When I need a dependable dish that feeds a crowd without a lot of fuss, these 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Neighborhood Beef Tips are one of my favorite answers. Using cubed shoulder steak keeps the recipe budget-friendly while still turning out tender and rich after a long, gentle cook, and the simple sauce makes it taste like you worked much harder than you did. It is the kind of hearty, homey meal that fits right in at a potluck, game day table, or Sunday family supper.
Serve these beef tips over mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy white rice so none of that savory sauce goes to waste. For a full plate, I like to add green beans, roasted carrots, a crisp salad, or even soft dinner rolls on the side. If you are bringing this to a cookout or gathering, a tray of mac and cheese or baked beans pairs especially well.
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Neighborhood Beef Tips using Cubed Shoulder SteakServings: 6
2 1/2 pounds cubed shoulder steak
1 packet onion soup mix, about 1 ounce
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup, 10 1/2 ounces
1. Place the cubed shoulder steak in the slow cooker and spread it into an even layer.
2. Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the beef, then spoon the condensed cream of mushroom soup over the top.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce is hot and rich.
4. Stir well before serving so the sauce coats every piece, then spoon over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.
Variations & TipsMake it extra savory: If you have a few more ingredients on hand, add a splash of beef broth or a spoonful of Worcestershire sauce for deeper flavor. This is especially nice if you plan to serve the beef over potatoes or noodles and want a little extra gravy.
For picky eaters: If your family prefers a smoother sauce, stir everything well near the end of cooking so the soup fully blends into the beef juices. Serving it over buttered noodles can also make this dish especially kid-friendly.
Add mushrooms or onions: Fresh sliced mushrooms or thick-cut onion can be added right into the slow cooker with the beef for a heartier potluck-style version. They cook down nicely and stretch the meal a bit further, which is always helpful when extra folks show up hungry.
Cook time tip: Shoulder steak becomes most tender when it has enough time to slowly break down, so low and slow is the best choice here. If the beef still seems a little firm, give it another 30 to 60 minutes and stir again before serving.