There’s nothing quite like the deep, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor of BBQ beef tips that have been slow-cooked until they’re fall-apart tender. This dish is a true comfort food classic, made effortlessly in a crockpot. Whether you’re piling them onto mashed potatoes, stuffing them into a sandwich, or serving them alongside roasted veggies, these BBQ beef tips are guaranteed to be a hit. The best part? The slow cooker does all the hard work while you sit back and enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen.
The Secret to Tender Beef Tips: Slow Cooking 101
One of the biggest advantages of using a crockpot for beef tips is how effortlessly it transforms tougher cuts of meat into something melt-in-your-mouth tender. Slow cooking gives connective tissues like collagen time to break down without drying out the meat. This is why beef tips from cuts like chuck roast become fork-tender with long, moist heat.
Tip: Always cook beef tips on the low setting if you have the time. Cooking on high can work, but it risks making the meat tougher, especially if left too long. Keeping the crockpot covered and avoiding frequent lifting of the lid also helps maintain even heat and moisture throughout the cooking time.
Crockpot BBQ Beef
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 6 hours hrs
Total Time 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Slow cooker crockpot
Cutting board & knife
Measuring cups & spoons
Mixing bowl
Whisk
- 2 lbs beef tips sirloin or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand or homemade
- ½ cup beef broth
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ¾ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water for thickening, optional
Prep the beef
Pat the beef tips dry with a paper towel and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Mix the sauce
In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika.
Assemble in the crockpot
Place the beef tips in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over them. Stir to coat evenly.
Slow cook
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours (or high for 3-4 hours) until the beef is tender and easily pulls apart.
Thicken the sauce (optional)
If you want a thicker BBQ sauce, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Serve & enjoy
Spoon the beef tips over mashed potatoes, rice, or toasted buns and enjoy!
Pairings
- Side dishes: Buttery mashed potatoes, garlic bread, roasted Brussels sprouts, or coleslaw.
- Beverages: Sweet tea, a cold beer, or a smoky bourbon cocktail.
- Extras: Add crispy fried onions on top for crunch, or serve with pickles for a tangy contrast.
Crockpot Cooking Tips for Best Results Every Time
Even though crockpots are famously low-effort, a few smart tips can elevate your beef tips from good to unforgettable:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Crockpot: Overfilling reduces circulation of heat and can leave some beef pieces undercooked.
- Layer Ingredients Properly: Place beef at the bottom and sauce over the top to ensure even coating and cooking.
- Minimal Lifting: Each time you open the lid, heat escapes, adding up to 20 extra minutes of cooking time. Trust the process!
- Trim Excess Fat: A little marbling is great for flavor, but trimming large chunks of fat helps prevent a greasy sauce.
- Cook on Low if Possible: Low, gentle heat produces juicier, more tender results than rushing on High.
Following these simple rules ensures delicious results every single time.
Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe
While store-bought BBQ sauces are convenient, making your own from scratch adds an incredible depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. Here's a simple homemade BBQ sauce you can use for this recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasonings — add more vinegar for tang, or more brown sugar for sweetness.
- Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Homemade BBQ sauce allows you to control the sweetness, smokiness, and spice level to match your personal taste — and it makes the final dish feel even more special.
Sauce Thickening Tricks: Cornstarch, Flour, and Beyond
If you want a rich, clinging sauce to coat every beef tip, thickening is key. Here are a few methods you can use:
- Cornstarch Slurry: Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it into the crockpot 30 minutes before serving. Let it cook uncovered to thicken.
- Flour Slurry: Whisk 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour with cold water and stir it into the sauce. This creates a slightly more opaque sauce compared to cornstarch.
- Reduce on the Stovetop: For a deeper, concentrated flavor, transfer the sauce to a saucepan and simmer it over medium heat until it thickens naturally.
Tip: Always mix your thickener with cold water first to avoid clumps!
Creative Ways to Use Leftover BBQ Beef Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! BBQ beef tips are incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ideas:
- Loaded Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with beef tips, shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
- Beef Tip Tacos: Pile them into warm tortillas with slaw and a drizzle of ranch or chipotle sauce.
- BBQ Beef Tip Sliders: Sandwich the meat between mini brioche buns with pickles for an irresistible snack or party food.
- Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with beef tips, queso, jalapeños, and a sprinkle of cilantro for BBQ nachos.
- BBQ Beef Quesadillas: Stuff tortillas with beef tips and cheese, then grill until crispy.
You’ll never look at leftovers the same way again!
Make-Ahead Tips and Freezing Instructions
This recipe is perfect for meal prep or freezing for future dinners:
- Make-Ahead: You can fully cook the beef tips, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Place cooled beef tips and sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Label and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or BBQ sauce if needed to loosen the texture.
Prepping ahead makes weeknight dinners almost effortless — and just as tasty.
Kid-Friendly Adaptations
Want to make this recipe even more kid-approved? Try these easy adaptations:
- Milder Sauce: Choose a sweeter BBQ sauce without a lot of spice, or make your own with extra brown sugar and less vinegar.
- Serve in Fun Ways: Kids love "mini meals," so serve beef tips as sliders or tacos with fun toppings.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Stir in cooked corn kernels or sweet bell peppers during the last 30 minutes to sneak in some extra veggies.
- No Hot Sauce: If adding extra spices or hot sauce for adults, reserve a portion of the beef before spicing things up.
The goal is to keep it flavorful but not overwhelming, so even picky eaters will devour it!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Crockpot Beef Tips
Even though this is a low-fuss recipe, a few pitfalls can stand between you and perfect BBQ beef tips:
- Choosing the Wrong Cut: Very lean beef can dry out during slow cooking. Stick to marbled cuts like chuck.
- Adding Too Little Liquid: The crockpot needs enough moisture to avoid drying out the beef. If using a very thick BBQ sauce, thin it slightly with broth.
- Overcooking on High: It’s tempting to rush, but cooking on High can make beef tips chewy instead of tender.
- Skipping Browning (Optional): If you want even deeper flavor, searing the beef tips before adding them to the crockpot can be a great step — though it’s not mandatory.
- Lifting the Lid Too Often: As mentioned, every peek can extend cooking time significantly.
FAQs
1. What’s the best cut of beef for this recipe?
Sirloin tips, chuck roast, or even stew meat work great. Chuck roast is more budget-friendly and gets extra tender with slow cooking.
2. Can I use homemade BBQ sauce?
Absolutely! A homemade BBQ sauce with a mix of ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices will elevate the flavor even more.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
4. Can I make this spicy?
Yes! Add cayenne pepper, chipotle powder, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the BBQ mixture for some heat.
