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Slow Cooker Coca Cola Beef Tips

Print Recipe
A plate of mashed potatoes topped with beef stew and garnished with green beans, served on a wooden board with a wooden spoon and fresh parsley in the background.
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:4 hours
Total Time:4 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds beef stew meat
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 large onion thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 packet brown gravy mix
  • 1 packet onion soup mix
  • 1 cup Coca Cola
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish, optional

Instructions

  • In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium-high heat.
  • Add beef tips in batches and sear until browned on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per batch. You are not looking to cook through just brown.
  • Place the meat in the slow cooker.
  • Stir in the sliced onion and minced garlic over the beef.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together brown gravy mix, onion soup mix, Coca Cola, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth.
  • Pour the mixture evenly over the beef and onions in the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
  • Thicken if needed: If you want a thicker gravy, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, stir into the slow cooker, and cook on HIGH for an additional 15 minutes.
  • Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Notes

Tips & Tricks

  • Brown the beef first: It’s optional, but searing adds a richer flavor.
  • Don’t use diet soda: Regular cola gives the right sweetness and depth.
  • Liquid level: Stick with ½ cup broth + 1 cup cola for a thicker gravy, but you can add a little extra broth if you want more sauce.
  • Cut beef evenly: Similar-sized chunks cook at the same rate and shred evenly.
  • Taste before serving: Onion soup and gravy mixes can be salty, so add extra salt at the end if needed.
  • Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a velvety sauce.

Substitutions

  • Beef stew meat → use sirloin tips, chuck roast cut into chunks, or even venison.
  • Coca Cola → Pepsi or root beer (root beer gives a slightly different sweetness).
  • Brown gravy mix → onion gravy mix or au jus mix.
  • Onion soup mix → homemade blend (onion powder + dried onion flakes + bouillon).
  • Beef broth → chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water in a pinch.

Variations

  • Mushroom Beef Tips: Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms before cooking for extra richness.
  • Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne.
  • Creamy Cola Beef Tips: Add ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese just before serving for a creamy gravy.
  • Slow Cooker Cola Pot Roast: Keep the cut whole instead of cubing, then shred before serving.
  • Open-Faced Sandwiches: Serve the beef and gravy over thick bread slices instead of potatoes.
Servings: 6 servings