Recipe
· Deep, Harmonious Flavor: Slow cooking allows flavors from the meat and seasonings to meld and concentrate.
· Perfect Texture: Tough cuts of meat become incredibly tender as the slow heat breaks down connective tissue.
· Meal Prep Efficiency: The “set it and forget it” nature of a slow cooker saves time and energy.
· Nutrient-Rich: Slow cooking at moderate temperatures can help preserve more vitamins and minerals compared to high-heat methods.
đź“ť Complete Recipe & Instructions
This recipe takes the classic packet-based method and adds a few simple, recommended techniques (like searing and using broth) to elevate the dish.
Core Ingredients
· Stew Meat: 3 pounds (chuck roast or pre-cut stew meat)
· Seasoning Packets: 1 packet Au Jus Gravy mix, 1 packet Lipton Onion Soup mix, 1 packet Ranch dressing mix
· Butter: 1 stick (½ cup), cut into pieces
· Beef Broth: 2 cups (highly recommended for best results)
· Oil: 1 tablespoon for searing
Recommended Additions (Optional)
· Aromatics: 1 diced yellow onion, 3-4 minced garlic cloves
· Mushrooms: 8 oz sliced cremini or white mushrooms
· Thickener: 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
Equipment Needed
· 5-6 quart slow cooker
· Large skillet (cast iron works well)
Step-by-Step Method
1. Prepare the Meat: Pat the stew meat dry with paper towels. This helps it brown better.
2. Sear the Beef (Recommended): Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the meat until browned on all sides. Don’t crowd the pan, as this steams the meat instead of browning it. Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker.
3. Sauté Aromatics (Optional): In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and mushrooms until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. Transfer to the slow cooker.
4. Combine in the Slow Cooker: Sprinkle the Au Jus, Onion Soup, and Ranch seasoning packets evenly over the meat and vegetables. Pour in the beef broth. Place the pieces of butter on top.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
6. Thicken the Gravy (Optional): If you prefer a thicker gravy, whisk the cornstarch and cold water into a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Serving & Storage
· Serve Over: Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or creamy polenta.
· Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
· Freeze: Cool completely and freeze for up to 3 months.
🥦 Nutrition & Making it Your Own
A serving of this beef tips recipe is a good source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair, and provides important nutrients like iron, zinc, and B-vitamins.
To Adjust the Recipe:
· For a healthier version, use a leaner cut like top sirloin, low-sodium broth, and reduce the butter by half.
· To make it gluten-free, ensure your seasoning packets are certified gluten-free and use cornstarch as a thickener.
· For more vegetables, add carrots or celery at the start, or stir in frozen peas at the end.
đź’ť For the True Comfort Food Lover
This dish is a crowd-pleaser. Its rich gravy and tender meat make it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a comforting meal on a cold day. It’s the kind of recipe that often becomes a weekly tradition. As one home cook noted about a similar recipe, it’s the “BEST beef tips and gravy I have ever had and so easy!”.
✨ Conclusion
This Crockpot Beef Tips recipe perfectly balances the ease of using convenient ingredients with the timeless, soul-warming results of slow cooking. It honors a long culinary tradition while fitting seamlessly into contemporary life, proving that a deeply satisfying homemade meal is always within reach.
I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish. If you try it with any variations like adding mushrooms or using a different cut of meat, I’d love to hear how it turns out