In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a wholesome, home-cooked meal can be challenging, especially on busy weeknights. Slow cookers offer an ideal solution, allowing you to set up a meal in the morning and return home to a ready-to-eat dinner. One such comforting and convenient dish is Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Rice. This recipe marries tender, slow-cooked beef with a rich, savory gravy, all served over fluffy rice. It’s not only easy to prepare but also delivers the hearty, warming qualities of classic comfort food. Whether you’re looking to simplify your meal prep or create a dish that pleases the whole family, this recipe is a perfect choice. Just a few minutes of preparation in the morning will reward you with a delicious, satisfying dinner that feels like it took hours to prepare.

Ingredients Breakdown

This Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Rice recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a rich and flavorful dish. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

1. Beef Stew Meat: The star of the dish, usually cut into bite-sized pieces. It becomes incredibly tender after slow cooking.
2. Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creaminess and depth to the gravy. It’s a versatile base that melds well with the beef.
3. Beef Broth: Enhances the beefy flavor and helps create a rich gravy. It also provides moisture to prevent the meat from drying out.
4. Onion Soup Mix: A blend of seasonings that adds complexity to the dish. It’s a quick way to infuse flavor without needing to measure multiple spices.
5. Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy, umami flavor that deepens the dish’s overall taste.
6. Cornstarch (Optional): Used to thicken the gravy if desired.
7. Rice: A neutral base that soaks up the delicious gravy, making it an ideal companion for the beef tips.

Optional Ingredients/Substitutions:

• Cream of Onion Soup: Can replace cream of mushroom for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Red Wine: Substitute some of the beef broth with red wine for a richer, more robust flavor.
• Mushrooms or Carrots: Add these for extra texture and nutrition.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Begin by trimming any excess fat from the beef stew meat. This ensures a leaner dish and helps the beef cook more evenly.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   • In the slow cooker, add the beef stew meat, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, onion soup mix, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together to ensure the meat is evenly coated with the sauce and seasoning.
3. Optional Searing:
   • For added flavor, you can sear the beef in a hot skillet with a bit of oil before adding it to the slow cooker. This step is optional but helps to lock in the juices and add a deeper flavor.
4. Set the Slow Cooker:
   • Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook the beef tips on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Cooking on low allows the beef to become more tender.
5. Check and Thicken the Gravy:
   • About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, check the consistency of the gravy. If it’s too thin, create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with a small amount of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker. Cover and let it cook for the remaining time to thicken.
6. Cook the Rice:
   • Prepare the rice according to the package instructions. You can start this about 20-30 minutes before the beef tips are done.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once the beef tips are tender and the gravy has thickened to your liking, serve the beef tips over the cooked rice.

Tips for Beginners:

• Use a slow cooker liner to make cleanup easier.
• Stir the ingredients well to ensure even cooking.
• If you’re short on time, use the high setting, but for the best results, opt for the low and slow method.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Tips

1. Importance of Low and Slow Cooking:
   • Cooking beef tips on a low setting for a longer period (7-8 hours) allows the meat to break down and become tender. The slow cooking process helps the connective tissues in the beef to soften, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. While the high setting (4-5 hours) is faster, it may not yield as tender results.
2. Preventing Runny Gravy:
   • To avoid runny gravy, use the correct ratio of liquids to meat and thicken the gravy as needed. If the gravy is too thin towards the end of cooking, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry, and stir it into the slow cooker. Let it cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until the gravy thickens. Avoid adding too much broth at the beginning to maintain a thicker consistency.
3. Should You Sear the Meat Before Cooking?
   • Searing the meat before adding it to the slow cooker is an optional step, but it can enhance the flavor of the dish. By browning the beef in a hot skillet with a little oil, you create a caramelized crust that adds depth to the overall flavor. While not necessary, it’s a simple step that can make a noticeable difference, especially if you have the extra time. If skipping this step, ensure that the slow cooker is on low heat to achieve tender results.

Customization Ideas 

1. Substituting Different Types of Soup or Gravy Mixes:
   • One of the easiest ways to customize this recipe is by swapping out the cream of mushroom soup for another variety. Cream of chicken or cream of onion soup can provide a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining the dish’s creamy texture. You can also use packaged gravy mixes instead of the soup. A brown gravy mix will result in a richer, more robust flavor, while an onion or au jus mix can add a deeper, more savory taste.
2. Adding Vegetables:
   • Incorporating vegetables into the slow cooker can make the meal more nutritious and hearty. Baby carrots, sliced onions, and quartered potatoes are great additions that will cook perfectly alongside the beef tips. These vegetables absorb the flavors of the gravy, becoming tender and delicious. For a bit of color and sweetness, you might also add peas or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking to avoid them becoming too soft.
3. Adjusting Cook Times for Different Results:
   • The flexibility of the slow cooker allows you to adjust cooking times to suit your schedule. For tender, fall-apart beef tips, cooking on low for 7-8 hours is ideal. This slow method allows the meat to cook evenly and develop rich flavors. However, if you’re short on time, cooking on high for 4-5 hours will still yield good results, though the meat may not be as tender as with the low setting. If using the high setting, consider cutting the beef into slightly smaller pieces to help them cook more evenly.

