Crockpot BBQ Beef Tips are the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Tender pieces of beef slowly cook in a rich, tangy barbecue sauce until they are deliciously soft and full of flavor.
This easy slow cooker recipe combines beef tips, barbecue sauce, beef broth, garlic, and a few simple seasonings to create a mouthwatering meal with minimal preparation. As the beef cooks, it absorbs the sweet and smoky flavors of the sauce, creating a delicious dish that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or crusty bread.
Whether you are preparing dinner for your family, planning a cozy Sunday meal, or looking for an easy make-ahead recipe, these Crockpot BBQ Beef Tips are a wonderful choice. Simply add the ingredients to your slow cooker, let everything simmer until tender, and enjoy a comforting homemade meal.
Why You Will Love These Crockpot BBQ Beef Tips
Easy preparation: This recipe requires only a few minutes of hands-on work before the slow cooker takes over.
Tender, flavorful beef: Slow cooking helps break down tougher cuts of beef, making the pieces tender and delicious.
Sweet and smoky barbecue sauce: Barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika create a rich balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
Perfect for busy days: Prepare everything in the morning and return home to a warm, satisfying dinner.
Family-friendly: The familiar barbecue flavor makes this dish a great option for family meals.
Versatile serving options: Serve the beef over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or alongside roasted vegetables.
Ingredients for Crockpot BBQ Beef Tips
You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to make this easy slow cooker dinner.
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or beef tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, optional for browning
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
For a Thicker Sauce, Optional
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For Garnish, Optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Extra barbecue sauce for serving
How to Make Crockpot BBQ Beef Tips
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Pat the beef tips dry with paper towels. If the pieces are large, cut them into evenly sized chunks so they cook at a similar rate.
Season the beef with salt and black pepper.
For extra flavor, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches for a few minutes on each side. You do not need to cook the beef through; the goal is simply to develop a flavorful crust.
This step is optional, but browning adds depth to the finished dish.
Step 2: Add the Beef to the Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned beef tips in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
Spread the ingredients evenly so the beef cooks consistently.
Step 3: Prepare the BBQ Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Mix until the brown sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth.
Taste the sauce before adding it to the slow cooker. If your barbecue sauce is already very sweet, you can reduce the brown sugar.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Pour the barbecue sauce mixture over the beef, onion, and garlic. Stir gently to coat the meat evenly.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for approximately 3–4 hours, depending on the cut and size of the beef pieces and your slow cooker.
The beef is ready when it is fork-tender and easy to bite through. Some cuts may need additional cooking time, so check for tenderness rather than relying on the clock alone.
Keep the lid closed as much as possible during cooking to maintain a steady temperature.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce if Needed
If you prefer a thicker barbecue sauce, mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth.
Stir the mixture into the slow cooker during the final 15–20 minutes of cooking. Cover and allow the sauce to thicken.
If the sauce is already thick enough, you can skip this step.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Stir the beef tips gently so they are coated in the barbecue sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and add extra barbecue sauce if desired.
Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or your favorite side dishes.
Tips for the Best Crockpot BBQ Beef Tips
Choose the right cut of beef. Beef stew meat or chuck cut into cubes works well because slow cooking helps tenderize the meat. Sirloin tips can also be used, but they may cook more quickly.
Brown the beef for deeper flavor. Although optional, searing the beef creates a richer, more savory taste.
Use your favorite barbecue sauce. Sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy barbecue sauce can all work. Choose one that suits your family’s preferences.
Adjust the sweetness. Some barbecue sauces contain plenty of sugar. Start with less brown sugar if you prefer a tangier result.
Do not add too much liquid. The beef releases moisture as it cooks. Too much broth can make the sauce watery, so measure the ingredients carefully.
Check for tenderness before serving. If the beef is still chewy, it may need more time in the slow cooker.
Thicken the sauce at the end. Adding a cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking helps create a glossy sauce without making it overly thick.
Avoid lifting the lid repeatedly. Every time the lid is removed, heat escapes and cooking takes longer.
Variations to Try
Spicy Crockpot BBQ Beef Tips
Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the barbecue mixture. You can also use a spicy barbecue sauce for extra heat.
Honey BBQ Beef Tips
Replace the brown sugar with 2 tablespoons of honey. The honey adds a smooth sweetness that complements the smoky barbecue flavor.
Garlic Butter BBQ Beef Tips
Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter near the end of cooking for a richer finish. Add a little extra minced garlic if you enjoy a stronger garlic flavor.
