Name: Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms and Onions Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs. beef tips (cubed sirloin) or cubed beef stew meat (1- to 2-inch pieces); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen pearl onions (add while still frozen); 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced or coarsely diced; ¼ cup tomato paste; 1 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth; 2 to 4 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon avocado oil, divided; Cooked mashed potatoes, mashed parsnips or cauliflower, or noodles; Snipped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s both soul-soothing and effortlessly hands-off, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms and Onions Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day, with tender beef, rich mushrooms, and those sweet pearl onions all mingling in a luscious gravy. Seriously, once you try this, you’ll want to make it your go-to comfort food classic.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Tender Beef: Slow cooking breaks down the beef until it’s fork-tender and melts in your mouth every time.
One-Pot Wonder: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and forget it — perfect for busy days.
Rich, Comforting Gravy: The tomato paste and beef broth create a savory sauce that’s just irresistible poured over mashed potatoes.
Family Favorite: This recipe always gets the “Can you make this again?” request from my crew.

The image shows two plates of food on a white marbled surface, each with a base layer of creamy mashed potatoes in soft white color with a smooth, slightly fluffy texture. On top of the mashed potatoes, there is a rich dark brown stew with chunks of tender meat and round, light golden pearl onions, adding a glossy and hearty look. The stew is garnished with fresh green parsley leaves scattered on top and around the plate for a pop of color. The plate with the stew and mashed potatoes is a white bowl with a subtle brown rim. Nearby, there is a small white bowl filled with chopped green parsley, a fork and a striped cloth napkin on the right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The star ingredients here are simple and easy to find, making this recipe approachable even if you’re new to slow cooker meals. I recommend getting fresh mushrooms and good-quality beef tips for the best flavor and tenderness.

Beef tips (cubed sirloin or stew meat): Choose tender cuts to ensure juicy beef after slow cooking.
Frozen pearl onions: They add sweetness and texture without the hassle of peeling fresh ones.
Tomato paste: This amps up the umami and gives the gravy a rich depth.
Garlic powder and onion powder: Pantry staples that bring savory warmth.
Dried thyme: I love the subtle earthiness thyme adds—it pairs perfectly with beef.
Sea salt and black pepper: Season generously; it makes all the difference.
Fresh mushrooms: Use whatever variety you like—cremini, white button, or baby bella.
Low-sodium beef broth: Keeps the gravy flavorful but not too salty.
Cornstarch: For thickening the gravy to that perfect silky consistency.
Optional garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the dish beautifully.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms and Onions Recipe is — you can easily adapt it based on what you have or your dietary preferences. My family and I often tweak it depending on the season or whatever veggies are in the fridge.

Mushroom mix: Once I tried shiitake or oyster mushrooms instead of just button ones, and it added a lovely woodsy depth to the gravy.
Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower mash or spiralized zucchini noodles to keep it lighter without losing comfort-food vibes.
Smokey twist: Adding a dash of smoked paprika gave it a subtle smoky flair my husband loved.
Make it spicy: Toss in some red pepper flakes if you want a little kick.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms and Onions Recipe

Step 1: Layer the Beef and Seasonings

Start by placing the beef tips in your slow cooker — I use a 6- to 7-quart size to make sure everything has enough room. Pour in the frozen pearl onions (don’t bother thawing them, they’ll cook perfectly from frozen), and then add the tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything gently to coat the beef and onions evenly with that delicious tomato paste and spices. Pro tip: I like to use a rubber spatula here to avoid breaking up the meat chunks.

Step 2: Add Mushrooms and Broth

Next, toss in the fresh mushrooms and pour the beef broth on top. This broth is essential for turning everything into a luscious gravy later on. The mushrooms will soak up all the flavors, becoming tender without getting mushy. Once everything is in, put the lid on and set your slow cooker to high for 4 hours, or low for 6 to 8 hours if you prefer slow and low.

