When it comes to tender, flavorful beef that practically melts in your mouth, crock pot tri tip steak recipes are a game changer. This cut of meat, often overlooked, transforms beautifully when slow-cooked, absorbing rich spices and juices that make every bite a delight.
Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort, using a crock pot allows for hands-off cooking and consistently delicious results. The slow simmering process breaks down the meat’s connective tissues, resulting in a juicy, tender steak that rivals any grilled or oven-roasted version.
Plus, crock pot recipes are perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal waiting for you after work. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a mouthwatering tri tip that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for slicing over salads, sandwiches, or served alongside your favorite sides.
Ready to discover your new favorite way to prepare tri tip? Let’s dive into these easy, foolproof crock pot tri tip steak recipes that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crock pot tri tip steak recipes offer an unbeatable combination of ease, flavor, and versatility. The slow cooker method requires minimal prep time, making it ideal for busy cooks or anyone looking to simplify mealtime without sacrificing taste.
The tri tip cut is naturally lean but flavorful, and slow cooking ensures it stays moist and tender. You’ll love how the meat soaks up the robust blend of seasonings, creating a savory, juicy dish perfect for a variety of meals.
Plus, the leftovers are fantastic for sandwiches, tacos, or breakfast hash!
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 lb tri tip steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Equipment
- Crock pot or slow cooker (at least 4-quart capacity)
- Skillet or frying pan for searing
- Sharp knife for slicing meat
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl for marinade (optional)
- Tongs for handling meat
Instructions
- Prepare the tri tip: Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano.
- Sear the meat: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tri tip and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until a brown crust forms. This step locks in flavor and enhances texture.
- Prepare the crock pot: Place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the crock pot. This will create a flavorful bed for the steak.
- Add the tri tip: Place the seared tri tip on top of the onions and garlic in the crock pot.
- Mix liquids: In a small bowl, combine beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Pour this mixture over the meat and onions.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meat is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- Rest and slice: Remove the tri tip from the crock pot and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Serve: Spoon some of the cooked onions and juices over the sliced meat for extra flavor.
Tips & Variations
“For even deeper flavor, marinate your tri tip steak overnight in the soy sauce, Worcestershire, garlic, and spices before searing and slow cooking.”
- Try adding sliced bell peppers or mushrooms to the crock pot for extra veggies and flavor.
- Substitute beef broth with red wine for a richer sauce.
- For a smoky twist, add a few drops of liquid smoke or smoked salt.
- Use the cooked tri tip for tacos by shredding it and topping with fresh cilantro, lime, and avocado.
- Leftovers make a great base for a hearty breakfast hash with eggs and potatoes.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 110mg |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
Serving Suggestions
Crock pot tri tip steak pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. For a classic meal, serve it with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans.
The savory juices from the crock pot also make a wonderful gravy or dipping sauce.
For a lighter option, slice the tri tip thinly and serve over a fresh mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette. It’s also perfect for hearty sandwiches or wraps with horseradish sauce and pickled onions.
Don’t forget to check out our other slow cooker favorites like Slow Cooker Beef Stew, Crock Pot Pulled Pork, and Slow Cooker Chicken Curry for more easy and delicious meals!
Conclusion
Mastering crock pot tri tip steak recipes is a fantastic way to enjoy tender, flavorful beef with minimal effort. The slow cooking process transforms this budget-friendly cut into a melt-in-your-mouth delight that’s versatile enough for a variety of meals.
From simple weeknight dinners to entertaining guests, this method guarantees juicy, seasoned steak every time.
With easy-to-follow steps and customizable seasoning options, you can tailor the recipe to your personal taste and dietary preferences. Whether you’re a slow cooker novice or a seasoned pro, this tri tip recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Enjoy the convenience and delicious results of crock pot cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Crock Pot Tri Tip Steak
Description: A tender and flavorful tri tip steak slow-cooked to perfection in a crock pot. This easy recipe is perfect for a hearty, hands-off meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT6H
Total Time: PT6H15M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs tri tip steak
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Season tri tip steak with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sear the steak on all sides until browned.
- Place sliced onions and garlic at the bottom of the crock pot.
- Add seared steak on top of the onions.
- Pour beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce over the steak.
- Add fresh rosemary sprigs on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until tender.
- Remove steak, let rest for 10 minutes, then slice against the grain.
- Serve with the cooked onions and sauce from the crock pot.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 | Protein: 40g | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 4g
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