Joanna Gaines’ beef tips recipe transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something truly special. The Magnolia Table cookbook star has mastered the art of creating comfort food that’s both elegant and approachable. Her take on this classic dish delivers tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef that’ll have your family gathering around the table before you even call them.
We’ve discovered that Joanna’s secret lies in her patient braising technique and carefully chosen seasonings. The beef tips develop incredible depth of flavor as they slowly simmer in a rich, savory gravy that’s perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes or buttery noodles.
This recipe proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to create restaurant-quality results at home. With just a few pantry staples and some quality beef, you’ll be serving up a meal that rivals any steakhouse – and your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing while it cooks.
Ingredients
We’ve carefully selected each ingredient to ensure our beef tips deliver that signature Joanna Gaines comfort food experience. These pantry staples and fresh ingredients work together to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
For the Beef Tips
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Gravy
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- 4 cups cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
Equipment Needed
We believe in keeping things simple when preparing Joanna Gaines’ beloved beef tips recipe. The beauty of this slow cooker approach lies in its minimal equipment requirements that most home cooks already have in their kitchens.
Slow cooker (crockpot) serves as our primary cooking vessel for this recipe. This essential appliance allows us to achieve that perfectly tender beef texture through gentle, extended cooking without constant monitoring.
Sharp knife and cutting board help us prepare our ingredients efficiently. We need these tools to cut our 2 pounds of beef stew meat into proper 2-inch cubes and slice our vegetables to the right thickness.
Measuring cups and spoons ensure accuracy in our ingredient proportions. These basic tools help us measure everything from the 2/3 cup of water to the precise amount of seasonings that make this dish shine.
Mixing bowl or cup for whisking allows us to properly combine our cream of mushroom soup with the onion soup mix before adding it to the slow cooker. This step ensures even distribution of flavors throughout our cooking liquid.
Large spoon for stirring helps us coat all our beef cubes and vegetables evenly with the soup mixture. We use this tool to ensure every piece gets properly seasoned before the long cooking process begins.
The straightforward equipment list reflects Joanna Gaines’ philosophy of creating delicious comfort food without complicated tools or techniques. Our focus remains on transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary using equipment that feels familiar and accessible.
Prep Work
Proper preparation transforms this simple slow cooker recipe into a restaurant-quality meal. We focus on organizing our ingredients and setting up our workspace for seamless cooking.
Preparing the Beef
We start by selecting quality beef stew meat and cutting it into uniform 2-inch cubes for even cooking. The beef should be patted dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before seasoning. We season the cubed beef generously with 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, ensuring each piece gets coated evenly. This initial seasoning step creates the foundation for deep flavor throughout the dish.
| Beef Preparation Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Cut size | 2-inch uniform cubes |
| Drying method | Pat with paper towels |
| Seasoning | 1/2 tsp black pepper |
| Weight needed | 2 pounds stew meat |
Mise en Place
We gather and prepare all remaining ingredients before starting the cooking process. The cream of mushroom soup and onion soup mix get combined in our mixing bowl with 2/3 cup of water (or 1/3 cup water plus 1/2 cup dry sherry for enhanced flavor). We whisk this mixture until completely smooth to prevent lumps in our final dish.
Our mushroom preparation involves trimming and slicing 2 to 2.5 cups of cremini or baby bella mushrooms into consistent 1/2-inch slices. We thinly slice one small yellow onion and mince 3 cloves of fresh garlic. Having these aromatics prepped and ready ensures we can layer flavors efficiently in our slow cooker.
We arrange all prepared ingredients near our slow cooker: seasoned beef cubes, sliced mushrooms, onion slices, minced garlic, and our smooth soup mixture. This organized approach allows us to build our dish systematically and ensures nothing gets forgotten during assembly.
Instructions
We’ll walk through each step of creating Joanna Gaines’ beef tips, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting slow cooker masterpiece. Our method focuses on building layers of flavor through proper technique and patience.
Searing the Beef Tips
We begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat with a small amount of oil. Pat the 2 lbs of beef cubes completely dry using paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season the beef generously with the 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
Add the beef cubes to the hot skillet in a single layer without overcrowding. Brown each side for 2-3 minutes until we achieve a rich golden crust on all surfaces. Work in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the meat.
