If you are craving a rich, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you absolutely need to try this Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms Recipe. It brings together tender chunks of beef, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious, velvety sauce that’s been slow-cooked to perfection. This is the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas all day long and makes weeknight dinners feel extra special with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a hearty family meal or a cozy dinner to impress your friends, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this dish is a breeze because it relies on a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create a flavor-packed experience. Each element plays a role—from the tender beef that melts in your mouth to the creamy mushroom soup that gives the sauce its signature richness.
- Beef stew meat (1.5 lbs): Choose tender beef tips cut into bite-sized cubes for the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Onion (1, finely chopped): Adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings a fragrant, savory punch to lift the entire dish.
- Mushrooms (8 oz cremini or white, sliced): These add earthiness and a meaty texture that pairs beautifully with beef.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Creates a creamy base that’s luscious and rich.
- Ranch dressing mix (1 packet, 1 oz): Infuses the dish with a delicious blend of herbs and spices for extra flavor complexity.
- Brown gravy mix (1 packet, 1 oz): Helps thicken the sauce and brings a classic savory gravy taste.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Adds moisture and deep beef flavor to the slow-cooked stew.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Provides the silky, creamy finish.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps meld all the flavors together.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Mushrooms
Start by placing your bite-sized beef tips and sliced mushrooms right into the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates the hearty foundation for the dish, allowing the mushrooms to infuse their earthy flavor into the beef as it cooks.
Step 2: Mix 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 combination forms the magic that will turn into a velvety sauce after hours of slow cooking.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and mushrooms in the crockpot, making sure everything is evenly coated. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic on top, then dot with butter. Cover your slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 hours. This long, slow heat will tenderize the beef to perfection and allow all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Final Seasoning and Serving
Once cooking is complete, give the dish a gentle stir. Taste, and season with salt and pepper as needed. The sauce should be luxuriously creamy, coating every beef piece. Now, it’s ready to be served!
How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top adds a lovely burst of color and freshness that cuts through the creamy sauce. For a little extra indulgence, a handful of crispy fried onions can add a delightful crunch contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with fluffy mashed potatoes, wide egg noodles, or steamed rice—these sides soak up the creamy sauce perfectly. A side of simple steamed green beans or garlic roasted asparagus can also add some bright green freshness to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve the beef tips over creamy polenta or mashed cauliflower. You can also spoon the beef and mushrooms inside warm, buttered puff pastry shells or serve it alongside a thick slice of crusty bread to scoop up every last bit of that delicious sauce. Making it a cozy family-style meal on a platter encourages everyone to dig in happily.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms Recipe should be cooled to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days while retaining most of its creamy texture and flavor.
Freezing
This recipe also freezes beautifully. Portion the beef tips and sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the beef tips slowly in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to maintain that luscious creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat or beef tips work best for tenderness and cooking time, you can use chuck roast cut into cubes or sirloin tips if desired. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this dish without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can make a similar version on the stovetop by simmering the beef and mushrooms in the creamy sauce over low heat for about 2 hours until tender. Just make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade sauce?
Definitely! If you prefer to avoid canned soup, create a quick roux with butter, flour, and milk or cream, then add sautéed mushrooms for a delicious homemade creamy base.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick or too thin?
If the sauce becomes too thick after cooking, stir in a bit more beef broth or cream to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in while heating gently until it thickens.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, adding vegetables like carrots, peas, or green beans during the last hour of cooking can boost nutrition and color. Just be mindful of cooking times to keep veggies tender but not mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms Recipe is truly one of those cozy comfort food gems that never fails to impress. With simple ingredients and an easy slow cooker method, you can come home to a deeply flavorful, creamy dinner that feels indulgent but is effortless to make. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy it as much as I do—trust me, it’s a game changer for busy evenings or weekend feasts alike!
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Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms recipe offers tender, flavorful beef cooked low and slow with mushrooms and a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner served over rice or noodles, this dish combines simple ingredients with convenient slow cooker preparation for effortless, hearty meals.
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: Place the beef stew meat and sliced mushrooms into the slow cooker base, layering evenly.
- Mix Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, ranch dressing mix, brown gravy mix, beef broth, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Add Sauce to Slow Cooker: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the beef and mushrooms in the slow cooker, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld.
- Finish with Cream and Butter: About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and butter to enrich the sauce, then gently mix to combine.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy beef and mushroom mixture over cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy your hearty, comforting meal!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can brown the beef stew meat in a skillet before placing it in the slow cooker.
- If cream of mushroom soup is not available, a homemade mushroom sauce could be used as a substitute.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference, especially if using low-sodium beef broth.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freeze well for up to 2 months.
- Serve with green vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish.
