Slow Cooker Apple Cider Glazed Beef Tips for an Easy Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To enhance the flavor profile, you can sear the beef tips in a hot skillet with a little oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This step adds a depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction, although it is optional.

If you choose to sear, do so in small batches to avoid steaming the meat, and deglaze the pan with a splash of the apple cider to capture all the browned bits.

If you find the sauce is too thin at the end of the cooking process, remove the lid for the final hour of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

Alternatively, remove the beef and simmer the sauce in a small saucepan on the stove over medium-high heat until it reaches your desired consistency. This simple step can turn a standard gravy into a luxurious, restaurant-quality glaze.

Variations

• Mushroom and Beef Tips: Add one cup of sliced cremini mushrooms during the final hour of cooking for an earthy flavor and extra texture. The mushrooms absorb the savory gravy perfectly.
• Garlic Herb Beef Tips: Add two cloves of minced garlic and a teaspoon of dried thyme to the slow cooker at the beginning to infuse the beef with classic aromatic notes.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezer

Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until steaming hot.

Allow the leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Properly stored, the beef tips will maintain their quality and flavor for up to three days in the refrigerator. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the beef from absorbing other odors in the fridge and to keep the sauce from drying out.

This dish is perfect for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. You can prepare the entire dish, let it cool completely, and store it in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep, allowing you to have a hearty dinner ready in minutes on busy workdays.

Serving ideas

Serve these beef tips over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or buttered egg noodles to soak up the rich, savory apple cider gravy.

A side of roasted root vegetables or a crisp green salad provides a nice contrast in texture and flavor, balancing the richness of the beef. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired for a pop of color and freshness.

For a more casual meal, serve the beef tips in a bowl with a side of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls. The bread is ideal for mopping up any remaining gravy. Ensure the beef is served hot, and consider providing a small dish of mustard or horseradish on the side for those who prefer a little extra zing to complement the sweet and savory notes of the apple cider glaze.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Glazed Beef Tips for an Easy Dinner

Prep 5 minCook 8 hRest 5 minTotal 8 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lb beef tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 packet beef gravy mix
• 1 cup spiced apple cider

Instructions

1. Place the raw beef tips into the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the sliced onions evenly over the beef tips to ensure they cook down into the sauce.
2. Sprinkle the beef gravy mix over the beef and onions. Pour the spiced apple cider over the top of the mixture, ensuring it covers the ingredients to create the braising liquid.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Once finished, ensure the beef reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C). Let the beef rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to maintain tenderness.

Contains: gluten, milk, sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

12 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.