Transfer the seared beef directly to our slow cooker once all pieces develop that beautiful caramelized exterior. This searing step creates depth of flavor that enhances the final dish significantly.
Building the Gravy
We combine the 10.5 oz can of cream of mushroom soup with the onion soup mix package in a mixing bowl. Add the 2/3 cup water (or substitute with 1/3 cup water plus 1/2 cup dry sherry for enhanced flavor) to the soup mixture.
Whisk the ingredients together until we create a smooth and lump-free gravy base. Add the 2 1/2 cups sliced cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced yellow onion, and 3 minced garlic cloves to our gravy mixture.
Pour this savory mushroom and onion gravy directly over the seared beef in the slow cooker. Stir gently to ensure every piece of beef gets coated with our flavorful mixture.
Slow Cooking Process
We cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the temperature to low heat. Cook the beef tips for exactly 8 hours to achieve fork-tender results that practically fall apart.
Resist the temptation to lift the lid during cooking as this releases essential steam and extends cooking time. The low and slow method allows the tough connective tissues to break down completely.
Check for doneness after 8 hours by testing a piece of beef with a fork. The meat should shred easily and the gravy should be rich and thickened. Stir once before serving to redistribute the flavorful sauce throughout the dish.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Beef Tips
Mastering beef tips requires attention to key details that transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary comfort food. Our expert techniques ensure your beef tips achieve the perfect texture and flavor every time.
Choosing the Right Cut of Beef
We recommend using lean stew beef cut into uniform 2-inch cubes for optimal results in this slow cooker recipe. This exact cut delivers exceptional tenderness through extended cooking while maintaining its structure without becoming dry or stringy. The 2-inch cube size allows the meat to cook evenly throughout the 8-hour slow cooking process. Quality stew beef provides the ideal balance of lean meat and connective tissue that breaks down beautifully during low and slow cooking. We avoid cuts that are too lean as they can become tough or too fatty as they may make the gravy greasy.
Achieving the Perfect Sear
While Joanna’s original slow cooker method skips the searing step we can enhance the dish’s flavor profile by adding this technique. Heat a large skillet with a small amount of oil over medium-high heat before adding the seasoned beef cubes. We sear each side for 2-3 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms on all surfaces. This caramelization process creates complex flavors through the Maillard reaction that adds depth to the final dish. Pat the beef dry with paper towels before searing to ensure proper browning rather than steaming. Transfer the seared beef directly to your slow cooker to continue with the original recipe method.
Gravy Consistency Tips
The rich gravy forms from the combination of condensed cream of mushroom soup and onion soup mix blended with water or dry sherry. We can adjust the final consistency by modifying the liquid ratio during preparation. For thicker gravy reduce the water amount to 1/2 cup instead of the full 2/3 cup specified. If your finished gravy appears too thin after the 8-hour cooking time remove the lid and continue cooking on high for an additional 15-30 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
| Gravy Adjustment | Method | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Thicker gravy | Reduce water to 1/2 cup | During prep |
| Concentrate flavors | Cook uncovered on high | Last 15-30 minutes |
| Emergency thickening | Cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp + 2 tbsp cold water) | After cooking complete |
For emergency thickening mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth then stir this slurry into the finished dish and let it rest for 5 minutes to thicken naturally.
Serving Suggestions
Our perfectly tender beef tips deserve thoughtful accompaniments that complement their rich flavors. We’ve curated both classic pairings and creative modern options to help you create memorable meals.
Traditional Pairings
Creamy mashed potatoes remain our top recommendation for serving alongside these beef tips. The velvety texture absorbs the mushroom gravy beautifully while providing a comforting base for the tender meat. We particularly love parmesan mashed potatoes for an extra layer of savory depth.
Egg noodles offer another classic pairing that never disappoints. The wide pasta surface captures every drop of the rich sauce while creating a satisfying texture contrast. Buttered pasta works equally well when tossed with fresh herbs.
Steamed or sautéed green vegetables provide essential color and nutrition to balance the hearty beef. Green beans deliver a crisp texture that cuts through the richness. Spinach works wonderfully too and can sometimes be disguised as parsley to please picky eaters at your table.
