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Dinner · Part 2 of 3: Instructions

Slow Cooker Steakhouse Beef Tips Step-by-step instructions

A close-up of tender beef tips in a rich brown gravy served on a white plate.
Prep
Cook
Total
Serves
4
Includes 5 min resting

Before you start

Before starting, ensure all ingredients are measured and ready. The beef chuck should be trimmed of excess fat if preferred and cut into uniform bite-size cubes for even cooking. Ensure your slow cooker insert is clean and dry.

Have your measuring cups and spoons within reach to make the assembly process quick and efficient. Proper organization at the start makes the entire cooking process smooth and effortless.

Ingredients at a glance (5)
  • 2 lb beef chuck, cut into bite-size cubes
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced into half-moons
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup steak sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth

Instructions

Layering the Ingredients

  1. Prepare the Slow Cooker
    Place the cubed beef chuck into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Layer the yellow onion half-moons evenly over the top of the beef.
    Look for Beef should be in a single layer if possible.
    Tip Cut the beef into uniform cubes to ensure they cook at the same rate.

The beef should be arranged in an even layer at the bottom of the insert, with the sliced onions spread uniformly on top. The ingredients should look neatly organized, setting the stage for the slow braising process. Check that the beef pieces are roughly the same size to ensure they cook through at the same rate during the long simmering period.

Adding Seasonings and Liquids

  1. Season and Add Liquids
    Sprinkle the garlic powder over the onions. Pour the steak sauce and beef broth over the mixture, ensuring everything is well-coated.
    Look for Liquids should cover the base ingredients.
    Tip Use a low-sodium beef broth to better control the final saltiness of the dish.

The garlic powder should be evenly distributed over the onions, and the liquid mixture of steak sauce and beef broth should be poured carefully to ensure everything is submerged. The smell of the steak sauce and aromatics should be noticeable. Ensure there are no dry pockets of seasoning on top of the onions before you place the lid on the slow cooker.

Slow Cooking the Beef

  1. Slow Cook and Serve
    Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the beef reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let the meat rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
    Look for Beef should be fork-tender and the sauce thickened.
    Safe temperature 145°F (63°C) internal temperature (steaks, chops and roasts)
    Tip If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid for the final 30 minutes of cooking.

After the full cooking time, the beef should be very tender and the liquid reduced into a thick, glossy gravy. The onions should be soft and translucent. The kitchen should smell savory and rich.

Before serving, check the internal temperature of the largest piece of beef to ensure it has safely reached 145°F (63°C) and let it rest for the required time.

Common mistakes

Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during the first 6 hours of cooking, as this releases heat and steam, significantly increasing the cooking time. Do not overcrowd the slow cooker, as this can prevent the beef from cooking evenly.

Ensure the beef is properly seasoned with the garlic powder before adding the liquid. Finally, do not rush the resting period, as it is essential for the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

How to tell it’s done

The beef is done when it is fork-tender, meaning it easily pulls apart when pierced with a fork. For safety, ensure the beef reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

The sauce should have thickened into a rich, dark gravy that coats the back of a spoon. If the meat feels resistant or tough, it may need an additional 30 to 60 minutes of cooking time on low.

  • Steaks, chops and roasts: 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part, then a 3-minute rest

Coming up in Part 3: common questions

  • Can this recipe be cooked on high instead of low?
  • Why does the beef need to rest after cooking?
  • Is it necessary to sear the beef first?

Also in Part 3: variations (Mushroom Beef Tips, Spicy Steakhouse Tips), storage and make-ahead, and the printable recipe card.

Up next · Part 3 of 3

2 variations · storage & make-ahead · 3 answers · printable card

Tips, FAQ & printable recipe (Part 3)← Back to the ingredients (Part 1)