Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe
If you’re searching for a cozy, fuss-free dinner that practically cooks itself, look no further than Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy. Tender chunks of beef simmer for hours in a savory, rich sauce, absorbing all the incredible flavors for a meal that’s pure comfort in a bowl. Every bite brings you the comforting taste of home-cooked goodness, making it a weeknight favorite or the star of a family Sunday supper. Whether spooned over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttery noodles, this dish will definitely find a spot among your most-loved recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a shining example of how a handful of simple ingredients, chosen wisely, can truly create something special! Every component brings something vital to the table, from the deep flavor of beef to the savory lift of onion soup mix.
- Beef stew meat or sirloin tips: These cuts become incredibly tender as they slow cook, soaking up all that delicious gravy.
- Onion: Diced onion adds a touch of sweetness and a flavorful undertone that ties everything together.
- Beef broth: The base of our savory gravy, providing moisture and depth of flavor.
- Onion soup mix: This pantry shortcut infuses the sauce with rich, robust seasoning without any fuss.
- Worcestershire sauce: Just a tablespoon brings subtle tang and umami, enhancing the beefiness.
- Garlic powder: Adds a hint of garlicky goodness that blends perfectly with the other flavors.
- Black pepper: A little spice to balance the richness of the gravy.
- Cornstarch: Whisked with water, it thickens the gravy to the perfect, luscious consistency.
- Cold water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch and prevents lumps in the gravy.
- Olive oil (optional): For browning the beef, which gives extra depth and caramelized flavor to the finished dish.
How to Make Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
Step 1: Sear the Beef (Optional but Flavorful!)
While you can certainly toss everything straight into the slow cooker, taking a few minutes to brown the beef in olive oil is worth it for the boost in flavor. Searing the cubes gives them a golden crust and adds richness to the gravy down the line. If you’re short on time, it’s fine to skip this, but for special occasions or when you’re craving something extra, don’t miss this step!
Step 2: Combine Everything in the Crock Pot
Now for the magical part! Add your beef (seared or not) to the crock pot, then layer in the diced onions, pour over the beef broth, sprinkle in the onion soup mix, and drizzle the Worcestershire sauce. Finish by scattering in the garlic powder and black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir, just enough to nudge the flavors together without over-mixing.
Step 3: Let It Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or bump up to high for 3 to 4 hours if you’re in a hurry. The beef tips will slowly become melt-in-your-mouth tender and the sauce will gain irresistible depth. The aroma alone will have everyone wandering into the kitchen, eagerly awaiting dinner.
Step 4: Thicken the Gravy
When the beef is perfectly tender, it’s time to thicken things up. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to form a smooth slurry. Pour this mixture into the crock pot, stir, and let everything cook on high for another 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll notice the gravy transforming into a silky, hearty sauce that’s just begging to be ladled over your favorite sides.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the gravy has thickened and the beef is perfectly cooked, it’s time for the best part: serving up your Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy. Dish it out over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for the ultimate comfort meal. Get ready for the kind of sighs and smiles that only a soul-warming dinner can bring.
How to Serve Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and brightness that wakes up the whole dish. For extra flavor, a dash of cracked black pepper on top is the perfect finishing touch, while chives or even a little shredded Parmesan can take things to another level if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
Nothing soaks up that dreamy gravy better than classic mashed potatoes, but fluffy rice or buttered egg noodles are equally delightful. Pair your Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy with a crisp green salad, roasted carrots, or steamed green beans for a balanced feast that ticks every box.
Creative Ways to Present
For something fun, serve your beef tips in individual ramekins over buttery mashed potatoes or spooned into warm dinner rolls for a savory sandwich twist. Leftovers are also fabulous folded into puff pastry for easy hand pies, or even as a hearty filling tucked into a baked potato.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors seem to get even better as they mingle, making this an ideal make-ahead dish for meal prepping or next-day lunches.
Freezing
For longer storage, portion the cooled beef tips and gravy into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Just be sure to let everything thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To rewarm, gently heat the beef and gravy on the stovetop over low, stirring often until hot and bubbly. You can also microwave individual portions, using short bursts and stirring in between to prevent the meat from drying out. Add a splash of broth if you’d like to restore the original silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy?
Absolutely! While stew meat or sirloin tips work beautifully, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes. The main thing is choosing a cut with a bit of marbling, so it becomes ultra-tender through slow cooking.
What if I don’t have onion soup mix?
No worries! You can substitute with a blend of dried onion flakes, beef bouillon, and a pinch of seasoning salt. It won’t be quite as concentrated, but you’ll still end up with delicious results.
Can I add veggies to the crock pot?
Definitely. Adding mushrooms, carrots, or even peas during the last few hours of cooking makes Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy a one-pot wonder with extra nutrition and color.
How can I make this gluten-free?
To keep things gluten-free, use certified gluten-free onion soup mix and beef broth. Everything else in the ingredient list should already be safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Is browning the beef really necessary?
Browning is optional, but highly recommended! It adds a wonderful depth of flavor and makes the beef tips even more savory. If you’re pressed for time, you can skip this step and still have a fantastic meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s pure magic in a dinner that’s as low-effort as it is satisfying, and Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy delivers every single time. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for leftovers to savor all week, this is one cozy classic you’ll turn to again and again. Give it a try—you may just discover your new favorite comfort food!
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Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty slow-cooked dish, Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is a classic recipe perfect for a cozy family dinner. Tender beef stew meat or sirloin tips are simmered in a flavorful gravy until fork-tender, creating a delicious meal that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
Ingredients
Beef Tips:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or sirloin tips (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
Gravy:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for browning)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: (Optional) In a skillet, brown beef tips in olive oil for 2–3 minutes.
- Prepare Crock Pot: Add beef tips, onion, beef broth, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper to the crock pot. Stir gently.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until beef is tender.
- Thicken Gravy: In a bowl, mix cornstarch and water. Stir into the crock pot and cook on high for 20–30 minutes until thickened.
- Serve: Enjoy hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
Notes
- For richer flavor, substitute part of the broth with red wine.
- You can add mushrooms or carrots during the last few hours of cooking.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
