This 5-ingredient slow cooker summer kickoff supper is one of those set-it-and-forget-it meals that makes the whole house smell amazing and has everyone asking what’s in the pot. Raw beef sirloin tips go straight into the slow cooker with just four pantry-friendly ingredients to create a rich, slightly smoky, sweet-and-savory sauce that tastes like you fussed all day. It’s perfect for casual backyard get-togethers, ballgame nights, or those busy days when you want something special without hovering over the stove.
Serve these tender sirloin tips spooned over fluffy white rice, buttered egg noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that dark, glossy sauce. Add a simple side like grilled corn on the cob, a crisp green salad, or steamed green beans to keep the meal light and summery. A basket of warm dinner rolls or garlic bread is great for mopping up the extra juices, and fresh watermelon slices or a simple fruit salad make a refreshing finish.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Sirloin Tip Summer SupperServings: 6
Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds raw beef sirloin tips
1 cup thick barbecue sauce (use your favorite smoky-sweet variety)
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons mixed dried spices (such as paprika, dried minced onion, and dried parsley)
Directions
Place the raw beef sirloin tips in an even layer on the bottom of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. It’s fine if they overlap slightly, but try to spread them out so the sauce can reach everything.
In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture looks smooth and glossy.
Pour the thick, dark sauce mixture evenly over the sirloin tips in the slow cooker, making sure all the meat is coated. Use a spoon to gently turn any pieces that look dry so they get some sauce on them.
Sprinkle the mixed dried spices evenly over the top of the sauced beef. You should see little pops of color from the spices scattered over the dark liquid and meat.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the sirloin tips are very tender and easily pierced with a fork. Avoid lifting the lid too often so the heat and moisture stay inside.
Once the beef is tender, taste the sauce and adjust if needed, adding a splash of water if it’s too strong or a pinch more brown sugar if you’d like extra sweetness. Stir gently to coat all the pieces in the sauce.
Serve the sirloin tips hot with plenty of the dark, flavorful sauce spooned over your choice of rice, noodles, or potatoes.
Variations & Tips
For picky eaters, choose a mild, sweeter barbecue sauce and skip any spicy rubs or extra heat. If your family likes a little kick, add 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture before pouring it over the meat. You can swap the mixed dried spices for a favorite steak seasoning blend, or use smoked paprika and garlic powder for a deeper smoky flavor. For a slightly lighter version, trim any visible fat from the sirloin tips before cooking and use a reduced-sugar barbecue sauce. If you’d like more veggies in the pot, you can add thick slices of onion or large chunks of bell pepper on top of the beef before pouring on the sauce; just remember that this will add a bit of extra liquid as they soften. To turn the sauce into a thicker gravy, transfer 1/2 cup of the hot cooking liquid to a small bowl, whisk in 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth, then stir it back into the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 10 to 15 minutes until slightly thickened. For food safety, always start with fully thawed beef, keep the slow cooker covered while cooking, and make sure the meat reaches at least 145°F internally (though it will usually be much higher by the time it’s fork-tender). Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in shallow containers and reheat until steaming hot before serving again.
