Description
Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Mushroom Gravy is a warm and hearty dish featuring tender beef smothered in a rich, creamy mushroom gravy made with plant-based ingredients. Perfect for family meals or entertaining guests, this comforting recipe offers deep umami flavors and a luscious texture that pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes (plant-based), or noodles.
Ingredients
																
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			Beef and Meat
- 2 pounds quality beef stew meat or chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 8 ounces fresh button or cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh thyme sprigs (about 2 teaspoons)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup plant-based cream (plant-based)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Thickening Agents
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch (natural gelling agent)
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef tips in batches, ensuring even caramelization on the outside for enhanced flavor. Set the browned beef aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms and Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the sliced mushrooms, chopped onions, and minced garlic until softened and fragrant to build a flavorful base for the gravy.
- Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared beef and sautéed vegetables into the slow cooker. Pour in the vegetable broth, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and apple cider vinegar. Add fresh thyme sprigs for aroma.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours until the beef is fork-tender and flavors are well combined.
- Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, mix plant-based cream (plant-based) with flour or cornstarch (natural gelling agent). Stir this mixture into the slow cooker and cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the gravy thickens to a luscious consistency.
Notes
- Brown the beef thoroughly to lock in juices and add deep flavor.
- Use fresh mushrooms for the best texture and earthy taste.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing beef; work in batches.
- Season the beef with salt and pepper before searing and adjust seasoning after cooking.
- Add the thickening mixture at the end to avoid lumps and ensure perfect gravy texture.
- Variations include adding chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers; substituting diced smoked turkey for beef; incorporating rosemary or sage for additional aroma; using cornstarch or arrowroot powder for a gluten-free version; or mixing shiitake, portobello, and button mushrooms for more intensity.
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley or thyme leaves.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: slow cooker beef tips, mushroom gravy, plant-based cream, slow cooked beef, hearty dinner, mushroom beef recipe
