Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy (2024)

by Ryan Allen 28 Comments

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Tender chunks of stew meat are seasoned before being slow-cooked to perfection in this easy recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy! Made with just ten ingredients, the result is a mouthwatering beef dish with a savory gravy that is perfect for serving over your favorite starch!

Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy (1)

If you're a fan of classic comfort foods, you can't go wrong with beef tips and gravy! This dish is a beloved staple in many households, and for a good reason - it's hearty, savory, and delicious. This easy slow cooker meal features tender chunks of slow-cooked stew meat until they practically melt in your mouth while smothered in a rich, savory gravy. The flavors are warm and comforting, making it a perfect dish for a cozy night or family gathering.

While there are a few ways you can make this dish, slow-cooking the beef makes it incredibly tender and juicy while infusing it with all the flavors of the seasoning and gravy. And since you don't have to hover over the stove, the slow cooker makes this dish easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.

This main course is versatile and can be paired with a variety of starches and sides, such as classic rice or popular egg noodles. The egg noodles are particularly great, absorbing the savory gravy and offering a tender and flavorful base for the beef. Mashed potatoes are a comforting and filling option that complements the hearty beef tips perfectly.

And, if you're looking for something a little lighter, you could try serving the beef tips over roasted vegetables, with some corn on the cob, or a bed of greens. No matter what you choose to serve it with, beef tips and gravy will earn a spot on your dinner rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • The crock pot makes it incredibly easy to prepare and requires minimal hands-on time.
  • The beef becomes incredibly tender and flavorful after being slow-cooked for hours, making it perfect for anyone who loves a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • The rich, savory gravy is full of flavor and pairs perfectly with a variety of starches and sides, making it a versatile dish.
  • With just a handful of simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. This recipe is an affordable way to create a delicious and comforting meal.

Ingredients

  • Stew Meat - You can find stew meat already chopped in the grocery store. It tends to be a tougher cut of meat. That is perfect for slow cooking as it allows it to break down and become tender.
  • Salt and Black Pepper - These are classic seasonings that add flavor to the stew meat. It will also enhance the dish's overall taste.
  • Dried Thyme - This herb adds a subtle earthy and slightly sweet flavor to the beef that complements the other ingredients in the recipe.
  • Garlic - The minced garlic adds a fragrant and savory flavor to the beef and gravy.
  • Dry Onion Soup Mix - This pre-packaged mix of dehydrated onions, spices, and other ingredients adds depth and richness to the dish.
  • Beef Broth - This liquid is the base for the gravy, providing a savory and meaty flavor that complements the beef.
  • Ketchup - This ingredient adds a subtle sweetness and tang to the gravy, helping to balance out the savory flavors.
  • Worcestershire Sauce - This sauce adds a rich umami flavor to the beef and gravy, enhancing the overall savory taste of the dish.
  • Cornstarch - This ingredient thickens the gravy and gives it a smooth, velvety texture.

How To Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy

Prepare stew meat: Remove the meat from the package and pat it dry with paper towels. Add it to the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.

Season the beef: To a mixing bowl, add the salt, pepper, thyme, garlic, onion soup, beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch. Whisk together until well combined, and pour over beef tips.

Cover and cook: Add the lid to the top and cook the beef on LOW for 7-8 hours.

Remove and serve: Ladle the beef tips with gravy over slow cooker rice, noodles, or crock pot mashed potatoes while hot. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy (2)

Tips For The Best Results

  • For best results, use a 6-quart slow cooker to ensure that the beef cooks evenly and the flavors meld together properly.
  • For a deeper, richer flavor, sear the beef tips in a hot skillet with butter or oil for a few minutes before adding them to the slow cooker.
  • If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of cold water before adding it to the slow cooker. This will help to prevent lumps from forming.
  • If you want to add more vegetables to the dish, add diced onions, carrots, or potatoes to the slow cooker.
  • To save time, you can prepare the seasoning mixture the night before. Then, store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to start cooking.

Variations

  • Try using different cuts of beef, such as chuck roast or sirloin, for a slightly different texture and flavor.
  • To make the recipe gluten-free, omit the dry onion soup mix and use a gluten-free soup packet or more gluten-free beef broth.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the slow cooker on top of the beef to make the dish spicier.
  • For a lower-carb option, serve the beef tips over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of rice or noodles.
  • Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the crock pot to make the dish even more flavorful.
Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy (3)

Storage

Storing: Leftover beef tips and gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Reheating: To reheat the leftovers, simply microwave them or warm them up on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through. If the gravy has thickened too much after being stored in the refrigerator, add a splash of beef broth or water to thin it out before reheating. To prevent the beef from becoming dry when reheated, add a splash of beef broth or water to the container before reheating.
Freezing: To freeze the beef tips and gravy, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag to freeze for up to three months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQ

Can this recipe be cooked on HIGH instead of LOW?

