Why You’ll Love Crockpot French Onion Beef Tips Recipe
If you love easy crockpot dinners that taste like you spent all day in the kitchen, this recipe is a great one to keep on repeat. The beef becomes incredibly tender as it cooks low and slow, while the onions and soup mixes create a deep, savory flavor. The melted mozzarella on top adds the perfect finishing touch, making every bite warm, rich, and comforting. It is also simple enough for busy weeknights but special enough for a weekend dinner.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2–3 pounds chuck roast
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large yellow or white onion, sliced thin
1 ounce au jus packet, low sodium preferred
1 ounce beefy onion soup mix, low sodium preferred
1 ounce French onion soup
1/2 stick unsalted butter, cut into pats
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon black pepper
2 tablespoons parsley, optional
Directions
Cut the chuck roast into 1- to 2-inch pieces and season them with black pepper. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil and brown the beef pieces for 1 to 2 minutes on each side.
Spray the inside of the crockpot with cooking spray and lay the thinly sliced onions on the bottom. Place the browned beef tips on top of the onions, then sprinkle the au jus packet and beefy onion soup mix evenly over the meat.
Pour the French onion soup over everything and top with pats of unsalted butter. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Once the beef is fully cooked and tender, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top and add parsley if using. Cover again for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 5 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 6 to 8 hours
Total time: About 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
Variations
You can easily change this recipe to fit your taste or what you have on hand. Swap the mozzarella for provolone or Swiss cheese for even more French onion flavor. Add sliced mushrooms for extra richness, or stir in a little garlic for more depth. If you want a thicker sauce, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it in near the end of cooking. You can also serve the beef tips over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to make the meal even heartier.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover beef tips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm the beef tips in a saucepan over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat them in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each one. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use stew meat or another roast cut, but chuck roast works best because it becomes very tender in the crockpot.
Do I have to brown the beef first?
Browning is not required, but it adds more flavor and helps give the beef a better texture.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, but low heat is best for the most tender beef. If using high, check for doneness around 4 to 5 hours.
What type of onion works best?
Yellow onions are a great choice because they become sweet and flavorful as they cook, but white onions also work well.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to start the crockpot.
Can I use shredded cheese from a bag?
Yes, pre-shredded mozzarella works fine, though freshly shredded cheese usually melts more smoothly.
Is the parsley necessary?
No, parsley is optional. It mainly adds a little freshness and color at the end.
How do I know when the beef is done?
The beef is ready when it is fork-tender and easy to pull apart.
Can I make the sauce thicker?
Yes, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry during the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking if you want a thicker gravy-like sauce.
What should I serve with Crockpot French Onion Beef Tips?
These beef tips are delicious with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or even crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Conclusion
Crockpot French Onion Beef Tips are a simple and comforting dinner that delivers big flavor with very little effort. Between the tender slow-cooked beef, savory onion-rich sauce, and melty cheese on top, this recipe is perfect for cozy family meals and easy entertaining. Once you try it, it is sure to become a favorite crockpot recipe in your home.
