Here’s a breakdown for your Creamy Crockpot Beef Tips & Mushrooms recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Construction (How to make it):
- Prepare the Beef: Start by browning the beef stew meat in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes. This step adds flavor, but it’s optional if you’re in a hurry.
- Layer in the Crockpot: Add the beef stew meat into the crockpot. Layer the sliced mushrooms on top.
- Combine the Sauces: In a small bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to combine.
- Pour Over the Beef: Pour the soup mixture over the beef and mushrooms in the crockpot. Stir to combine, ensuring the beef is well-coated.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be tender when it’s done.
- Add Sour Cream: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the sour cream to give the sauce a creamy consistency. You can adjust the seasoning at this stage, adding salt, pepper, or additional garlic or onion powder if desired.
- Serve: Once it’s done cooking, serve the creamy beef and mushrooms over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles for a complete meal.
Variations:
- Mushroom Variety: Instead of regular white mushrooms, try using cremini, portobello, or a mix of wild mushrooms for a more earthy flavor.
- Add Veggies: You can throw in some carrots, onions, or peas for extra texture and flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for a kick.
- Swap Meat: If you prefer, you could use chicken or pork stew meat in place of the beef.
- Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use a non-dairy cream of mushroom soup and replace sour cream with a dairy-free alternative, like cashew cream or coconut cream.
Tips:
- Brown the Meat: Browning the beef before adding it to the crockpot adds extra flavor to the dish, though it’s not necessary.
- Don’t Overcook: If cooking on high, be sure not to go beyond the suggested time to prevent the beef from becoming too tough or dry.
- Stirring the Sour Cream: Stir the sour cream in near the end of the cooking time to prevent it from curdling and maintain a smooth texture.
- Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin for your liking, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water, then stir it into the crockpot and cook for another 30 minutes to thicken.
- Season to Taste: Always taste before serving and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or even a bit of Worcestershire sauce for a depth of flavor.
Enjoy this creamy, comforting dish!