Step 3: Thicken the Gravy

Once your beef is perfectly tender (you’ll know because it practically pulls apart with a fork), it’s time to thicken that amazing gravy. Start by making a cornstarch slurry: mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with about ¼ cup of the hot liquid from the slow cooker until smooth. Pour this back in and stir well. Cover and cook on high for another 30 minutes—this step transforms the broth into a silky, rich sauce. If you want it thicker, repeat with 2 more tablespoons of cornstarch. Just remember, the gravy thickens more as it cools.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your tender beef tips and creamy mushroom-onion gravy over fluffy mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, or even your favorite egg noodles. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top if you want that vibrant pop of color and fresh flavor that just brightens the entire plate!

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms and Onions Recipe

Don’t Skip Browning (Instant Pot Version): If you’re adapting this for an Instant Pot, searing the beef before slow cooking locks in flavors and adds a fantastic depth.
Use Frozen Onions for Convenience: I discovered this trick years ago, and it’s saved me time and tears—no peeling required but the flavor is spot on.
Cornstarch Slurry is Your Friend: Adding it gradually prevents clumps and helps you control exactly how thick you want the gravy.
Avoid Overcooking Veggies: Add mushrooms on top instead of mixing them in at the bottom to keep them from getting too soggy.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms and Onions Recipe

A white plate holds a dish with two layers: the bottom layer is creamy mashed potatoes, smooth and off-white, spread evenly in a circular shape. The top layer is a thick, dark brown beef stew with chunks of tender meat, pearl onions, and mushrooms, all coated in a rich sauce. The stew is scattered with fresh green parsley leaves, adding a pop of color. Around the plate, there are loose parsley leaves and a small wooden bowl with chopped herbs on a white marbled surface. A striped cloth and silver fork and knife are partially visible at the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and colorful with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley. It adds a fresh contrast to the rich gravy and a lovely burst of green that makes the dish feel special without extra fuss.

Side Dishes

Mashed potatoes are the classic soulmate here—they soak up every drop of that luscious gravy. That said, my family also loves mashed parsnips or cauliflower for a lighter, veggie-packed alternative. For a carb switch-up, buttered egg noodles work like a charm, soaking up sauce beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday meals or when I want to impress guests, I serve the beef tips in shallow bowls over a swirl of creamy mashed potatoes, topped with a sprinkle of crispy fried onions and fresh thyme leaves. It’s an elegant yet cozy way to enjoy this homey dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers and keep them in the fridge. This recipe reheats beautifully, and the flavors actually get better after a day or two as they meld together. I make sure to cool the beef tips completely before refrigerating to maintain the sauce’s texture.

Freezing

Freezing works well too. I portion the beef tips with gravy into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, I thaw overnight in the fridge for best results to keep that tender texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the gravy if it thickened too much. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even warming. Microwave works in a pinch but use shorter bursts and stir in between.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms and Onions Recipe?

Absolutely. While sirloin tips or stew meat are great because they become tender without falling apart, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes. Just be mindful that tougher cuts need the low and slow cooking time to break down collagen into that melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Do I have to use frozen pearl onions?

Nope, you can use fresh pearl onions if you prefer. Just be sure to peel them first, which is a bit of a chore but totally doable. Frozen ones save time and cook up just as sweet and tender, which is why I usually go that route.
Can I skip the cornstarch for thickening?

If you want a thinner sauce, you can skip the cornstarch, but the resulting gravy won’t be as rich or silky. Alternatively, you can thicken it with a roux or reduce the liquid by cooking uncovered on high toward the end of cooking.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes! Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms and Onions freeze very well. Just cool completely before packing into freezer containers. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stove to preserve texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushrooms and Onions Recipe has become one of my family’s absolute favorites because it’s simple, flavorful, and cozy in all the right ways. I love that it takes little effort but delivers big on comfort and satisfaction. If you’re looking to treat yourself or your loved ones to something hearty yet hassle-free, give this recipe a try—I promise it’ll become a staple in your home too!