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This Crock Pot French Onion Beef Tips recipe brings together tender pieces of beef in a rich brown onion gravy that practically melts in your mouth. The slow cooker does all the work, turning simple ingredients into a feast that the whole family will love. It’s perfect for those days when you want a comforting, savory meal without spending all afternoon in the kitchen.
I first made this during a chilly weekend when I wanted something warm and satisfying without the fuss. My family gobbled it up and now it’s a regular request when the weather cools off.
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil: Two tablespoons vegetable oil to get a nice sear on the beef and add a subtle richness olive or avocado oil works too
- Beef stew meat: One pound beef stew meat chuck or round steak are budgetfriendly options that stay tender with slow cooking
- Ground black pepper: One and a half teaspoons ground black pepper for seasoning and a little kick
- Yellow onion: One yellow onion, thinly sliced brings sweetness and depth white onion can be used if needed
- Au Jus sauce mix: One packet low sodium Au Jus sauce mix adds savory beefy flavor low sodium helps control saltiness
- Beefy Onion Soup Mix: One packet Beefy Onion Soup Mix opt for low sodium versions or make your own mix to keep salt levels down
- French Onion Soup: One 10.5 ounce can French Onion Soup choose low sodium if possible it’s the star that ties the sauce flavors together
- Unsalted butter: Five tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced adds richness and a velvety texture to the gravy
- Mozzarella and Provolone cheese: Two cups shredded Mozzarella and Provolone cheese melts beautifully over the top Gruyere is traditional but pricier
Instructions
- Sear the beef:
- Heat a heavy bottomed skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat evenly. Add the beef stew meat, breaking it into smaller pieces. Sprinkle with ground black pepper. Let the meat brown without moving it for one to two minutes so it can develop a crust before flipping and browning the other side for another one to two minutes. Remove from heat. This step locks in flavor and adds beautiful color but does not cook the beef through.
- Prepare the crockpot base:
- Spray the bottom of a 5 to 6 quart crockpot with nonstick spray. Spread the thinly sliced onions in an even layer across the bottom. The onions will cook slowly and become sweet and tender, forming the base of the dish.
- Layer the ingredients:
- Add the seared beef evenly over the onions in the crockpot. Sprinkle the Au Jus sauce mix over the beef, then the Beefy Onion Soup Mix evenly on top. Pour the canned French Onion Soup over everything, making sure the beef and onions are well coated.
- Add the butter and cook slowly:
- Scatter the sliced unsalted butter across the top of the beef and onion mixture. Cover and cook on low for four to six hours. The slow cooking breaks down the beef into tender, meltinmouth bites while the ingredients meld together into a rich gravy.
- Add the cheese:
- About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, sprinkle the two cups of shredded Mozzarella and Provolone cheese over the beef tips. Cover again and allow the cheese to melt into gooey perfection before serving.
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One of my favorite things about this recipe is the way the slow cooking transforms simple onions into something rich and sweet. I remember making this for a family gathering when unexpected guests arrived and everyone kept going back for seconds straight from the crockpot.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through. Freeze portions in freezer safe containers or bags for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep the texture perfect.
Ingredient Substitutions
The beef stew meat can be swapped with chuck roast or round steak cut into chunks. These cuts become tender with slow cooking and are easy on the wallet. For cheese, Gruyere is the classic choice if you want a more authentic French Onion flavor, but Mozzarella and Provolone melt beautifully and are milder. You can substitute vegetable oil with olive or avocado oil for different flavors or dietary preferences.
Serving Suggestions
This dish shines over a bed of white or brown rice to soak up the luscious gravy. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles are also excellent companions. For vegetables, maple glazed carrots or simple steamed green beans provide a sweet and fresh contrast. Don’t forget some crusty bread or dinner rolls to mop up the sauce, it’s a game changer.
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Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles and enjoy a comforting, family friendly meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I cook these beef tips in the oven instead?
Yes, you can bake seasoned beef tips at 400°F in an oven-safe dish covered tightly for about 1 hour until tender.
- → Is searing the beef before slow cooking necessary?
Searing adds flavor and browning, but skipping it saves time and still results in tender beef tips.
- → What cuts of beef work best for this dish?
Chuck roast, round steak, or flat iron steak are excellent choices because they become tender with slow cooking.
- → What sides complement French onion beef tips?
Serve over rice, buttery egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or with glazed carrots and green beans for a complete meal.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Keep leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.