Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms

There’s something about a dish that practically cooks itself and leaves you with the most tender, rich, and comforting meal at the end of the day. Enter Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms—a dish that combines the deep flavors of slow-cooked beef with the earthiness of mushrooms and a creamy sauce that’s to die for. This is the kind of meal you want to make on a cozy evening when you don’t feel like spending much time in the kitchen, but you still want something delicious to sink your teeth into. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make this again and again.

The beauty of this recipe is that the Crockpot does all the heavy lifting for you. Simply toss everything in, set it, and forget it. By the time you’re ready to eat, you’ll have perfectly tender beef, savory mushrooms, and a silky cream sauce that’s perfect over rice, mashed potatoes, or even noodles. And the best part? It’s super easy!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms

1. Fuss-Free Cooking

This dish is a total no-brainer—just throw everything in the Crockpot and let it do its magic. No constant stirring, no babysitting the stove. It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it meal.

2. Tender, Flavorful Beef

The slow cooking process makes the beef super tender and packed with flavor. It practically falls apart with a fork! The mushrooms and beef also absorb all the flavors of the sauce, creating a dish that’s incredibly rich and satisfying.

3. Creamy, Dreamy Sauce

The creamy sauce is what takes this dish to the next level. It’s rich, savory, and perfectly coats the beef and mushrooms. Whether you serve it over rice or potatoes, it’s sure to be the star of the meal.

4. Perfect for Busy Days

Throw it together in the morning, and come home to a delicious dinner that’s ready to serve. It’s the kind of meal that will make you look forward to coming home after a busy day.

5. Comfort Food at Its Best

This dish is like a warm hug on a plate. It’s hearty, comforting, and just what you need on those chilly nights when you want to relax and enjoy something homey and filling.

Ingredients

For the Beef & Mushroom Base:

• Beef stew meat: Tender cuts like chuck roast or sirloin tip work best for this dish.
• Fresh mushrooms: Sliced white or cremini mushrooms add great flavor and texture.
• Onion: Adds a savory base to the sauce.
• Garlic: A little bit of garlic goes a long way in building flavor.
• Beef broth: For a rich, savory liquid base that infuses the beef and mushrooms.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds a deep umami flavor to the sauce.
• Thyme: A perfect herb to pair with the beef and mushrooms for a subtle earthiness.
• Bay leaves: For extra depth and flavor in the cooking liquid.
• Salt & pepper: For seasoning.

For the Creamy Sauce:

• Cream of mushroom soup: This gives the sauce its creamy, rich consistency.
• Sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess that balances the richness.
• Heavy cream: To make the sauce extra silky and luscious.
• Flour: To thicken the sauce and give it that perfect creamy texture.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef and Vegetables

Start by searing the beef in a hot pan over medium-high heat until browned on all sides. This step adds extra depth of flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it and go straight to the Crockpot—though browning the beef really does make a difference! Transfer the browned beef to your Crockpot.

2. Add the Mushrooms and Aromatics

Next, toss the sliced mushrooms, onion, and garlic into the Crockpot with the beef. You want to make sure all of the ingredients are evenly spread out to get the most flavor.

3. Pour in the Liquids and Seasonings

Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaves, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything gently to combine, and then cover the Crockpot with the lid.

4. Slow Cook to Perfection

Set the Crockpot to low and cook for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork. If you’re in a rush, you can also cook on high for 3-4 hours, though the low-and-slow method really brings out the best flavor.

5. Prepare the Creamy Sauce

About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, heavy cream, and flour in a bowl. Stir until smooth.

6. Add the Creamy Sauce to the Crockpot

Once the beef is done, remove the bay leaves and stir in the creamy sauce mixture. Let it cook for another 30 minutes on low to allow the sauce to thicken and get all velvety and smooth. The sauce will coat the beef and mushrooms beautifully.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms over your favorite base: mashed potatoes, rice, or even some buttery egg noodles. Garnish with some fresh parsley if you like, and enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms

• Over Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce is perfect for soaking into soft mashed potatoes.
• Over Rice: Spoon the beef and sauce over a bowl of steaming rice for a comforting, filling meal.
• With Egg Noodles: The rich sauce pairs wonderfully with egg noodles for a classic, cozy dish.
• With Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping in that dreamy sauce and sopping up every last bit.

Additional Tips

1. Use Tender Cuts of Beef

For the best results, use cuts of beef that will stay tender when cooked low and slow, like chuck roast or sirloin tip. These cuts have more marbling, which helps keep the beef moist and tender.

2. Add Extra Veggies

Feel free to toss in other veggies like carrots, potatoes, or peas to make this dish even heartier. They’ll cook beautifully with the beef and mushrooms.

3. Adjust the Creaminess

If you like your sauce extra creamy, feel free to add more sour cream or heavy cream. You can also skip the flour if you want a lighter sauce, though it helps thicken up the creaminess nicely.

4. Make It Ahead

This dish is perfect for meal prep! The beef and sauce actually get even better after sitting for a day, as all the flavors continue to develop. Just store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, and reheat when you’re ready to eat.

5. Freeze Leftovers

If you have leftovers, this dish freezes wonderfully! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it on the stove or in the microwave.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen beef stew meat?

A1: Yes! You can use frozen beef, but be sure to thaw it out in the fridge overnight before adding it to the Crockpot for the best texture.

Q2: Can I skip searing the beef?

A2: Yes, you can skip the searing step if you’re short on time. It will still taste delicious, but searing adds a deeper flavor.

Q3: Can I use a different type of mushroom?

A3: Absolutely! Cremini mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms would work great in this recipe. Just chop them up and add them in!

Q4: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

A4: Yes! Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode to brown the beef and cook the onions. Then switch to Pressure Cook mode for about 35-40 minutes with the beef broth and seasonings. Finish by adding the creamy sauce mixture and cook for another 10 minutes on Sauté mode.

Q5: How can I make this dish spicier?

A5: Add a dash of red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to the sauce for some extra heat.

Q6: Can I use a different type of soup for the creamy sauce?

A6: Yes! If you don’t like cream of mushroom soup, you can try cream of celery or cream of chicken as a substitute.

Q7: Can I cook this on high for a shorter time?

A7: Yes! If you’re in a hurry, cook it on high for 3-4 hours, but keep in mind that the meat might not be as tender as if cooked on low for 6-8 hours.

Q8: Can I use plant-based cream for a dairy-free version?

A8: Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream and sour cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free option.

Q9: Can I add potatoes to the slow cooker?

A9: Yes! Feel free to add diced potatoes to the Crockpot along with the beef and mushrooms for a heartier, one-pot meal.

Q10: How do I thicken the sauce without flour?

A10: If you prefer to avoid flour, you can

mash a few potatoes from the dish and stir them into the sauce to thicken it. Alternatively, use cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce.

Conclusion

This Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms is the perfect comfort food for a cozy dinner, and it’s as easy as throwing everything into the Crockpot and letting it do its thing. Tender beef, flavorful mushrooms, and a silky, creamy sauce combine to create a dish that’s just impossible to resist. Whether you serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor—exactly what you need for those busy days when you crave a hearty meal without the effort.

Print