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Slow Cooker French Onion Beef Tips

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A plate of mashed potatoes topped with beef stew and garnished with Brussels sprouts, served on a wooden board.
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:4 hours
Total Time:4 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2-3 pounds stew beef
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed french onion soup
  • 1 (1 ounce) envelope brown gravy mix
  • 1 cup shredded swiss cheese
  • Parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Toss your stew beef with the garlic powder and paprika.
  • Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Brown the stew beef until just browned.
  • Add the stew beef to the slow cooker.
  • Top with the sliced onions.
  • Mix the french onion soup and brown gravy mix.
  • Pour over the beef tips.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
  • 5 minutes before serving sprinkle with the cheese and parsley and cover to let melt.
  • Serve!

Notes

Tips & Tricks

  • Brown the beef first – Searing adds incredible depth of flavor and locks in juices.
  • Slice onions thin – This helps them caramelize and soften into the sauce while cooking.
  • Don’t skip the gravy mix – It thickens the sauce perfectly and makes it rich.
  • Add cheese at the end – Swiss melts quickly, so sprinkle it on right before serving.
  • Serve with starch – This dish shines over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or rice to soak up the sauce.

Substitutions

  • Beef – Chuck roast cut into cubes works just as well as stew beef.
  • French onion soup – Use beef broth plus caramelized onions if you prefer homemade.
  • Swiss cheese – Substitute with provolone, mozzarella, or Gruyère for a different cheesy finish.
  • Gravy mix – A packet of onion gravy or au jus mix can be swapped in.
  • Onions – Yellow, sweet, or even red onions will all work in this recipe.

Variations

  • Cheesy Bake Style – Transfer to a casserole dish, top with extra cheese and crispy fried onions, and broil for a few minutes before serving.
  • Mushroom Lovers – Add sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy boost.
  • Spicy Kick – Stir in a dash of red pepper flakes or cayenne.
  • Creamy Version – Mix in a little sour cream or heavy cream at the end for a creamier sauce.
  • Sandwich Twist – Shred the beef tips and serve on toasted hoagie rolls with extra cheese, French dip–style.
Servings: 4 servings