Modern Twists
Saffron rice transforms this comfort food into something more sophisticated. The subtle aromatic flavor of saffron complements the mushroom gravy without overwhelming the beef’s natural taste. This pairing adds an elegant touch to your family dinner.
Nutrient-packed greens can be incorporated directly into the slow cooker during the final hour. Chopped spinach or kale blend seamlessly into the dish without altering the flavor profile significantly. This approach helps us sneak extra vitamins into the meal.
Enhanced broth depth comes from substituting beef broth for the water or sherry in the original recipe. This modification creates a more complex flavor foundation that elevates the entire dish. The beef broth intensifies the savory notes while maintaining the comfort food appeal.
Storage and Reheating
Proper storage extends the life of your delicious beef tips while maintaining their rich flavors and tender texture. We’ll guide you through the best methods to preserve and reheat this comforting dish.
Refrigerator Storage
We recommend storing leftover beef tips in an airtight container once they’ve cooled to room temperature. Your refrigerated beef tips will maintain their quality and safety for 3 to 4 days when stored properly.
Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to prevent condensation buildup inside the container. This cooling process helps preserve the texture of both the tender beef and rich gravy.
Freezer Instructions
For extended storage we suggest using freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to preserve your beef tips. Remove as much air as possible from bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal flavor.
Properly frozen beef tips retain their delicious taste and texture for up to 2 to 3 months. We find that portioning the beef tips into meal-sized containers makes thawing and reheating more convenient for future dinners.
Reheating Methods
Stovetop Method: We prefer reheating beef tips gently in a saucepan over low to medium heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the gravy has thickened during storage and stir occasionally until heated through.
Microwave Method: Place beef tips in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely to prevent splattering. Heat in 1 to 2 minute intervals while stirring between sessions to ensure even heating throughout.
Slow Cooker Method: Return beef tips to your slow cooker on low heat for 1 to 2 hours until warmed completely. This gentle reheating method helps maintain the original tender texture of the meat.
Avoid overheating during any reheating method to preserve the fork-tender quality that makes this dish so special.
Recipe Variations
We love how adaptable Joanna Gaines’ beef tips recipe becomes with simple modifications that enhance its already incredible flavor profile. These variations allow you to customize the dish based on your preferences and available ingredients.
Mushroom Beef Tips
Our enhanced mushroom version takes advantage of the recipe’s natural affinity for fungi by increasing the cremini or baby bella mushrooms to 3 cups instead of the standard 2 1/2 cups. We recommend sautéing half the mushrooms separately before adding them to the slow cooker to create layers of mushroom flavor. This technique gives you both the deep earthy taste of cooked mushrooms and the meaty texture of those that cook slowly with the beef. For convenience, we sometimes substitute with two 8-ounce cans of sliced mushrooms, though fresh mushrooms provide superior texture and flavor. The extra mushrooms create an even richer umami base that transforms the gravy into something truly spectacular.
Wine-Braised Version
We elevate the original recipe by replacing half the water with dry sherry or Cabernet Sauvignon for a sophisticated depth of flavor. Instead of using 2/3 cup water, we combine 1/3 cup water with 1/2 cup dry wine to maintain the proper liquid ratio while adding complexity. The wine’s subtle acidity helps tenderize the beef further while contributing rich undertones that complement the mushroom and onion soup base. We prefer dry sherry for its nutty sweetness, but a good dry red wine works beautifully when you want bolder flavor notes. This variation creates a restaurant-quality sauce that pairs exceptionally well with saffron rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker Adaptation
Our slow cooker method maximizes convenience while delivering fork-tender results through the magic of low and slow cooking over 8 hours. We specifically design this adaptation for busy schedules since it requires minimal hands-on time after the initial preparation. The extended cooking period allows the beef to break down naturally while the flavors meld together into a cohesive, rich gravy. We recommend using the low heat setting exclusively, as higher temperatures can make the beef tough and cause the dairy-based soup to separate. This gentle cooking method transforms tough stew meat into melt-in-your-mouth perfection while creating that signature thick gravy Joanna Gaines is known for.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This slow cooker beef tips recipe excels as a make-ahead meal that actually improves with time. We can prepare components up to 24 hours before cooking begins for maximum convenience during busy weekdays.
