This Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms dish is the kind of comfort food that wraps you up like a warm blanket on a chilly evening. It’s tender, melt-in-your-mouth stew meat slowly simmered in a rich, savory sauce loaded with mushrooms, garlic, and creamy goodness. Minimal prep and simple ingredients make this a no-fuss weeknight meal, yet the flavor is so hearty and satisfying it could just as easily grace the Sunday dinner table.
Perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, this dish fills your kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of slow-cooked beef and earthy mushrooms. The sour cream stirred in at the end brings everything together with a luscious, velvety finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Effortless Comfort Food:
Throw everything in the slow cooker and walk away—come back to a warm, hearty, homemade meal that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.
2. Rich & Creamy Sauce:
The combination of cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and savory broth creates a luscious, velvety sauce that clings to every bite.
3. Tender, Juicy Beef:
Slow cooking breaks down tough cuts of beef into fork-tender bites that practically melt in your mouth.
4. Family-Friendly Favorite:
It’s mild, cozy, and filling—perfect for picky eaters or hungry teens alike.
5. Versatile & Adaptable:
Serve it over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or even cauliflower mash. Add your favorite veggies or make it spicy. It’s easy to customize.
6. Budget-Friendly:
Uses affordable cuts of meat and pantry staples to create a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
7. Great for Meal Prep:
Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day—ideal for busy weeks.
8. Crowd-Pleaser:
Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a casual dinner, this dish always gets compliments.
9. One-Pot Wonder:
Less cleanup and more flavor. Everything cooks together and simmers into one irresistible dish.
10. Cozy Anytime Meal:
Perfect for cold weather, rainy days, or whenever you need a bowl of something warm and comforting.
Ingredients
For the Beef Tips
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2 lbs beef stew meat (cubed)
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1 cup sliced mushrooms (button, cremini, or your choice)
For the Sauce
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
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½ cup beef broth
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½ cup sour cream
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prep the Slow Cooker
Add the beef stew meat and sliced mushrooms to the bottom of your slow cooker insert.
2. Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine
Pour the sauce over the beef and mushrooms in the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
4. Cook Low & Slow
Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
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Cook on low for 8 hours, or
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Cook on high for 4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce is thickened.
5. Stir & Serve
Stir the sauce well before serving. Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even cauliflower mash for a low-carb option.
Tips for Perfect Results
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Brown the beef in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker for extra flavor.
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Use full-fat sour cream for a richer texture.
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Don’t skip the mushrooms—they add depth and umami to the dish.
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Use low-sodium broth and soup if you’re watching your salt intake.
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Add fresh cracked pepper at the end for a bold finish.
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Stir in sour cream after cooking for a smoother sauce (if you prefer).
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If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of broth or milk.
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Want thicker sauce? Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in 30 minutes before cooking ends.
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Stir once halfway through cooking if you’re home, to prevent any sticking.
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Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary for a herbaceous touch.
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Try it with baby bella mushrooms for a meatier mushroom bite.
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Use a liner in your slow cooker for easy cleanup.
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Let the meat rest in the sauce with the heat off for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
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Taste and adjust seasonings just before serving.
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Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for umami depth.
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You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream if needed.
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Freeze leftovers in single-serving containers for easy meal prep.
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Don’t lift the lid too often—every time you do, heat escapes and slows down cooking.
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Add sautéed onions for more flavor.
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Serve with a crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up every bit of sauce.
Variations to Try
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Creamy Dijon Twist – Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce.
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French Onion Style – Use French onion soup mix instead of onion powder.
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Beef & Red Wine – Replace ¼ cup broth with red wine.
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Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes.
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Cheesy Version – Stir in shredded Swiss or Gruyere at the end.
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Bacon Boost – Add cooked crumbled bacon for extra richness.
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Slow Cooker Stroganoff – Add cooked egg noodles directly into the sauce before serving.
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Southern Comfort – Serve over cheesy grits instead of potatoes.
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Low-Carb – Use cauliflower rice or mash instead of starch.
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Herbaceous – Add chopped fresh parsley or thyme before serving.
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Creamy Tomato – Add 2 tablespoons tomato paste to the sauce.
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Vegetable Mix-In – Toss in frozen peas or green beans in the last hour.
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Italian Style – Season with Italian herbs and top with Parmesan.
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Tangy Sauce – Add a splash of balsamic vinegar.
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Rustic Veggies – Add potatoes and carrots right into the slow cooker.
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Paprika Blend – Add smoked paprika or Hungarian paprika for depth.
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Cream Cheese Version – Replace sour cream with 4 oz cream cheese.
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Coconut Cream – Use coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
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Steakhouse Style – Serve with sautéed onions and garlic butter drizzle.
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Asian Fusion – Add soy sauce, ginger, and green onions for an Eastern twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, chuck roast or sirloin also works well.
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Do I need to brown the beef first? Not necessary, but it adds flavor.
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Can I cook this on the stovetop? Yes, simmer on low for 2-3 hours.
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Can I make this in an Instant Pot? Yes, use the slow cook or pressure cook function.
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Can I freeze the leftovers? Absolutely. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
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Can I double the recipe? Yes, just ensure your slow cooker is large enough.
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What mushrooms work best? Button, cremini, or baby bellas are all great.
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Can I make it dairy-free? Use dairy-free sour cream or coconut cream.
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How do I thicken the sauce? Use a cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes.
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How long does it keep in the fridge? Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
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Is this recipe gluten-free? Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and broth.
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Can I add vegetables? Yes, hearty ones like carrots or peas work best.
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Can I use fresh garlic instead? Definitely—use 2-3 cloves minced.
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Will this work with ground beef? It will change the texture, but yes.
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What’s the best way to reheat? In a saucepan over low heat or microwave on 50% power.
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Can I use plain yogurt instead of sour cream? Yes, but full-fat is best for texture.
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Is this spicy? No, it’s mild—add heat if desired.
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Can I prep this the night before? Yes, combine everything and refrigerate overnight.
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Can I serve this in a bread bowl? Yes, it’s thick and creamy enough to hold up.
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What sides go well with this? Mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, green beans, or roasted veggies.