With winter settling in, these slow cooker beef tips are just the right combination of easy, warm, and filling. Served over brown rice, they’re perfect for a cold night in. While the beef tips cook, you should have plenty of time for the winter day digital de-clutter we talk about here. Now that’s a good use of your time, with a delicious meal as a reward at the end. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Ingredients

• 2-3 lbs beef tips (or stew meat), trimmed
• 1 can mushroom soup
• 1 can Sprite (12 oz)
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 1 medium white onion, chopped
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (optional)

Directions

Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker is not necessary, but will result in both a better texture and a deeper flavor. Heat the vegetable oil in a 12 inch pan over medium-high. Add the beef and cook until brown on all sides. Place the meat evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker. (If you choose to skip the browning step, place the beef tips directly into the slow cooker, spreading evenly.)

Spread the onions and mushrooms evenly over the top of the beef.

In a large bowl, mix the mushroom soup, Sprite, onion soup mix, and soy sauce. Pour the mixture over the beef, onions, and mushrooms.

Put the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.

Stir until all is nicely mixed. Spoon the mixture over the rice on individual plates.

Brown Rice

These beef tips are also great over wide egg noodles or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked brown rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp olive oil

Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. 

Combine the rice, water, and olive oil in a pot. Bring to a boil. Cover, then reduce heat to low. 

Cook for 45 minutes. Remove from heat. Let stand for 8 minutes.

Fluff the rice with a fork. Serve on plates, making a slight bowl in the rice for the beef tips.