It’s What’s up Wednesday with Sheaffer & Shay! I’m sharing a little about what’s been going on around here this month.
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What We’re Eating this Week
We’re just thawing out from the most ice and snow we’ve had in years. That plus sick kids at home means lots of slow cooker recipes for us. Today we’re having Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy. Chili and tortellini soup are on the list for later this week!
Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy
Equipment
- 1 Slow cooker
- 1 large skillet
Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs Top sirloin steak cubed
- 2 tbs olive oil or your favorite cooking oil
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
- black pepper to taste
- 2 cups beef broth or stock
- 1 tbs Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup onion diced
- 1 tbsp garlic minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley optional, for garnish
To thicken gravy
- 3 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp cornstarch or flour
Instructions
- Heat olive oil (or your favorite cooking oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your beef cubes and season them with seasoned salt and black pepper. Sear the meat on all sides (about 2-3 minutes per side). Transfer seared beef to the slow cooker using a slotted spoon.
- Return the skillet to the stove. Reduce heat to medium. Add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir gently for 1-2 minutes to loosen any meat drippings from the pan. Pour broth over the beef in the slow cooker.
- Add the Italian seasoning, diced onion, and garlic to the top of the beef and gravy mixture. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- For thicker gravy, combine water and cornstarch or flour in a small bowl and stir until smooth. Add the mixture to the slow cooker and stir to thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. Remove bay leaf before serving.
- Top with parsley (optional). Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Enjoy!
What I’m Reminiscing About
We had so much fun together over the holiday break. The kids ended up with an extra week off of school due to the snow and ice, so we had extra time to stay cozy at home and spend more time together. My gift from the boys this year was a terrarium building workshop. Just the three of us got to spend a night together and they turned out so cute!
What I’m Loving
My plan for this year is to set small goals for myself each month to help build better habits. I know myself well enough to realize that big moves aren’t likely to stick and small, gradual changes are much easier. In January, I’ve been more intentional about getting in as many 10-minute workouts as I can during the week. I wrote a whole post about it here if you’re looking for a way to do something similar. I love that there’s a variety to choose from and I can squeeze them in whenever I need a break from work or have a little free time in my day.
What I’m Excited About
I love planning and am excited about all our plans for the year. We are working on travel plans, finishing a few home projects, and getting rid of all the stuff we no longer need. Our community does a huge kids sale every year and it’s a wonderful way to get rid of all of the clothes/books/toys my kids have outgrown over the year. If you’re still looking for a great planner to help you stay organized this year. I created one that you can download for free here (there’s a link to get the download at the bottom of the post).
What I’m Reading/Listening To
Ugh! Is anyone else already finished with Onyx Storm? I bought the audio book the day it came out which was conveniently a day I had to travel for work. I finished it in a few days and now I’m ready for the next one. Rebecca Yarros, I love your books, but why oh why do you leave us hanging like this?! I won’t share any spoilers here. Just know that I am so ready for book four!
What Amazon Purchase Did I Love This Month
My microfiber cloths are saving my life right now. If you’ve never used them before, they are small, washable cleaning cloths that clean most things with just water or a little bit of cleaner. For the past year, I’ve rotavated the same ten cloths over and over and never felt like I had enough. Don’t ask me why it took me so long, but I finally bought a 50 pack and it was a game changer.
They come in several colors so I can have one color for each type of cleaning in my house (blue for bathroom, orange for kitchen, yellow for the walls). I have a small basket in the laundry room where I can throw them when I’m done and wash them when the basket fills up. I’ve found myself carrying one around with me and cleaning little spots I see around the house while I’m listening to my book or talking on the phone. I love that they are inexpensive and save me from wasting a bunch of paper towels. Do yourself a favor and grab a pack. I promise you won’t regret it.
What I’m Doing This Weekend
My husband is taking the boys to see Royal Rumble, so I’m going to soak up the “me time” at the house. It’s been a busy week and I’m excited to have some time to myself to decompress.
I hope everyone has a great week!
I do the same thing with my microfiber cloth and agree it’s a game changer. My husband and I must catch up on the Royal Rumble once our friend leaves next week!
Yes, Kelly! They are the best. 🙂
Okay I have now officially added The Empyrean Series to my TBR list. I keep seeing them everywhere!