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If you’re craving a comforting dinner that’s both rich and effortlessly delicious, you’ve got to try this Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms Recipe. Tender, savory beef stew meat simmers slowly with hearty mushrooms and a luscious cream sauce that’s perfectly seasoned with ranch and gravy mixes. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day and the kind of dish that becomes a fast favorite for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building those deep, comforting flavors and that creamy, dreamy texture you’re after. From the tender beef to the earthy mushrooms, and from the rich cream to the flavorful seasonings, it all comes together harmoniously.
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat or beef tips: Choose tender, bite-sized cubes for melt-in-your-mouth goodness after slow cooking.
- 1 onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and savory depth to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant kick that pairs beautifully with the mushrooms.
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced: The mushrooms soak up the sauce and add great texture.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: The creamy base that makes this dish irresistibly rich.
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix: Adds a tangy, herby complexity that elevates the flavor profile.
- 1 packet (1 oz) brown gravy mix: Boosts the savory depth and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1 cup beef broth: Keeps everything juicy and infused with beefy richness.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: For that extra creamy finish that coats every tender morsel.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Melts into the sauce, lending a silky texture and more flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by placing the beef stew meat and sliced mushrooms into your slow cooker. This sets the stage for the flavors to meld beautifully as they cook low and slow.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, ranch dressing mix, brown gravy mix, and minced garlic with the heavy cream. This mixture is your rich and savory sauce that will envelop the beef perfectly.
Step 3: Combine and Start Cooking
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the beef and mushrooms in the crockpot. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Add the butter on top, then cover the crockpot with its lid.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your crockpot to low and let it cook for about 8 hours. This slow cooking time guarantees the beef becomes incredibly tender and absorbs the rich, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Final Touches and Serve
Once cooked, give the mixture a gentle stir to blend the sauce perfectly. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite noodles for a feast that delights every time.
How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or chives sprinkle a pop of color and a subtle freshness that balances the richness. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese can add a sharp, nutty twist that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or wide egg noodles to soak up the luscious sauce. Roasted or steamed green beans, broccoli, or a simple mixed green salad provide a crisp contrast to the creamy, tender beef and mushrooms.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the beef tips over creamy polenta or even stuffing them into warm puff pastry shells for an elegant appetizer or dinner. You could also layer the beef and mushrooms over a baked potato, adding extra sour cream and chives on top for a comforting loaded potato experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the meal, allow leftover beef tips and mushrooms to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Properly stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms Recipe freezes well, making it perfect for meal prepping. Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge, then gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, just be sure to cover the dish and stir halfway to maintain that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes! While beef stew meat or beef tips work best for tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts benefit from longer cooking times at low heat.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk if you’d like a lighter sauce, but the cream really gives the dish its signature richness and smooth texture. Adding a bit of cream cheese can also help maintain creaminess if avoiding heavy cream.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and mushrooms in a pot, then simmer with the combined sauce ingredients on low heat until the beef is tender, about 1.5 to 2 hours. Just keep an eye on the liquid to prevent it from reducing too much.
What if I don’t have ranch dressing mix?
No worries! You can make a simple substitute using dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This DIY mix will add a similar tangy flavor profile to the dish.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If your sauce needs thickening, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the crockpot near the end of cooking. Let it cook on high for 15-30 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like the cozy, rich flavors of this Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms Recipe to brighten your dinner table. It’s an easy, comforting dish that makes weeknight cooking a breeze while delivering big on taste and texture. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see just how quickly this becomes one of your favorite go-to meals!
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Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms recipe delivers tender, flavorful beef stew meat simmered slowly with mushrooms and a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for an easy, comforting meal that can be prepared ahead and enjoyed 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
Sauces and Seasoning
- 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 the Ingredients: Place the beef stew meat and sliced mushrooms into the slow cooker base, layering the beef evenly. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic on top.
- Make the Sauce Mixture: In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix together the cream of mushroom soup, ranch dressing mix, brown gravy mix, beef broth, and heavy cream until smooth to create the creamy sauce.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the beef and mushrooms in the slow cooker, ensuring the beef is well covered for even flavor infusion.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on the low setting for 8 hours, or until the beef is tender and infused with the creamy sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the butter into the creamy beef mixture for added richness. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles and enjoy your hearty, comforting meal!
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- Using stew meat with some marbling will yield juicier, more flavorful beef tips.
- Feel free to add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley at the end for a fresh touch.
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy alternative.
- To reduce calories, use low-fat sour cream or omit the butter.
