If you’re searching for a comforting and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare, look no further than these Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Merlot. Using economical chuck roast, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich and tender dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
The combination of fresh garlic, instant coffee, and a blend of brown, mushroom, and onion gravy mixes, all simmered in the deep, robust flavors of Merlot wine. This creates a savory gravy with tender pieces of beef.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a hearty weeknight dinner, these beef tips are sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Merlot: Tender and Flavorful
Beef tips simmer slowly in a flavorful sauce until they reach tender perfection. The best part of creating this delicious dish with minimal effort is that it’s the ultimate comfort food that the whole family loves. With tender chunks of beef that practically melt in your mouth.
What are Beef Tips?
Originally, beef tips were made using the tip cut of the tenderloin. However, colloquially, “beef tips” often describe a dish featuring cubed meat slow-simmered in a savory gravy until it achieves tenderness. This recipe commonly utilizes cubed stew meat. Using the slow cooking method, you can take tougher cuts of meat and make them into a tender delicacy.
I like to purchase meat when it is on sale at the grocery store for this recipe. This is a delicious, budget-friendly recipe.
Browning the Beef Cubes in a Pan
Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor and texture of the dish. However, this step is optional. When I do brown my beef ahead of time, I like to use a cast iron skillet.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Sear the cubed beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the beef on all sides until golden brown, then transfer it to the slow cooker.
Deglaze the Pan
It’s good practice to get the browned bits off the bottom of the pan when searing beef. These browned bits, known as “fond,” are packed with flavor and can greatly enhance the taste of your dish.
After removing the last batch of beef, you’ll notice browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These bits are full of concentrated flavor.
With the pan still hot, add a small amount of liquid to the skillet. You can use a bit of the Merlot wine from your recipe, beef broth, or even water.
As the liquid heats, use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This process is called deglazing.
Add to the Slow Cooker
Pour the deglazing liquid, along with the scraped-up bits, into the slow cooker with the beef. This will add an extra layer of rich, savory flavor to your beef tips.
Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Merlot: Tender and Flavorful
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 3 Pounds Beef cubed, beef stew meat or chuck roast is an economical choice
- 2 Tablespoons Instant Coffee
- 3 Tablespoons Garlic minced
- 3 Tablespoons Brown Gravy Mix 1 packet
- 3 Tablespoons Mushroom Gravy Mix 1 packet
- 3 Tablespoons Lipton Onion Soup Mix 1 packet
- 3 Cups Merlot Wine
- 2 Tablespoons Water Cold
- 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
Instructions
- Dice the beef and add it to the slow cooker or sear the beef first.3 Pounds Beef
- Sear the beef. If you have the time, brown it in a skillet. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Sear the cubed beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the beef on all sides until golden brown, then transfer it to the slow cooker.
- Deglaze the pan. With the pan still hot, add a small amount of liquid to the skillet. You can use a bit of the Merlot wine from your recipe, beef broth, or even water.
- As the liquid heats, use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add to the slow cooker.
- Add the instant coffee, minced garlic, brown gravy mix, mushroom gravy mix, Lipton onion soup mix, and pour the wine over the top.2 Tablespoons Instant Coffee, 3 Tablespoons Garlic, 3 Tablespoons Brown Gravy Mix, 3 Tablespoons Mushroom Gravy Mix, 3 Tablespoons Lipton Onion Soup Mix, 3 Cups Merlot Wine
- Give everything a stir to combine. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on Low for 7-8 hours or on High for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender.
- The sauce was a bit thin for me, so I made a quick cornstarch slurry using 2 tablespoons of cold water and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Stir this in during the last half hour of cooking. The meat is already cooking in the delicious gravy.2 Tablespoons Water, 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
- Finish and Serve. Once cooked, stir the beef tips gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. Enjoy your flavorful and tender beef tips!
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Nutrition
How to make beef tips tender?
Making beef tips tender involves selecting the right cut of meat, using proper cooking techniques, and incorporating a few key ingredients. Here’s how you can ensure your beef tips come out tender and delicious with a flavorful gravy.
