Tillie Doyle
Slow cooking tri-tip is an easy and delicious way to prepare this cut of meat. Tri-tip is a triangular roast from the bottom sirloin cut of the cow, also known as a triangle roast, bottom sirloin tip, or Santa Maria/California cut. It is a less expensive, flavourful, and tender cut of meat that becomes even more tender when slow-cooked. This guide will show you how to slow cook tri-tip in a crock pot, with various serving suggestions for a tasty and hearty meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat | Tri-tip roast |
| Weight | 2.5-3.5 lbs |
| Type of meat | Triangular-shaped roast from the bottom sirloin cut of the cow |
| Other names | Triangle roast, bottom sirloin tip, Santa Maria or California cut |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, dried oregano, onion powder, dried rosemary, dried thyme leaves, garlic |
| Sauce | Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, onion soup mix |
| Vegetables | Potatoes, carrots, onions, bell peppers |
| Oil | Olive oil, butter |
| Bread | Buns, rolls, bread |
| Cheese | Provolone, cheddar |
| Temperature | Low (6-8 hours) or high (3-5 hours) |
| Meat thermometer temperature | Medium internal temperature |
| Sides | Mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, polenta, mashed cauliflower, salad, macaroni salad, lemon orzo salad, mac and cheese, twice-baked potatoes, fries, cornbread |
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What You'll Learn
Prepping the crock pot
To prep your crock pot for slow-cooking tri-tip, start by coating the inside of the slow cooker with about 1 tablespoon of oil. Next, prepare your vegetables by washing and slicing bell peppers and onions into 1/2-inch strips. You can also add carrots, potatoes, and onion to the crock pot and toss them with black pepper, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, and olive oil. Make sure the vegetables are coated thoroughly and evenly.
After preparing the vegetables, it's time to season the tri-tip roast. Mix garlic, oregano, rosemary, thyme, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl to create a dry rub. You can also add smoked paprika, dried oregano, onion powder, and dried thyme leaves to the rub. Rub the mixture all over the meat.
If you want to sear the meat before slow cooking, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the roast in the skillet and sear for about 5 minutes per side, or until browned. You can also add onions to the skillet during the last 5 minutes of searing.
Once the meat is seared, transfer it to the crock pot, placing it on top of the vegetables if you're using any. Add the broth and Worcestershire sauce around the sides of the meat, being careful not to pour it directly over the top to avoid washing off the seasoning.
At this point, your crock pot is almost ready to slow cook your tri-tip. Simply cover it and adjust the temperature and timing according to your preference and the specific recipe you are following.
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Choosing and preparing the meat
Choosing the meat:
Tri-tip is a triangular-shaped roast from the bottom sirloin cut of the cow. It is also known as a triangle roast, bottom sirloin tip, or Santa Maria or California cut. It is a less expensive cut of meat with a lot of flavour and is tender.
Choosing the right size of tri-tip depends on how many people you are serving. A 2-3 pound roast should be enough to feed a family. If you are serving a larger group, you can make a triple or quadruple batch of the Santa Maria dry rub and store it in an airtight container for future use.
Preparing the meat:
To prepare the meat, start by trimming any excess fat. You can then sear the meat in a hot skillet with some olive oil to lock in the juices and flavours. This step is not mandatory but will give a more tender and flavourful result. You can then make a rub with a combination of salt, pepper, dried thyme, rosemary, garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, onion powder, and dried thyme leaves. Rub this mixture all over the meat and place it into the slow cooker.
If you are short on time, you can skip the searing step and place the raw meat directly into the slow cooker.
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Selecting and preparing vegetables
When preparing vegetables to slow cook tri-tip in a crock pot, it is important to select a variety of vegetables that will complement the meat and add flavour and nutrition to the dish. Here are some suggestions for selecting and preparing vegetables to accompany your slow-cooked tri-tip:
Firstly, consider the types of vegetables that go well with tri-tip. Carrots, potatoes, onions, and bell peppers are all excellent choices that are commonly used in crock pot recipes. These vegetables are hearty and can withstand the long cooking time without disintegrating. They also absorb the flavours of the meat and seasonings, making them extra tasty.
