This crock pot beef tips and gravy is one of those cozy, hands off dinners we lean on as a team when the day is busy. A few minutes in the morning, then the slow cooker turns simple pantry staples into fork tender beef in a rich gravy, which for us is exactly what real food for real life is all about.
This Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is the ultimate easy comfort food. Tender beef tips are slow cooked in a rich, savory gravy made from simple pantry staples, with almost no hands on effort. Perfect spooned over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, this beef tips and gravy is a hearty, satisfying meal for busy weeknights and cozy family dinners alike.
What makes this beef tips and gravy so good is the slow cooker. Hours of gentle heat turn the beef fork tender in a rich, savory gravy, perfect over mashed potatoes.
Why You Will Love This Beef Tips and Gravy
- Set it and forget it. The slow cooker does the work for tender beef tips and gravy.
- Rich, savory gravy. A simple mix turns into a deeply flavorful gravy.
- Fork tender beef. Slow cooking makes the beef melt in your mouth.
- Comfort food. Hearty and cozy, perfect over mashed potatoes.
- Easy weeknight meal. Just 10 minutes of prep in the morning.
What Makes This Beef Tips and Gravy So Good
The slow cooker is the secret here. Hours of low, gentle heat break down the beef until it is fork tender and let the flavors meld into a rich, savory gravy.
The gravy comes together from pantry staples. Beef broth, onion soup mix, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic create deep, savory flavor with almost no effort.
Cornstarch thickens everything beautifully. As it cooks, the liquid turns into a glossy, spoonable gravy that coats the beef and whatever you serve it over.
The result is a classic, comforting gravy that is perfect spooned over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
Optional Pro Tip: The Best Beef Tips and Gravy
Pat the beef dry before adding it to the slow cooker. Removing surface moisture helps the meat and gravy develop deeper, richer flavor as they cook.
For an extra thick gravy, stir a cornstarch and water slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This gives you a glossy, spoonable gravy without any lumps.
Tips for the Best Beef Tips and Gravy
- Pat the beef dry. This helps build richer flavor.
- Use chuck or sirloin tips. These cuts turn tender when slow cooked.
- Low and slow is best. Cooking on low gives the most tender beef.
- Stir if you can. An occasional stir blends the flavors.
- Thicken at the end. Add a slurry in the last 30 minutes.
- Taste before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste.
- Use low sodium broth. This lets you control the salt level.
- Do not lift the lid often. It releases heat and slows cooking.
Variations and Add Ins
This beef tips and gravy is easy to adapt.
- Add mushrooms. Sliced mushrooms add savory, earthy depth.
- Add onions. Sliced onions cook down into the gravy.
- Make it creamy. Stir in a little sour cream at the end.
- Use cream of mushroom. Swap in a can for an extra rich gravy.
- Add balsamic. A splash of balsamic vinegar deepens the savory flavor.
- More herbs. Add rosemary or a bay leaf while it cooks.
- Serve over egg noodles. A classic, cozy pairing.
- Add a kick. A dash of hot sauce adds gentle heat.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover beef tips and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavor is often even better the next day.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the gravy. This dish also freezes well for up to three months.
Serving Suggestions for Beef Tips and Gravy
Beef tips and gravy is pure comfort food, and it shines spooned over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. The potatoes soak up all of that rich, savory gravy.
Rice and buttered egg noodles are also classic, cozy bases. For a lighter option, try it over mashed cauliflower or alongside roasted vegetables.
Round out the meal with a simple green vegetable like steamed green beans or a crisp side salad. A piece of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up extra gravy.
- Over mashed potatoes. The classic, cozy pairing.
- Over egg noodles. Hearty and comforting.
- With green beans. A simple, fresh side.
- With crusty bread. Perfect for the extra gravy.
For another cozy, hands off dinner, our slow cooker chicken stew is a comforting favorite to try.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cut of beef for beef tips?
Chuck roast or sirloin tips work best. They have enough fat and connective tissue to become tender and flavorful during the long, slow cooking.
Do I need to brown the beef first?
No, you can add it straight to the slow cooker for ease. Patting it dry helps with flavor, and browning first is an optional step for even deeper flavor.
How long does it take in the slow cooker?
Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. Low and slow gives the most tender, fall apart beef.
How do I thicken the gravy?
The cornstarch in the sauce thickens it as it cooks. For an even thicker gravy, stir in a cornstarch and water slurry during the last 30 minutes.
Can I make this gluten free?
Yes. Use a gluten free onion soup mix and check that your Worcestershire sauce and broth are gluten free. Cornstarch is naturally gluten free.
What should I serve it over?
Mashed potatoes are the classic choice, but rice, egg noodles, or mashed cauliflower all work beautifully for soaking up the gravy.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Mushrooms and onions are great stirred in, and you can add carrots or potatoes to make it a complete one pot meal.
Can I freeze beef tips and gravy?
Yes. Cool it completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently with a splash of broth.
Why is my beef tough?
Tough beef usually needs more time. Keep cooking on low until it turns fork tender, as the connective tissue needs time to break down.
Can I use a stovetop or oven instead?
Yes. Simmer it gently in a covered pot on the stove or in a low oven until the beef is tender, adding broth as needed to keep it saucy.
Cozy Comfort in One Pot
This crock pot beef tips and gravy is the ultimate easy comfort food, with fork tender beef in a rich, savory gravy that practically makes itself. Just a few minutes of prep gives you a hearty, satisfying dinner.
Spooned over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, it is the kind of cozy, home cooked meal the whole family will love. Once you try it, this slow cooker favorite is sure to earn a regular spot on your table.
Craving more easy comfort food? Our creamy Cajun chicken pasta is another hearty, crowd pleasing favorite to try next.
Results vary by ingredients, equipment, and cooking conditions. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the stew meat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Place the beef in a 6 quart slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, onion soup mix, thyme, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the beef, making sure the meat is fully coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, stirring occasionally if possible.
- For a thicker gravy, mix 1 to 2 teaspoons cornstarch with a little water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Spoon the beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles and serve.
Nutrition
Notes
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