Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is a classic comfort food dish featuring tender, slow-cooked beef in a rich, savory gravy. This easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. With minimal prep and a set-it-and-forget-it cooking method, you can enjoy a hearty, homemade meal with very little effort.
This dish is incredibly versatile, pairing well with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles. The beef becomes fall-apart tender, while the gravy thickens into a flavorful sauce that soaks into whatever base you choose.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Effortless Cooking – Just combine the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work.
✔ Tender, Juicy Beef – Slow cooking ensures perfectly tender beef tips.
✔ Rich, Flavorful Gravy – A savory sauce made with broth, onion soup mix, and seasonings.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Make it ahead and store leftovers for an easy reheat.
✔ Family-Friendly – A hearty, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Preparation Phase & Essential Tools
Tools You’ll Need
- 6-quart slow cooker – The perfect size for even cooking.
- Mixing bowl – To whisk together the seasoning mixture.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
- Whisk – Ensures the cornstarch dissolves properly in the broth.
- Tongs – Useful for mixing and serving the beef.
Each of these tools helps create a seamless cooking process, ensuring that the beef tips come out tender and the gravy is smooth.
Ingredients
For the Beef Tips and Gravy:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 (1 oz) packet dry onion soup mix
- 2 cups beef broth
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef
- Pat the beef stew meat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps with better browning and texture.
- Place the beef into a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Mix the Seasonings
- In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Beef broth
- Dry onion soup mix
- Dried thyme
- Minced garlic
- Ketchup
- Worcestershire sauce
- Cornstarch
- Salt and pepper
- Whisk until smooth and well combined.
3. Pour Over the Beef
- Pour the seasoning mixture over the beef, ensuring it is fully coated.
4. Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and the gravy has thickened.
5. Serve
- Stir the gravy and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Expert Tips for Best Results
- For a thicker gravy – Remove some of the cooking liquid, whisk in an extra 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch mixed with water, and return it to the slow cooker. Stir until thickened.
- For added flavor – Sauté mushrooms, carrots, or pearl onions and add them halfway through the cooking time.
- For the most tender meat – Cook on low heat for the full 7-8 hours. High heat can cause the beef to be tough.
- For a gluten-free version – Use gluten-free onion soup mix and beef broth.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
The ultimate classic pairing, mashed potatoes provide a creamy base that soaks up the flavorful gravy. Use butter, cream, and a touch of garlic for extra richness.
2. Steamed White or Brown Rice
Rice is a simple, hearty option that absorbs the savory gravy beautifully. Brown rice adds a slightly nutty flavor and a bit more texture, while white rice keeps it classic.
3. Buttered Egg Noodles
Egg noodles are another traditional choice, adding a tender, buttery element that pairs perfectly with the beef and gravy.
4. Roasted Vegetables
For a lighter, healthier contrast, roasted vegetables bring natural sweetness and a bit of crunch. Try carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for a colorful side.
5. Simple Green Salad
A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish. Consider a mix of arugula, spinach, or romaine with a lemon or balsamic dressing.
6. Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls
Warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up every bit of the gravy.
7. Corn on the Cob
A sweet and buttery side, corn on the cob pairs well with the savory depth of the dish.
8. Green Beans Almondine
This classic side dish of green beans tossed with butter and toasted almonds adds a slight crunch and nutty flavor that complements the beef.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using the Wrong Cut of Beef
Not all cuts of beef work well in a slow cooker. Stew meat, chuck roast, or sirloin tips are best because they become tender with long, slow cooking. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin steak, which can become dry.
2. Cooking on High Heat
While it may be tempting to cook on high to save time, this can result in tough, chewy meat. Cooking on low for 7-8 hours allows the beef to become fork-tender.
3. Not Thickening the Gravy Properly
If the gravy is too thin, mix 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch with water and stir it into the slow cooker. Allow it to cook a few more minutes until thickened.
4. Adding Vegetables Too Early
If using mushrooms, carrots, or pearl onions, add them halfway through cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft or mushy.
5. Skipping the Seasoning Adjustment
Always taste the gravy before serving and adjust seasoning as needed. A pinch of salt or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the flavors.
How to Perfect the Recipe
- For extra depth of flavor, brown the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This adds caramelization and enhances the savory taste.
- Use homemade beef broth instead of store-bought for a richer, more complex flavor.
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- For a richer gravy, stir in a tablespoon of butter just before serving.
Expert Tips for the Best Beef Tips and Gravy
1. Use the Right Cut of Beef
For the most tender results, use stew meat, chuck roast, or sirloin tips. These cuts have enough fat and connective tissue to break down and become fork-tender during slow cooking.
2. Brown the Meat for More Flavor
Although not required, searing the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker develops a deeper flavor. This extra step caramelizes the meat, adding a rich, savory taste to the gravy.
3. Adjust the Thickness of the Gravy
If the gravy is too thin, mix 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch with cold water, then stir it into the slow cooker and let it cook for a few more minutes until thickened.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker
Make sure the beef is evenly coated in the sauce and that the slow cooker isn’t too full. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
5. Let the Dish Rest Before Serving
Allow the beef and gravy to sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors fully develop and makes the dish even more delicious.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, place cooled beef tips and gravy in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions
- Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If needed, add a splash of beef broth to loosen the gravy.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Slow Cooker: Reheat on low for 1-2 hours if reheating a larger portion.
Can You Make It Ahead of Time?
Yes! This recipe stores well, so you can cook it in advance and reheat when needed. The flavors often develop even more after sitting overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use chuck roast, sirloin tips, or bottom round. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin steak, as they may become dry.
2. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free onion soup mix and gluten-free beef broth. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so you won’t need to adjust the thickening method.
3. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes! Mushrooms, pearl onions, and carrots work well. Add them halfway through cooking so they don’t become too soft.
4. What should I do if my beef is tough?
If the beef is tough, it likely needs more cooking time. Keep it on low for another 30-60 minutes, and it should become tender.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but make sure your slow cooker is large enough. A 6-quart slow cooker can handle a double batch, but avoid overfilling it.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is a simple, flavorful meal that delivers tender beef and a rich, savory gravy with minimal effort. With the right side dishes, proper storage techniques, and expert tips, you can enjoy this dish at its best every time. Whether making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for later, this slow cooker recipe is a reliable comfort food favorite.
Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
Ingredients
For the Beef Tips and Gravy:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 1 oz packet dry onion soup mix
- 2 cups beef broth
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Beef:
- Pat the stew meat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Place the beef in a 6-quart slow cooker.
Mix the Seasonings:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, dry onion soup mix, thyme, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the beef in the slow cooker, ensuring the meat is fully coated.
Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and flavorful.
Serve:
- Serve the beef tips and gravy hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