Tips for Tender Beef Tips
Choose the Right Cut of Beef
Chuck Roast. This is an economical and flavorful cut that becomes very tender when slow-cooked.
Sirloin Steak. Sirloin tips are quite tender and they don’t need as long to cook as chuck roast.
Tenderloin. Tenderloin tips are very tender, but more expensive.
Ribeye. Well-marbled and flavorful.
Tougher Cuts of Meat such as Chuck Roast, Rump Roast, Brisket work very well for this recipe as they are best suited for slow cooking.
Marinate the Beef
Marinating beef in an acidic mixture (such as wine, vinegar, or citrus juice) for a few hours can help break down the muscle fibers and tenderize the meat.
Sear the Beef
Searing the beef in a hot skillet before slow cooking can help lock in flavors and juices. This step is optional but recommended for added depth of flavor.
Slow Cooking
Cooking beef tips low and slow in a slow cooker or a low-temperature oven is crucial for breaking down the tough fibers and collagen in the meat, resulting in a tender texture.
Slow Cooker. Cook on Low for 7-8 hours or on High for 4-5 hours.
Oven. Bake at 275°F (135°C) for several hours, depending on the size of the meat pieces until they are fork tender.
Use Tenderizing Ingredients
Acidic Ingredients. Ingredients like Merlot wine in the recipe help tenderize the beef.
Broth or Stock. Adding beef broth or stock can also help keep the meat moist and tender.
Instant Coffee. Surprisingly, instant coffee can enhance the depth of flavor and help tenderize the meat.
Rest the Meat. After cooking, let the beef tips rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
By following these tips, you can ensure your beef tips are tender, flavorful, and a delightful addition to any meal.
Make your own gravy recipe
You can use the brown gravy mix and onion soup mix from the grocery store. Or, you can make your own. There are links in the recipe card to my homemade mix I store in my pantry.
The sauce was a bit thin for me, so I made a quick cornstarch slurry using 2 tablespoons of cold water and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Stir this in during the last half hour of cooking. The meat is already cooking in the delicious gravy.
How Long to Cook Beef Tips?
To make tender and juicy beef tips, cook the beef in the sauce until it’s tender. About 90 minutes to two hours over a slow simmer. You can do this with a Dutch oven, in the oven, or using a slow cooker. When the beef tips are done, an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat will read at least 145 degrees F.
How store beef tips?
Steak tips can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Place the beef tips and any gravy or sauce in a airtight container.
Freeze for up to four months. Use freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using freezer bags, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
To reheat beef tips, on the stovetop, Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Microwave in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes.
What to serve with beef tips?
Serve the most tender beef tips with your favorite sides for your favorite meal. They pair well with a variety of side dishes that complement their rich flavor and tender texture.
Mashed Potatoes. Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with beef tips and gravy. The potatoes absorb the savory flavors of the gravy, creating a comforting and satisfying combination.
Rice. Fluffy white rice or fluffy brown rice serve as a neutral base that allows the flavors of the beef tips to shine. Plus, the sauce from the beef tips can be spooned over the rice for extra flavor.
Egg Noodles. Tender egg noodles are another excellent choice for serving with beef tips and gravy. The noodles provide a hearty and comforting base for the dish, soaking up the delicious sauce.
Roasted Vegetables. Roasted vegetables such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli add color, flavor, and nutritional value to the meal. The caramelized edges of the roasted vegetables complement the savory flavors of the beef tips.
Steamed Green Beans. Crisp-tender steamed green beans provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the beef tips. They add a pop of color and freshness to the plate.
Side Salad. A simple side salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing adds brightness and crunch to the meal. It also helps balance out the richness of the beef tips.
Crusty Bread. Serve crusty bread such as French bread or garlic bread on the side to mop up any leftover sauce from the beef tips. The bread adds texture and is perfect for sopping up every last bit of gravy.
Quinoa or Couscous. Nutty quinoa or fluffy couscous are nutritious alternatives to rice and pair well with beef tips. They add texture and protein to the meal.
Choose one or more of these side dishes to create a well-rounded and hearty meal with your beef tips.
This worked exactly as written, thanks!
so glad to hear.