BBQ Beef Tips with Mushrooms
Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker before cooking. The mushrooms absorb the sauce and add a savory flavor that pairs well with the beef.
BBQ Beef Tips with Vegetables
Add chopped carrots or bell peppers for a more substantial one-pot meal. Cut the vegetables into evenly sized pieces and keep in mind that softer vegetables may become very tender during a long cooking time.
Creamy BBQ Beef Tips
For a creamier variation, stir a small amount of cream cheese or heavy cream into the sauce shortly before serving. This creates a richer sauce with a milder barbecue flavor.
What to Serve with Crockpot BBQ Beef Tips
These tender beef tips pair well with many classic comfort-food sides.
Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are ideal for soaking up the barbecue sauce.
Steamed white rice: Fluffy rice makes a simple base for the saucy beef.
Egg noodles: Tossed with a little butter, egg noodles make this dish especially satisfying.
Roasted vegetables: Roasted carrots, broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts provide a fresh contrast.
Cornbread: Slightly sweet cornbread complements the tangy barbecue sauce.
Coleslaw: A crisp, creamy slaw adds freshness and balances the richness of the beef.
Dinner rolls: Soft rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
For an easy family dinner, serve the beef tips over mashed potatoes with green beans on the side.
How to Store Leftover BBQ Beef Tips
In the Refrigerator
Allow the beef to cool slightly, then transfer it to an airtight container along with the sauce. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking and use within 3–4 days.
Keeping the beef in the sauce helps prevent it from drying out.
In the Freezer
Place cooled beef tips and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag. Leave a little space for expansion, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Reheat
For the best results, place the beef tips and sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave in a covered, microwave-safe dish, stirring halfway through.
Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put raw beef directly into the crockpot?
Yes. You can place raw beef tips directly into the slow cooker with the other ingredients. Browning the meat first is optional, but it adds extra flavor and color.
Can I cook Crockpot BBQ Beef Tips overnight?
It is better to follow the cooking time recommended for your slow cooker and recipe rather than leave the beef cooking unattended for an unnecessarily long period. If you need flexibility, use a slow cooker with a programmable setting that switches to warm after cooking is complete.
Why are my beef tips tough?
Beef tips can remain tough if they have not cooked long enough to become tender. Continue cooking and check again after 30–60 minutes. The ideal cooking time depends on the cut, size of the pieces, and slow cooker.
Can I use frozen beef tips?
For food safety, thaw the beef completely in the refrigerator before adding it to the slow cooker. Starting with frozen meat can keep the contents at an unsafe temperature for too long.
Can I make this recipe without browning the beef?
Absolutely. Add the seasoned beef directly to the slow cooker and continue with the recipe. The finished dish will still be flavorful, although browning provides a deeper roasted taste.
How do I make the BBQ sauce less sweet?
Choose a tangier barbecue sauce, reduce the brown sugar, or add a small splash of apple cider vinegar. Add acidic ingredients gradually and taste as you go.
Can I make the sauce thicker without cornstarch?
Yes. Remove the lid near the end of cooking if your slow cooker instructions permit it, allowing some excess moisture to evaporate. You can also transfer the sauce to a saucepan and simmer it until reduced.
Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?
Yes. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, measure the sauce ingredients, and store them separately in the refrigerator. For food safety, keep raw beef refrigerated and assemble the ingredients shortly before cooking.
Crockpot BBQ Beef Tips Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Total Time: Approximately 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes on LOW
Servings: 4–6
Course: Main Course
Cooking Method: Slow Cooking
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat or beef tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, optional
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, optional
- 2 tablespoons cold water, optional
- Chopped parsley, optional
Instructions
- Pat the beef dry and season with salt and black pepper.
- If desired, heat the olive oil in a skillet and brown the beef on all sides.
- Place the beef tips in the slow cooker with the chopped onion and minced garlic.
- In a bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pour the sauce over the beef and stir gently to coat.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for approximately 3–4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
- For a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir into the slow cooker during the final 15–20 minutes of cooking.
- Stir the beef tips gently to coat them in the sauce.
- Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot BBQ Beef Tips are an easy and comforting dinner that brings together tender beef and rich, smoky barbecue flavor. With a few simple ingredients and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can prepare a satisfying homemade meal without spending the evening at the stove.
Serve them over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttered noodles, and add your favorite vegetables for a complete dinner. This recipe is also excellent for meal preparation because the leftovers reheat beautifully and the sauce keeps the beef moist.
Keep this recipe handy for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, and any time you want a hearty meal that is simple to prepare and full of flavor.