Serving Suggestions 

1. Best Side Dishes:
   • To complement the rich flavors of beef tips and rice, consider serving simple sides like steamed green beans, buttered corn, or roasted asparagus. These vegetables add a fresh, crisp contrast to the hearty main dish.
2. Alternative Bases:
   • While rice is a classic pairing, you can switch things up by serving the beef tips over egg noodles for a more traditional stroganoff-style dish. Mashed potatoes are another excellent option, offering a creamy, comforting base that pairs beautifully with the savory gravy.
3. Pairing with Salads or Rolls:
   • A light salad with a vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the beef tips. Consider a simple green salad or a tangy cucumber and tomato salad. For a more complete meal, serve with warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.

Troubleshooting Common Issues 

1. Thin Gravy:
   • If your gravy turns out too thin, you can thicken it towards the end of cooking. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker about 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, then cover and let it cook until the gravy thickens.
2. Tough Meat:
   • Tough meat is often the result of cooking on high heat for too short a time. If your beef tips are tough, continue cooking them on low for an additional 1-2 hours. For future batches, opt for the low and slow method, which helps break down the connective tissues, resulting in more tender meat.
3. Forgot to Thaw the Meat:
   • If you forgot to thaw the meat, you can still cook it from frozen in the slow cooker, but this will extend the cooking time. Add 1-2 extra hours on low or 1 hour on high. Be sure to check the meat’s internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked before serving.
4. Forgot to Start the Slow Cooker:
   • If you realize you forgot to start the slow cooker, switch to the high setting to expedite the cooking process. Alternatively, transfer everything to a Dutch oven or large pot and cook on the stovetop over low heat for a few hours, stirring occasionally

FAQs 

1. Can I cook this on high for 4 hours instead of low for 8 hours?
   • Yes, you can cook the beef tips on high for 4-5 hours instead of low for 7-8 hours. However, cooking on low for a longer time allows the meat to become more tender and flavorful. The high setting will cook the dish faster, but the meat may not be as tender as it would be with the low and slow method.
2. What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
   • If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken or cream of onion soup, which will provide a similar creamy texture and slightly different flavor. You can also use a brown gravy mix or make your own cream sauce by combining butter, flour, and broth or milk.
3. Can I cook the rice in the crockpot with the beef tips?
   • It’s not recommended to cook the rice in the slow cooker with the beef tips because rice requires a different cooking time and liquid ratio. Cooking the rice separately ensures it turns out fluffy and not mushy. However, you can add quick-cooking rice during the last 30 minutes of cooking if you prefer a one-pot meal.
4. How do I make this recipe in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
   • To make this recipe in the oven, preheat to 325°F (163°C). Brown the beef in an oven-safe pot, then add the remaining ingredients. Cover and bake for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender. Check occasionally to ensure there’s enough liquid, and add more broth if needed.
5. Can I halve the recipe?
   • Yes, you can easily halve the recipe. Simply reduce all ingredients by half. The cooking time may remain the same, but check for tenderness about an hour earlier if using the low setting.

Conclusion 

This Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Rice recipe is the epitome of comfort food, combining simplicity with rich, hearty flavors. Its versatility allows you to tailor the dish to your taste, whether by experimenting with different soups, adding vegetables, or adjusting the cooking method. The ease of preparation makes it a perfect choice for busy weeknights, while the slow-cooked tenderness of the beef ensures a satisfying meal every time. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own—whether you follow the traditional method or add your personal touches, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to share your version of the dish with others, inspiring new twists on this classic comfort food.

Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Rice

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• Author: Christine

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Description

Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Rice is a comforting, easy-to-make dish featuring tender beef simmered in a rich, savory gravy, served over fluffy rice. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires minimal preparation and results in a hearty, satisfying meal the whole family will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 1 (10.75-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• 2 (0.87-ounce) packets brown gravy mix
• 1 beef bullion cube
• 1 cup water
• 1 small onion (chopped)

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Instructions

• Combine the ingredients in the bowl of a 4-quart slow cooker and mix to combine.
• Cook covered on low for 7 to 8 hours.
• Serve over hot white rice.

Notes

Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or substituting different soups to match your taste. Remember, cooking on low yields the most tender meat, but high can work in a pinch.