Savory Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe for Effortless Dinners

Growing up, my grandma swore by her rich, melt-in-your-mouth slow cooker beef tips and gravy recipe, insisting it brought our family together on chilly evenings. But is it really possible to replicate that comfort-food magic without hours of attention? According to a recent survey, 72% of home cooks believe restaurant-quality beef dishes require constant stovetop supervision. This easy slow cooker beef tips and gravy recipe shatters that myth—simply toss ingredients into your crockpot, set it, and let low, steady heat transform budget-friendly stew meat into tender morsels bathed in silky gravy. Ready to discover why this recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights?

Ingredients List

this now & bake later ❤️

Timing

• Prep time: 10 minutes (seasoning meat, measuring ingredients)
• Cook time: 6–8 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH in the slow cooker
• Thickening time: 5 minutes after cooking
• Total active time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 6–8 hours (hands-off cooking saves you about 90% of active time compared to stovetop braises)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear the Beef Tips

Pat stew meat dry and season evenly with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. In a hot skillet, sear beef tips in a little oil for 2 minutes per side until browned. This Maillard reaction locks in juices and adds depth of flavor. Transfer meat to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Sprinkle minced garlic and the dry onion soup mix over the seared beef. Pour in beef broth, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently to distribute seasonings and ensure all meat is submerged halfway for even cooking.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours (or HIGH for 3–4 hours). During this time, slow, moist heat breaks down connective tissue, turning tough cuts into tender beef tips in rich gravy.

Step 4: Thicken the Gravy

About 15 minutes before serving, whisk cornstarch with 3 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, then cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until gravy reaches a silky, spoon-coating consistency.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper, if desired. Serve your slow cooker beef tips and gravy piping hot over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or fluffy rice for the ultimate comfort meal.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (approximately 1½ cups of beef and gravy):

• Calories: 410 kcal
• Protein: 30 g
• Total Fat: 25 g (38% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 10 g (50% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 14 g (5% DV)
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugars: 3 g
• Sodium: 820 mg (34% DV)

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Lean cuts: Use sirloin tips or trimmed stew meat to reduce saturated fat.
• Lower sodium: Choose a low-sodium beef broth and reduce added salt, relying on Worcestershire sauce for umami.
• Gluten-free: Substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder; ensure your onion soup mix is gluten-free.
• Veggie boost: Stir in diced carrots and mushrooms an hour before the end of cooking for added nutrients and volume.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic pairing: Spoon beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
• Homestyle bake: Place over buttered egg noodles in a casserole, top with shredded cheddar, and broil for a bubbly finish.
• Southern style: Serve alongside creamy grits or over warm biscuits for a soul-warming twist.
• Vegetable mash: Offer garlic mashed cauliflower for a low-carb alternative that soaks up every drop of gravy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the sear: Browning meat adds flavor; don’t skip this step even if short on time.
• Overthickening: Add slurry gradually; too much cornstarch can turn gravy gluey.
• Lifting the lid: Avoid checking cooking progress too often; each lift releases heat and extends cook time.
• Underseasoning: Slow cooking can mute seasonings—always taste and adjust at the end.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

• Refrigeration: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze portions of beef and gravy separately for up to 3 months to maintain texture; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally; add a splash of broth if gravy has thickened too much.

Conclusion

This slow cooker beef tips and gravy recipe proves that you can enjoy tender, flavorful beef with velvety gravy without constant stovetop attention. With minimal prep, affordable ingredients, and hands-off cooking, you’ll have a family-pleasing meal ready whenever you walk through the door. Try this recipe tonight, then share your feedback and favorite serving style in the comments below—don’t forget to subscribe for more easy, data-driven slow cooker recipes!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen beef tips?

Yes—no need to thaw; simply extend cooking time by 1–2 hours on LOW to ensure meat reaches tenderness.

Q2: How do I prevent the gravy from separating?

Ensure your slurry is well-mixed before adding and stir gently; avoid overcooking after adding cornstarch.

Q3: Can I add vegetables at the start?

Root vegetables like carrots and potatoes work well added at the beginning; delicate veggies should be added in the last hour.

Q4: Is this recipe dairy-free?

Yes—this recipe contains no dairy. For a creamier gravy, you can stir in a splash of coconut milk at the end.

Q5: What other cuts of beef work?

Chuck roast, bottom round, or brisket cut into cubes are excellent slow-cooker options for this hearty dish.

Savory Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Evelyn Marcella Rivera
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 People 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Tender, fork-tender beef tips slowly braised in a rich, aromatic gravy infused with garlic, thyme, and savory onion soup mix. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights—just set it and forget it!

---

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs Stew meat (beef tips Hearty, becomes fork-tender)
• 1 tsp Salt (Enhances natural beef flavor)
• 1 tsp Black pepper (Adds gentle warmth)
• 1/2 tsp Dried thyme (Earthy aromatic undertone)
• 3 Tbsp Garlic minced (Pungent depth)
• 1 1 oz package Dry onion soup mix (Savory base with onion and herb seasoning)
• 2 cups Beef broth (Liquid base for gravy adds umami)
• 3 Tbsp Ketchup (Balances acidity and sweetness)
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce (Boosts savory complexity)
• 3 Tbsp Cornstarch (Thickens gravy to silky consistency)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

Season the Beef:

1. In a mixing bowl, toss beef tips with salt, pepper, thyme, minced garlic, and dry onion soup mix until evenly coated.
2. (Optional) Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear beef in batches, 1–2 minutes per side, until browned. Transfer to slow cooker.

Assemble in Slow Cooker:

1. Add beef broth, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine with beef and aromatics.

Slow Cook:

1. Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours (or on High for 4 hours), until the beef is fork-tender and the flavors have melded.

Thicken the Gravy:

1. In the last 15 minutes of cooking, whisk cornstarch with 2 Tbsp cold water to form a slurry.
2. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, cover, and continue cooking until the gravy is thickened and glossy.

Serve:

1. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
2. Spoon beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.

Notes

• Browning the Meat: Though optional, searing beef before slow cooking deepens the flavor and adds color.

• Make-Ahead: Assemble in the morning and let it cook all day; it’s perfect for busy schedules.

• Storage: Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.

• Freezing: Freeze cooled beef and gravy in portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

 

 

Ask ChatGPT

 

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: American, Comfort Food, Slow Cooker Recipes

Nutrition

• Calories: 450