Advance Ingredient Preparation
We recommend cutting the 2 pounds of lean stew beef into uniform 2-inch cubes the night before. Pat the beef dry and season with freshly ground black pepper before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This process allows the seasoning to penetrate deeper into the meat while saving precious morning prep time.
Slice the 2 1/2 cups of cremini or baby bella mushrooms and store them separately in the refrigerator. Fresh mushrooms maintain better texture when prepared within 24 hours of use. We can also prepare any optional additions like minced garlic or thinly sliced yellow onion during this advance prep session.
Complete Assembly Method
For ultimate convenience we can fully assemble the dish in our slow cooker insert the evening before. Whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and onion soup mix packet in the slow cooker. Add either 2/3 cup water or the combination of 1/3 cup water plus 1/2 cup dry sherry if using alcohol.
Layer the seasoned beef cubes and prepared mushrooms into the soup mixture. Stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly before covering the slow cooker insert with plastic wrap. Store the entire assembly in the refrigerator overnight.
Morning Cooking Start
Remove the slow cooker insert from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it closer to room temperature. This prevents thermal shock and ensures even heating throughout the 8-hour cooking process. Simply place the insert into the slow cooker base and set to low heat.
The beef will be fork-tender and ready to serve after the full cooking time. We find this make-ahead approach particularly valuable for entertaining since the rich aromas fill our kitchen all day while we focus on other preparations.
Conclusion
We’ve shown you how Joanna Gaines’ beef tips recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary comfort meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The slow cooking method ensures tender beef every time while the rich gravy creates that restaurant-quality experience we all crave at home.
This recipe’s flexibility makes it ideal for busy families and entertaining alike. Whether you’re preparing it ahead of time or customizing it with your favorite variations the results are consistently delicious.
With proper storage techniques you’ll enjoy leftovers that taste just as amazing as the first serving. We’re confident this beef tips recipe will become a regular rotation in your meal planning giving you that perfect balance of comfort and sophistication Joanna Gaines is known for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of beef works best for Joanna Gaines’ beef tips recipe?
The best cut for this recipe is beef chuck roast or lean stew meat, cut into uniform 2-inch cubes. Chuck roast becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked and has enough marbling to stay moist. The uniform sizing ensures even cooking, while the tough connective tissues break down during the long cooking process, creating fork-tender beef tips.
How long should I cook the beef tips in a slow cooker?
Cook the beef tips on low heat for 8 hours in your slow cooker. This extended cooking time allows the tough meat fibers to break down completely, resulting in fork-tender beef. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking as this releases steam and can extend the cooking time while preventing proper tenderization.
Can I make Joanna Gaines’ beef tips ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is excellent for make-ahead preparation. You can cut the beef and prepare vegetables up to 24 hours in advance. The dish can be fully assembled in the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature before cooking for even heating.
What should I serve with beef tips?
Traditional pairings include creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles, which absorb the rich gravy beautifully. Add steamed green vegetables like green beans or spinach for color and nutrition. For a modern twist, try serving over saffron rice or adding nutrient-packed greens directly to the slow cooker during the last hour.
How do I store and reheat leftover beef tips?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. For reheating, use gentle methods: stovetop over low heat, microwave in 30-second intervals, or back in the slow cooker on low. Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy seems too thick.
Why is searing the beef important before slow cooking?
Searing creates a golden-brown crust that develops rich, complex flavors through the Maillard reaction. This step adds depth to the final dish and enhances the overall taste profile. Heat oil in a skillet and brown the beef cubes on all sides before transferring to the slow cooker for optimal flavor development.
How can I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
If your gravy is too thin, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, reduce the amount of water used initially or cook with the lid off for the final hour.
Can I substitute ingredients in the beef tips recipe?
Yes, the recipe is quite versatile. You can substitute beef broth for water or dry sherry to deepen the flavor. Try different mushroom varieties like cremini or shiitake. For wine lovers, add a splash of red wine. You can also experiment with different herb combinations while maintaining the base recipe structure.
