Nothing beats the savory, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of a perfectly cooked slow cooker tri-tip roast. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for a weekend gathering, this easy and foolproof recipe guarantees a delicious, tender roast every time. If you’re craving a dish that’s as flavorful as it is easy to prepare, this tri tip roast slow cooker recipe is exactly what you need. The best part? We make a rich, savory gravy right in the same pot, transforming the pan drippings into liquid gold. Ready to impress? Let’s dive in!
Why This Slow Cooker Tri-Tip Roast Recipe is the Best
- Foolproof Tenderness: The slow-and-low cooking method ensures that your tri-tip roast is tender and juicy, perfect for shredding or slicing.
- Incredible Flavor: Searing the roast before slow cooking adds a deep, savory flavor that seeps into every bite.
- One-Pot Wonder: Vegetables like potatoes and carrots cook alongside the roast, making this a complete meal in one pot.
- Amazing Gravy: The pan drippings are turned into a rich, flavorful gravy, adding a finishing touch to the dish.
Ingredients for the Tri Tip Roast Slow Cooker
- Beef Sirloin Tri-Tip Roast (about 3-4 lbs)
- Yukon Gold Potatoes, peeled and cubed (or red potatoes)
- Carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- Garlic Cloves, minced
- Yellow Onion, sliced
- Beef Broth (or substitute with water for a lighter taste)
- Onion Soup Mix
- Olive Oil (for searing)
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
Substitutions for the Slow Cooker Tri-Tip Roast:
- Beef broth: Can be substituted with vegetable broth or water for a lighter version.
- Potatoes: Sweet potatoes or other hearty root vegetables can be used as alternatives.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Tri Tip Roast Slow Cooker
- Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by chopping your potatoes, carrots, and onions. Add them to the bottom of your slow cooker, and season them lightly with salt and pepper. These will serve as the base for the tri-tip and absorb all the delicious flavors.
- Season the Roast:
Pat your tri-tip roast dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the seasoning stick better. Rub the roast generously with salt and pepper, or your favorite spice rub for an extra flavor kick.
- Sear for Flavor:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, adding a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, sear the tri-tip roast on all sides until browned and crispy. This step is essential to lock in the flavors and create a delicious, caramelized crust thanks to the Maillard reaction. Do not skip this step!
- Deglaze the Pan & Create the Sauce:
After searing, remove the roast and set it aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Next, pour in the beef broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add the onion soup mix and stir until well combined. This will be the base for your gravy.
- Assemble & Cook:
Place the seared roast on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. Pour the broth and gravy mixture over the roast and vegetables. Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours. The low setting ensures that the roast becomes fall-apart tender.
- Rest & Slice:
Once the cooking time is up, remove the roast from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Resting is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is juicy and tender. Slice against the grain for the best texture.
Expert Tips for a Perfect Tri-Tip Roast Slow Cooker
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: If your skillet isn’t large enough, sear the tri-tip in batches to ensure it gets a perfect crust.
- Low is the Way to Go: For the most tender tri-tip, set your slow cooker to low. The slow cooking process breaks down the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender roast.
- Check for Doneness: Use a fork to test the tenderness—if it easily shreds, it’s done. Alternatively, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 190°F for optimal tenderness.
- Thickening the Gravy (Optional): If you’d like a thicker gravy, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the gravy while it’s still simmering on the stove.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Slow Cooker Tri-Tip Roast
How to cook tri tip roast in slow cooker?
To cook a tri-tip roast in a slow cooker, season and sear the roast first. Then, place it in the slow cooker with vegetables, pour over a flavorful broth, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
How to slow cook tri tip roast?
Slow cook a tri-tip by first searing it in a hot skillet. Then, cook it in the slow cooker on low for about 6-8 hours until it’s tender and juicy.
How to cook a tri-tip roast in a slow cooker?
A tri-tip roast in the slow cooker requires searing for flavor, followed by slow cooking with vegetables and a savory broth until the roast reaches tender perfection.
Can you slow cook a tri tip roast?
Yes! Slow cooking a tri-tip roast ensures maximum tenderness and flavor, especially when you use a low heat setting for an extended period.
How to slow cook tri tip roast in oven?
While this recipe is for slow cooking in a crockpot, you can also slow roast a tri-tip in the oven at 250°F for about 2-3 hours. The key is to cook it slowly to break down the muscle fibers for tenderness.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Tri-Tip Roast
This tri-tip roast is versatile and pairs perfectly with a variety of sides:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing that soaks up all the gravy.
- Garlic Bread: To enjoy the savory gravy in every bite.
- Roasted Green Beans: For a crunchy, fresh contrast to the tender meat.
The Recipe Card:
Tri Tip Roast Slow Cooker: Tender & Flavorful One-Pot Meal
Equipment
- 1 Slow Cooker (6-quart recommended)
- 1 Large skillet (for searing)
- Tongs (for handling meat)
- Cutting Board & Knife
Ingredients
- 3–4 lbs Beef Sirloin Tri-Tip Roast
- 4–5 Yukon Gold Potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3–4 Carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 Yellow Onion, sliced
- 4 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 2 cups Beef Broth (or substitute with vegetable broth or water)
- 1 packet Onion Soup Mix
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for searing)
- Salt & Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables – Chop potatoes, carrots, and onions. Place them in the slow cooker and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Season the Roast – Pat the tri-tip dry and rub with salt, pepper, or your favorite spice mix.
- Sear for Flavor – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned.
- Deglaze the Pan & Create the Sauce – Add garlic to the skillet, cook until fragrant, then pour in beef broth. Stir in onion soup mix, scraping up browned bits.
- Assemble & Cook – Place seared roast on top of vegetables in slow cooker. Pour broth mixture over. Cook on low for 6–8 hours.
- Rest & Slice – Remove roast, let rest 10 minutes, then slice against the grain. Serve with vegetables and gravy.
Video
Notes
- For a thicker gravy: whisk 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water, then stir into hot gravy.
- Substitute potatoes with sweet potatoes for a lighter twist.
- Best served with mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or garlic bread.
This tri tip roast slow cooker recipe guarantees a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s perfect for any occasion. By following these steps and tips, you’ll create a dish that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful. Don’t forget to share your results and explore more of our recipes for the perfect meal!
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