There are certain recipes that never go out of style. They carry the warmth of home, the aroma of family dinners, and the comfort of food that soothes both the body and the soul. One such dish is Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy.
This meal is the definition of classic comfort food. Tender chunks of beef, slow-cooked until they practically melt in your mouth, are bathed in a savory, rich gravy that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether served over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttered noodles, this dish transforms a simple dinner into a heartwarming experience.
The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its flavor but also in its convenience. With the slow cooker doing most of the heavy lifting, even the busiest cook can serve a meal that tastes like it took hours of careful preparation. It’s a perfect option for weeknights, family gatherings, meal prep, or cozy Sunday dinners.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy. From choosing the best cut of beef to serving suggestions, variations, tips, common mistakes to avoid, nutritional breakdown, and frequently asked questions, this article provides everything you need for success in the kitchen.
So, let’s dive into the comforting world of beef tips and gravy made simple with the slow cooker.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking – Once everything is in the crock pot, the slow cooker does all the work.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef – Long, slow cooking turns even affordable cuts of beef into tender perfection.
- Rich & Flavorful Gravy – A savory sauce develops naturally as the beef simmers.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – The dish stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Family-friendly, hearty, and satisfying, it’s a dish everyone loves.
- Versatile Serving Options – Delicious over potatoes, rice, noodles, or even cauliflower mash.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable cuts of beef while delivering restaurant-quality flavor.
Tools & Equipment
To make this recipe as smooth as possible, you’ll need a few kitchen basics:
- Slow Cooker (6-quart or larger) – Ensures even cooking.
- Mixing Bowl – For preparing sauces and seasoning.
- Whisk – Helps blend cornstarch and liquids.
- Tongs – Useful for searing or handling beef.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accuracy.
- Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – If trimming or preparing beef and optional vegetables.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for a classic version of Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy:
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast or sirloin tips are best)
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 (1 oz) packet dry onion soup mix (use gluten-free if necessary)
- 3 tbsp ketchup (adds subtle tang and depth)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (rich umami flavor)
- 3 tbsp minced garlic (fresh or jarred)
- ½ tsp dried thyme (earthy and aromatic)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
For the Gravy
- 3 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
- 2–3 tbsp cold water (to make a slurry)
Optional Additions
- Carrots, mushrooms, or pearl onions – for extra flavor and texture
- A pinch of red pepper flakes – if you want a little heat
- Fresh parsley – for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef
- Pat beef dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- (Optional but recommended) Sear the beef in a hot skillet with a little oil for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. This step adds depth of flavor.
- Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
2. Make the Seasoning Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Beef broth
- Dry onion soup mix
- Worcestershire sauce
- Ketchup
- Garlic
- Thyme
- Salt and pepper
Pour this mixture evenly over the beef in the crock pot.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
- Cook on low for 7–8 hours (best method for tender beef) or high for 4–5 hours (if short on time).
4. Thicken the Gravy
- About 30 minutes before cooking ends, mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the slow cooker.
- Continue cooking until the gravy thickens.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Spoon the tender beef tips and rich gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or your favorite base.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cracked black pepper.
Variations of Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
One of the best parts about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some creative twists:
- Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free onion soup mix and beef broth.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles instead of potatoes or rice.
- Vegetable Boost – Add mushrooms, carrots, or pearl onions halfway through cooking.
- Spicy Kick – Mix in chili flakes, cayenne, or hot sauce.
- Creamier Gravy – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream before serving.
- Herb Lovers’ Version – Add rosemary, oregano, or fresh thyme sprigs for deeper flavor.
- Wine-Infused Gravy – Replace part of the beef broth with red wine for a richer sauce.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
- Using the Wrong Cut of Meat
- Lean cuts dry out. Stick with stew meat, chuck roast, or sirloin tips.
- Cooking on High Too Long
- High heat can toughen beef. Low and slow works best.
- Skipping the Sear
- While optional, browning the beef adds depth and makes the gravy more flavorful.
- Gravy Too Thin
- Always use a cornstarch slurry, not just plain cornstarch. Add it in the last 30 minutes.
- Not Adjusting Seasoning
- Taste before serving. Slow cooking mellows salt and spices, so adjust as needed.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with hearty sides that soak up the gravy:
- Mashed potatoes (classic choice)
- White or brown rice
- Buttered egg noodles
- Garlic mashed cauliflower (low-carb)
- Biscuits or dinner rolls
- Polenta
- Roasted potatoes
- Crusty artisan bread
For a balanced meal, serve alongside steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, or a fresh green salad.
Perfect Side Dishes
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Buttered Egg Noodles
- Steamed Broccoli
- Roasted Carrots
- Dinner Rolls
- Green Beans Almondine
- Cornbread
- Cauliflower Mash
Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium-low, adding broth if too thick.
- Slow Cooker: Reheat on low for 1–2 hours for larger portions.
Nutrition (Approx. per Serving)
(based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: ~640mg
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use flour instead of cornstarch?
Yes, but cornstarch gives a smoother, glossier gravy.
2. Can I cook on high instead of low?
Yes, but the beef is more tender when cooked low and slow.
3. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, carrots, and onions are excellent choices.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be if you use gluten-free soup mix and broth.
5. What’s the best beef cut to use?
Chuck roast, sirloin tips, or stew meat.
6. Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Flavors deepen after resting overnight.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is the ultimate comfort meal—rich, hearty, and simple. The slow cooker turns basic ingredients into a dish that tastes like it came from a family kitchen passed down through generations. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe delivers every time.
