If you’re craving a hearty, soul-soothing meal that practically makes itself, you’re going to love this Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe. Tender chunks of beef slowly cooked to perfection in a rich, savory gravy create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this recipe brings effortless comfort and a depth of flavor that transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key, and luckily this Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe calls for simple pantry staples and fresh beef that come together to create amazing flavor and texture. Each element plays its part to create a luscious, satisfying dish that’s totally worth savoring.
- 2 lbs beef stew meat: Choose well-marbled, 1-inch cubes for juicy, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- 1 packet onion soup mix: Adds a robust onion flavor with herbs that build the base of your gravy.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) beef broth: Deepens the savory notes and keeps the beef juicy as it cooks.
- ¼ cup water: Balances the broth and helps create the perfect gravy consistency.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Brings umami richness and a touch of saltiness to enhance all other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds tangy depth and complexity you won’t want to skip.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, subtle garlic flavor without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the savory onion taste layered with the soup mix.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Delivers a gentle kick of spice to brighten the dish.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: This thickens the gravy perfectly once the beef is tender.
- 2 tablespoons cold water: Used to make a smooth slurry for thickening the sauce without lumps.
How to Make Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by placing your beef stew meat into the bottom of your Crock Pot. Using 1-inch cubes ensures the pieces cook evenly and get tender without drying out. This forms the hearty base of your dish.
Step 2: Mix the Gravy Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the onion soup mix, beef broth, water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This flavorful mixture will infuse the beef with its rich taste as it cooks.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Pour the gravy mixture over the beef cubes, stirring gently so every piece is coated well. Cover the Crock Pot and set it to LOW for 6-8 hours, or HIGH for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the beef is meltingly tender and soaked with that delicious, savory gravy.
Step 4: Thicken the Gravy
If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix the cornstarch with cold water to form a smooth slurry. Add this to the Crock Pot, then switch to HIGH heat for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally, and watch your gravy become silky and luscious.
Step 5: Ready to Serve
Once your beef tips and gravy are perfectly cooked and thickened, it’s time to plate up and enjoy. The aroma alone is enough to make anyone’s mouth water!
How to Serve Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives to brighten the dish and add a pop of color. It’s a simple touch that elevates the presentation and adds a subtle fresh flavor contrast to the rich gravy.
Side Dishes
This Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe shines when paired with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttered egg noodles. These sides soak up the thick gravy beautifully, making every bite a comforting delight. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots add a lovely fresh crunch alongside the rich beef.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the beef tips over a baked potato loaded with sour cream and chives, or spoon the gravy over savory garlic bread for dipping. You can also pile the tender beef onto warm biscuits for an indulgent twist on a classic beef biscuit sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover beef tips and gravy cool completely, then transfer into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making your leftovers even tastier.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to keep the gravy smooth and prevent sticking. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While stew meat works best for tenderness, you can use chuck roast cut into cubes if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the beef becomes tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use a gluten-free onion soup mix and soy sauce, this Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe can easily be gluten-free. Just double-check ingredient labels to be sure.
Can I make this on the stove instead of a Crock Pot?
You can, but you’ll need to simmer the beef in a covered pot for about 2-3 hours until tender. The slow cooker makes the process hands-off and conveniently slow, maximizing flavor and tenderness.
How can I make the gravy thicker without cornstarch?
Flour or arrowroot powder can be used as substitutes for cornstarch. Just create a slurry with cold water first, then stir into the crock pot to thicken the gravy.
Can I add vegetables to the Crock Pot?
Yes! Adding carrots, mushrooms, or pearl onions during the last 2 hours of cooking adds lovely texture and flavor. Just make sure not to overcook the veggies to keep them tender but not mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and slow cooking combine to create something truly special. It’s comfort food that feels homemade yet effortless, perfect for any day you want to relax and indulge. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this classic dish as much as I do — happy cooking!
Print
Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy recipe is a comforting and flavorful slow-cooked dish that features tender beef stew meat simmered in a savory onion soup-based gravy. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal, it pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles for a satisfying dinner.
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 create a base for the gravy and ensure even cooking.
- Make the gravy mixture: In a bowl, combine the onion soup mix, beef broth, water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well to incorporate all the flavors.
- Combine and stir: Pour the gravy mixture over the beef meat in the Crock Pot and stir gently to coat all pieces evenly with the sauce.
- Slow cook the beef: Cover the Crock Pot and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and juicy, absorbing all the savory flavors from the sauce.
- Prepare the thickening slurry: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a smooth slurry that will help thicken the gravy.
- Thicken the gravy: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the Crock Pot and cook on HIGH for an additional 10-15 minutes until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve the dish: Ladle the beef tips and thickened gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles for a comforting and hearty meal.
Notes
- For best results, use a good quality beef stew meat to ensure tenderness after slow cooking.
- You can adjust the seasoning by adding extra garlic or onion powder if desired.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, use gluten-free onion soup mix and soy sauce alternatives.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, simply serve without buttered noodles or substitute with vegetable sides.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (LOW) or 3 to 4 hours (HIGH)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
