Sometimes, you just want a meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. That’s exactly where these slow cooker Trader Joe’s rosemary beef tips come in. The scent of rosemary and garlic fills the kitchen, wrapping around you while the beef cooks away quietly in the background. It’s that kind of comfort food that doesn’t demand much from you but rewards you with layers of flavor.
I remember the first time I made this—half distracted by a call from a friend, I browned the beef tips a little longer than I meant to, which actually added an almost caramelized depth that surprised me in the best way. The slow cooker did its magic over six hours, turning those tough cuts into something tender enough to cut with a fork. When I finally sat down to eat, the sauce was rich and fragrant, perfect over creamy mashed potatoes. It wasn’t perfect timing or flawless technique, but it was honest and delicious.
- It’s mostly hands-off, so you can just set it and forget it on busy days.
- The rosemary and thyme bring a fragrant earthiness that gently infuses the beef.
- Using Trader Joe’s beef tips gives you a convenient shortcut without sacrificing quality.
- The slow cooking means the meat becomes tender, but it might not be the fastest dinner option.
Don’t worry if you’re new to slow cookers or haven’t worked with beef tips before. This recipe is pretty forgiving. Just give yourself time and maybe a little patience when browning the meat—it’s worth it for that extra flavor.
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Slow Cooker Trader Joe’s Rosemary Beef Tips
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4
Description
Tender and flavorful beef tips slow-cooked with rosemary, garlic, and savory seasonings, perfect for a comforting meal served over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Ingredients
2 pounds Trader Joe’s beef tips, trimmed of excess fat
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup dry red wine
2 teaspoons dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add beef tips to the skillet and brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer browned beef tips to the slow cooker.
In the same skillet, add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in beef broth and red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Stir in dried rosemary, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the mixture over the beef tips in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until beef is tender.
About 15 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth.
Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
Cover and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes until sauce thickens.
Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
For this recipe, a sturdy slow cooker is your best friend, but you don’t need anything fancy to get great results. I usually serve the beef tips over mashed potatoes, but have also tried egg noodles or even just crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Sometimes I toss in some mushrooms or a splash more wine if I feel like experimenting, though I haven’t tested those tweaks enough to say they’re better—just different. If you want a slightly lighter version, swapping out the red wine for broth works too, but you’ll lose a bit of the depth.
FAQ
Can I use fresh rosemary instead of dried? Yes, but use about three times as much since fresh herbs are less concentrated.
Can I skip the wine? You can, just add a little extra beef broth to keep the liquid balance. The flavor won’t be quite the same but still tasty.
What if I don’t have cornstarch? Flour mixed with water works in a pinch to thicken the sauce.
How long can leftovers stay good? They keep well in the fridge for about three days and freeze nicely for up to three months.
When the day calls for something cozy, slow cooker Trader Joe’s rosemary beef tips answer with warm, rich flavors and tender bites. Give yourself the time and enjoy the process—you might find this becomes a quiet favorite for weeknight dinners.
