If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe is here to deliver just that. This dish transforms simple ingredients into tender, juicy beef steeped in a rich, flavorful gravy that’s pure comfort food magic. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, making the beef melt-in-your-mouth tender while the layered seasonings create a savory sauce that’s perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend treat, this recipe is a total winner for anyone who loves to come home to a delicious, fuss-free dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe lies in its simplicity — each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of taste, texture, and aroma. From savory seasonings to tender beef cuts, every component adds depth and richness that makes this meal so satisfying.
- 2 lbs beef stew meat: Cubed into 1-inch pieces, this is the foundation for tender, succulent bites after hours of slow cooking.
- 1 packet onion soup mix: A secret weapon that infuses the dish with a robust blend of onion and seasoning flavors.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) beef broth: Adds a savory, meaty base for your gravy that enriches every bite.
- ¼ cup water: Helps balance the flavors and keep everything perfectly saucy.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Gives a touch of umami and saltiness that enhances the beef’s natural flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity with its tangy, slightly sweet punch.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a mellow but essential garlic kick without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Deepens the savory profile alongside the onion soup mix beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: The perfect level of heat to round out the seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: To thicken the gravy into a silky, luscious sauce.
- 2 tablespoons cold water: Used to create the cornstarch slurry for that perfect gravy consistency.
How to Make Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start with your beef stew meat, making sure it’s cut into 1-inch cubes for the ideal bite size. Place all the beef pieces at the bottom of your Crock Pot — this way, the meat will slowly cook in its juices and absorb all the flavors from the sauce as it simmers.
Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Gravy
In a medium bowl, combine the onion soup mix, beef broth, water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper. Stir everything together until the seasonings are fully blended. This mixture will create a deeply savory gravy that’s simple but incredibly delicious.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Pour the gravy mix right over the beef in the Crock Pot, then give everything a gentle stir to make sure all the meat is coated. Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours — either way, the beef will become tender and juicy, soaking up all those rich flavors.
Step 4: Thicken the Gravy
If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix the cornstarch with cold water to make a smooth slurry. Stir this into your Crock Pot and cook on HIGH for another 10 to 15 minutes until the gravy thickens to that perfect luscious texture.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the gravy has thickened and the beef is tender, your Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe is ready to serve. This slow-cooked dish needs nothing more than your favorite starch to soak up all that wonderful sauce.
How to Serve Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top adds a fresh burst of color and a mild oniony lift that brightens the rich beef tips and gravy beautifully. For a little extra indulgence, try topping with a dollop of sour cream or a few crispy fried onions.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the savory gravy, buttery egg noodles that twirl with every bite, or even a bed of fluffy white rice. If you want to add some greens to your plate, steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans offer a crisp, fresh contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate by serving the beef tips over a baked potato that’s split and fluffed for an easy-to-eat comfort meal. You can also pile it onto open-faced sandwiches or buttery biscuits for a scrumptious twist on Southern-style beef and gravy goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect meal prep option or quick dinner on a busy night.
Freezing
This recipe freezes very well. Portion the beef and gravy into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy this comforting meal anytime with minimal effort.
Reheating
When reheating, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to keep the gravy smooth and ensure the beef heats through evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat is ideal for its tenderness and cooking time, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes or sirloin tips. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the cut’s toughness.
Is it possible to make this recipe on the stovetop?
Yes, though the slow cooker really helps tenderize the beef. On the stovetop, use a heavy pot or Dutch oven, brown the beef first, then simmer on low heat for about 2 to 3 hours until tender, stirring occasionally.
How can I make the gravy thicker without cornstarch?
You can use flour or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent instead of cornstarch. Mix it with cold water to make a slurry and follow the same process to thicken your gravy.
Can I add vegetables to the Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe?
Definitely! Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms make great additions. Add them at the start to cook alongside the beef, or halfway through if you want them less soft.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To keep this recipe gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and onion soup mix. Also, double-check Worcestershire sauce as some brands contain gluten.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm embrace after a long day, you really can’t go wrong with this Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe. It’s effortless to prepare, packs serious flavor, and leaves you with tender beef and luscious gravy that bring smiles all around the table. I encourage you to try it soon — it might just become your new favorite comfort food classic.
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Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes to 8 hours 25 minutes (depending on cooking setting)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy recipe features tender, juicy beef stew meat slow-cooked in a savory onion soup-based gravy. Perfect for an easy, comforting meal, the beef is cooked low and slow to absorb rich flavors and served best over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) beef broth
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Thickening Slurry
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Place the beef stew meat in the bottom of your Crock Pot to form an even layer.
- Mix the gravy: In a separate bowl, combine the onion soup mix, beef broth, ¼ cup water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper. Stir well to incorporate all the flavors.
- Add the gravy to the beef: Pour the prepared gravy mixture over the beef, stirring gently to ensure all the meat is coated evenly with the mixture.
- Cook the beef low and slow: Cover your Crock Pot and cook the beef on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and juicy.
- Prepare the thickening slurry: If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl until smooth.
- Thicken the gravy: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the Crock Pot and continue cooking on HIGH for an additional 10-15 minutes until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Spoon the beef tips and rich gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For best results, cut beef into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute beef broth with homemade broth for enhanced flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more black pepper or Worcestershire sauce if desired.
- If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour but make sure to mix it well with cold water to avoid lumps.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH plus 15 minutes for thickening
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
