Slow-Cooker Honey Garlic Beef Tips for an Easy Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor profile, consider searing the beef cubes in a hot skillet with a small amount of oil before adding them to the slow cooker.

While this adds a step, the Maillard reaction from the browning process creates a more complex, roasted flavor in the final gravy. Ensure the pan is very hot and sear the beef in small batches to avoid steaming it.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk in a small amount of cornstarch slurry—one tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with one tablespoon of cold water—during the final 30 minutes of cooking.

This will help bind the juices and create a more robust glaze that clings to the beef tips. Stir it in gently and let it cook until the sauce reaches your desired viscosity.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Garlic: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce to the honey and soy mixture. This variation introduces a pleasant heat that balances the natural sweetness of the honey.
• Honey Garlic with Ginger: Incorporate a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger into the sauce. The ginger adds a bright, zesty aroma that pairs exceptionally well with the garlic and creates a more aromatic, layered flavor profile.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

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

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure the beef has cooled to room temperature, but do not leave it out for longer than 2 hours.

Properly stored, the beef tips will maintain their quality for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or beef broth to the container to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or sticky during the warming process.

This dish is excellent for meal prep as the flavors continue to meld in the refrigerator overnight. You can assemble the raw ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator.

In the morning, simply place the insert into the slow cooker base and start the cooking cycle. This allows you to have a hot meal waiting for you at the end of a long workday.

Serving ideas

Serve these beef tips over a bed of fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the excess honey garlic sauce. A side of steamed broccoli or roasted carrots provides a nice, crisp contrast to the rich, tender beef. For a lighter presentation, you can serve the beef over a bowl of lightly sautéed greens like bok choy or spinach.

Garnish the dish with thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to add a pop of color and a subtle crunch. The brightness of the green onions cuts through the sweetness of the honey, balancing the overall flavor profile of the meal. Ensure each plate gets a generous spoonful of the sauce from the bottom of the slow cooker.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow-Cooker Honey Garlic Beef Tips for an Easy Dinner

Prep 15 minCook 8 hRest 5 minTotal 8 h 20 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lb beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Place the cubed beef chuck roast and chopped onions into the basin of the slow cooker. Ensure the pieces are evenly distributed to allow for consistent cooking throughout the process.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic until smooth. Pour this mixture over the beef and onions in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the meat is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let the meat rest for at least 3 minutes before serving.
3. Once the cooking time is complete, ensure the meat has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let the beef tips rest in the slow cooker for at least 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the juices to redistribute.

Contains: gluten, soy

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

25 g

Fat

22 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

22 g

Sodium

850 mg

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