When selecting your vegetables, opt for fresh, firm specimens. Avoid any that are wilted or bruised, as they may not hold up well during the slow cooking process. Give the vegetables a good wash to remove any dirt or debris, and then cut them into uniform sizes. For carrots and potatoes, consider cutting them into chunks or wedges. For onions and bell peppers, slicing them into strips or dicing them will work well.
You can also season your vegetables to enhance their flavour. Toss them with olive oil or melted butter, and then add your desired seasonings. Black pepper, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, and garlic are all great options. Make sure to coat the vegetables thoroughly and evenly so that every bite is flavourful.
Once your vegetables are prepared, place them in the crock pot before adding the meat. This ensures that the vegetables are cooked evenly and also allows them to absorb all the delicious flavours that will develop during the slow cooking process. You can add the vegetables at the beginning of the cooking process or, if you prefer a little more crunch to your vegetables, you can add them halfway through.
Finally, don't forget to use the leftover cooking juices from the crock pot to create a tasty sauce or gravy. This can be served alongside your meal to enhance the flavour and moisture of both the meat and the vegetables. Enjoy your slow-cooked tri-tip with vegetables!
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for slow cooking tri-tip in a crock pot can vary depending on the desired level of tenderness and doneness. Here are the general guidelines:
For a slow cooker, it is recommended to cook the tri-tip on low heat for 6-8 hours. This extended cooking time at a lower temperature helps to break down the tough parts of the meat, making it tender and juicy. The meat should be fork-tender and easily pull apart when done. If you are short on time, you can cook it on high heat for 3-5 hours. However, keep in mind that cooking tri-tip on high heat for too long may result in overcooking, as some have found that 4 hours on high is already too much.
For an Instant Pot, the cooking time and temperature differ. After preparing the tri-tip with the desired seasonings and liquid, cook it on manual high pressure for 25 minutes. Then, perform a quick release, and your tri-tip should be ready.
Additionally, some recipes suggest searing the tri-tip before slow cooking it. This step is not mandatory but can help lock in the juices and enhance the flavor and tenderness of the meat. Searing is typically done in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes on each side, or until browned.
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Serving suggestions
Slow cooker tri-tip is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
As a Roast
The tri-tip can be served as a traditional roast, sliced or shredded, with a variety of side dishes. Some side dish options include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Macaroni salad
- Lemon orzo salad
- Rice
- Green peas
- Dinner rolls
- Gluten-free vegan cornbread
- Green salad
- Warm corn tortillas with taco toppings
- Egg noodles
- Carrots
- Onions
- Celery
- Parsnips
- Mushrooms
In Sandwiches
The shredded tri-tip can be used as a sandwich filling. Some sandwich suggestions include:
- Tri-tip sandwiches
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Air fryer garlic bread
- Air fryer crescent rolls
- Buns with cheese and jalapeño, served as quesadillas
In Other Dishes
The shredded tri-tip can also be used in a variety of other dishes, such as:
- Tacos
- Salads
- Casseroles
- Pasta dishes
- Nachos
- Ramen bowls
- Rice bowls
- Soups
- Stews
- Barley risotto
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cook tri-tip in a crock pot for 6-8 hours on low heat. This will ensure the meat is tender and juicy. Cooking for longer than 8 hours may make the beef too soft. If you are short on time, you can cook it on high heat for 4-5 hours.
You will need a tri-tip roast, vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, carrots, and potatoes), and seasonings. For the seasonings, you can use a combination of salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, garlic, and onion powder. You can also add liquids like beef broth, beer, or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavour.
First, make a dry rub by mixing your desired seasonings. Rub this mixture all over the tri-tip roast. You can then sear the meat in a hot skillet to lock in the juices and enhance the flavour. Finally, place the seasoned and seared tri-tip into the crock pot with the vegetables and liquids, and cook according to the recommended time and temperature.
