Are you looking for a simple yet impressive dinner recipe that's both healthy and flavorful? Look no further! This slow cooker tri tip recipe is your answer. Tender, juicy, and bursting with delicious flavor, this tri tip is perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend gathering. It's one of those easy recipes that delivers big on taste, making it a staple in our home. Prepare to be amazed by how effortlessly you can create a restaurant-quality meal using this foolproof method!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pound tri-tip roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Pat the tri-tip roast dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve a beautiful sear.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Sear the Tri Tip (Optional but Recommended):
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the tri-tip on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. This step adds incredible depth of flavor. If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, skip this step and proceed to the slow cooker.
Slow Cooking the Magic:
- Transfer the seared tri-tip to your slow cooker.
- Pour beef broth, red wine (if using), and Worcestershire sauce into the slow cooker. Add the bay leaf.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meat is fork-tender.
Rest and Serve:
- Remove the tri-tip from the slow cooker and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.
- Slice the tri-tip against the grain into thin slices.
- Serve immediately.
Tips for Tri Tip Perfection:
- Don't overcook it! Tri-tip is best served medium-rare to medium. Overcooked tri-tip can be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches your desired internal temperature (130-140°F for medium-rare, 140-150°F for medium).
- Use a good quality beef broth. This will significantly impact the overall flavor of the dish.
- Consider adding vegetables. Onions, carrots, and potatoes can be added to the slow cooker during the last hour or two of cooking for a complete one-pot meal.
- Make it a meal prep hero. This tri-tip is fantastic for meal prepping! It can be sliced and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Variations:
- BBQ Tri Tip: Add your favorite BBQ sauce during the last hour of cooking.
- Garlic Herb Tri Tip: Add a generous amount of fresh minced garlic and herbs like rosemary and thyme.
- Spicy Tri Tip: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the spice rub.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 300-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This easy slow cooker tri-tip recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a delicious dish perfect for any occasion and a wonderful addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!