Slow Cooker Buttery Onion Beef Tips Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To enhance the flavor, consider letting the beef marinate in the refrigerator with the seasoning mixture for an hour before turning on the slow cooker. This extra time allows the spices to penetrate the meat more effectively, resulting in a more robust flavor profile.

However, if you are short on time, the recipe works perfectly well by cooking immediately after mixing, as the long, slow braising time provides ample opportunity for the flavors to develop and meld together.

For a more refined presentation, you can strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve before serving to remove any large onion pieces from the soup mix, resulting in a smoother, more elegant sauce. If you prefer a heartier feel, stir in a handful of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley during the final 15 minutes of cooking. These subtle additions can brighten the deep, savory notes of the beef tips and provide a beautiful contrast to the dark, rich gravy.

Variations

• Mushroom Beef Tips: Add 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms to the slow cooker at the beginning of the cooking process to add a deep, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the onion and beef.
• Garlic Herb Beef Tips: Whisk two cloves of minced garlic and a teaspoon of dried thyme into the sauce mixture before pouring it over the beef for an aromatic, herb-infused dinner.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheat

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature, but do not leave them out for longer than 2 hours. Once cooled, transfer the beef and gravy into an airtight container. Properly stored, the beef tips will remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. When reheating, use a saucepan over low heat or a microwave-safe dish, adding a splash of water or broth if the gravy has thickened too much during storage in the refrigerator.

This dish is an excellent candidate 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 you are ready to serve, simply reheat the beef tips slowly in a saucepan. This method is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a high-quality, comforting meal on the table with minimal effort during the final stages of preparation.

Serving ideas

Serve the beef tips while they are hot, preferably over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or buttered egg noodles to soak up the rich, savory onion gravy.

The starch provides a neutral canvas that balances the intense, savory flavor of the beef, making for a well-rounded and satisfying main course. A simple side of steamed green beans or roasted carrots adds a fresh element that complements the hearty, braised nature of the beef tips perfectly.

For a casual yet elegant dinner, serve the beef tips directly from the slow cooker or transfer them to a warmed serving dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note.

Ensure each serving includes a generous ladle of the buttery onion gravy, as this is the highlight of the dish. A side of crusty bread is also highly recommended for dipping into the remaining sauce after the beef has been finished.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Buttery Onion Beef Tips

Prep 10 minCook 6 hRest 5 minTotal 6 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lb beef chuck, cut into large cubes
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 1 packet au jus mix
• 4 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

1. Place the cubed beef chuck into the base of the slow cooker. Ensure the meat is distributed evenly across the bottom of the insert to promote consistent cooking throughout the braising process.
2. In a separate measuring cup, combine the onion soup mix, the au jus mix, and the melted butter. Whisk the mixture until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated into the butter to create a smooth, flavorful base.
3. Pour the butter and seasoning mixture over the beef cubes in the slow cooker. Gently stir the contents to ensure every piece of beef is lightly coated in the aromatic sauce.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the beef is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Once cooked, let the meat rest for 5 minutes before serving with the thickened onion gravy pooled on top.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

8 g

Fat

29 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

850 mg

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