Crock Pot French Onion Beef Tips

This Crock Pot French Onion Beef Tips recipe transforms simple ingredients into tender beef bathed in a rich brown onion gravy that practically melts in your mouth. It is perfect for a comforting dinner on busy days when you want to set it and forget it while still enjoying a hearty meal that feels special. The slow cooker does all the work, making this dish effortless yet deeply flavorful.

I first made this recipe when juggling a hectic week and was amazed at how easy it was to get dinner on the table without sacrificing taste. Now it’s become a favorite for cozy family meals.

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil for searing the meat: helps develop a rich crust and flavor, you can substitute with olive or avocado oil for a different taste profile
• Beef stew meat: chuck or round steak work great since they become tender when cooked low and slow, look for well marbled pieces for juiciness
• Ground black pepper: adds needed warmth and balances the richness, choose freshly ground for best aroma
• Yellow onion, thinly sliced: the backbone of the dish, yellow onions offer a natural sweetness that deepens as they cook longer
• Low sodium Au Jus sauce mix: provides rich beefy undertones, selecting low sodium versions helps control saltiness in the final dish
• Beefy Onion Soup Mix: adds savory, herby notes essential to classic French onion flavor, homemade mix can be used to reduce sodium
• Canned French Onion Soup (low sodium preferred): forms the flavorful gravy base, opt for low sodium if salt sensitivity is a concern
• Unsalted butter sliced on top: enhances richness and helps meld flavors during slow cooking
• Shredded Mozzarella and Provolone cheese: melts beautifully on top adding creamy texture, you can experiment with Gruyere or other melty cheeses if desired

Instructions

Brown the beef:

Heat a heavy bottomed skillet over medium high heat and add vegetable oil to coat the pan. Add the beef stew meat in a single layer, sprinkle with ground black pepper, and sear without moving for about 1 to 2 minutes per side until browned to build flavor and color.

Prepare the slow cooker:

Spray the bottom of a 5 to 6 quart slow cooker with non stick cooking spray and spread the sliced yellow onions in an even layer across the bottom. Arrange the browned beef tips evenly on top of the onions.

Add seasonings and soup:

Sprinkle the Au Jus sauce mix and the Beefy Onion Soup Mix over the beef, then pour the canned French Onion Soup evenly over all the ingredients. Arrange the sliced unsalted butter on top.

Cook low and slow:

Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until the beef is very tender and the onions have infused their sweetness through the gravy.

Finish with cheese:

About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded Mozzarella and Provolone over the beef, cover again, and allow the cheese to melt into a smooth topping before serving.

The star ingredient for me is the thinly sliced yellow onion which slowly caramelizes in the slow cooker creating the signature sweet and savory base. One family dinner stands out when my kids requested seconds before the cheese had even finished melting. Moments like that make this dish a keeper in my home.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to maintain tender beef and avoid drying out the gravy. For longer storage, freeze in portions to preserve convenience and flavor and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer, you can skip searing the beef since the slow cook time still yields tender meat, though browning adds depth of flavor. Instead of beef stew meat, chuck roast cut into chunks or flat iron steak work well. Swap the Mozzarella and Provolone with Gruyere or Swiss to closer mimic traditional French onion soup cheese.

Serving Suggestions

This recipe shines spooned over buttery egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the rich gravy. Serve with roasted or steamed green beans or maple glazed carrots for a fresh contrast and a thick slice of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to mop up the cheesy sauce.

This Crock Pot French Onion Beef Tips is a comforting, effortless weeknight favorite that delivers rich flavor with minimal hands on work. Serve it over noodles or mashed potatoes and enjoy.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can these beef tips be baked instead of slow cooked?

Yes, you can bake the beef tips in an oven-safe dish at 400°F for about an hour until tender. Cover tightly to retain moisture and flavor.

→ Is searing the beef before cooking necessary?

Searing adds color and depth of flavor but can be skipped to save time. The slow cooking will still yield tender meat.

→ What alternative cuts of beef work well here?

Affordable cuts like chuck roast, round steak, or flat iron steak work well for slow cooking and remain tender.

→ What are good side dishes to serve with this dish?

Serve over rice, buttery egg noodles, or with mashed potatoes and roasted or steamed vegetables to complement the rich gravy.

→ How should leftovers be stored and for how long?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.