For best results, beef tips are cooked LOW to ensure that they become tender and flavorful. Cooking them on HIGH could result in tougher meat and less flavorful gravy. However, if you're short on time, cook the beef tips on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Keep in mind that the beef may not be as tender.

Can I use a different type of meat besides stew meat?

Yes, you can use a different type of meat, such as a chuck roast or sirloin. The cooking time may vary depending on the cut of meat you use. Stew meat is a tougher cut that benefits from slow cooking to become tender. So, if you use a different cut of meat, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What can I use if I don't have an onion soup mix?

If you don't have an onion soup mix packet. Make your own by combining minced onion, beef bullion, parsley flakes, celery seed, paprika, and black pepper.

Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy (4)

More Slow Cooker Beef Recipes

  • Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast
  • Crock Pot French Dip Recipe
  • Crock Pot Steak Bites Recipe
  • The Best Slow Cooker Beef Stew
  • Easy Crock Pot Pepper Steak with Onions
  • Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef

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Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy (5)

Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy

Author: Ryan Allen

Tender chunks of stew meat are seasoned with salt, black pepper, and thyme before being slow-cooked to perfection in this easy recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy! Made with just ten ingredients, the result is a mouthwatering beef dish with a savory gravy that is perfect for serving over your favorite starch!

5 from 69 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 375 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place stew meat in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.

  • Add salt, pepper, thyme, garlic, onion soup, beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch to a medium bowl. Whisk together and pour over beef tips.

  • Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours.

  • Serve over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 375kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 52gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 141mgSodium: 1334mgPotassium: 938mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 69IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 73mgIron: 5mg

*Nutrition information is an estimate. It may vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact ingredient numbers, I recommend calculating them with your preferred nutrition calculator.

Keyword Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Pam

    Fixed this tonight & it turned out delicious. I cubed up petite sirloins that are always on sale. Will make again for guests.

    Reply

    • Ryan Allen

      I am so glad you liked it.

      Reply

      • Nancy K

        Have made great beef tips on the stove for years. Made this a week ago, and it was a huge hit! Hubby requested it again, so it’s for dinner tonight.

        You combine easy, and delicious, and you have a winning combination.

        Reply

        • Ryan Allen

          Thank you so much. I am so glad it was a win for your family.

          Reply

    • Ryan Allen

      I am so glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply

  2. Lorna

    Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy (10)
    Made this last night for my son's and I, and we loved it! My youngest (28yrs old) wanted to know when I was going to make it again!!!

    Reply

    • Ryan Allen

      That is awesome! I hope your son gets some more soon.

      Reply

  3. Kim

    Do you add water too the soup or put it in dry thank you

    Reply

    • Ryan Allen

      No need to add water. Just add the soup mix in dry.

      Reply

  4. Melanie

    Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy (11)
    OMG Thia was so good. I'll definitely be making it again

    Reply

    • Ryan Allen

      I am so happy to hear you really enjoyed it.

      Reply

  5. Sarah

    If I want to add carrots do I add them at the beginning?

    Reply

    • Ryan Allen

      If you are using fresh carrots I would add them at the beginning.

      Reply

  6. Bobbi

    Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy (12)
    The name says it all, the best beef tips and gravy. I've made a lot of beef tips in my life. This is by far the best. Thank you for the recipe.

    Reply

    • Ryan Allen

      You are welcome! I am so glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply

      • Sandy

        This looks so good. I am making this for 12 people can I double the recipe in 2 crockpots? For a total of 4xs? Would anything need to change? Thank You!

        Reply

        • Ryan Allen

          I would keep it as is. I have doubled the recipe several times and it comes out so good every time.

          Reply

  7. Sarah

    Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy (13)
    I made this one time before and it was amazing!!

    Can it be one of those recipes that can all be mixed together and frozen to be cooked later?

    Reply

    • Ryan Allen

      Yes, you can definitely make it ahead of time and freeze it.

      Reply

  8. Shannon

    can I double recipe

    Reply

    • Ryan Allen

      Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled.

      Reply

  9. Shannon

    Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy (14)
    thank u

    Reply

  10. Eileen

    This recipe is great! Have used it several times and it always comes out amazing! Thanks for sharing this recipe!

    Reply

    • Ryan Allen

      You are welcome! It is one of my family's favorite recipes.

      Reply

  11. Kathy

    Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy (15)
    This dish was absolutely delicious, and so easy to make. I’m not a good cook. Well in fact I hate to cook so this recipe is perfect. My Husband is a very picky eater so it’s hard to find recipes that he likes but this one he loved So he gave it a 10. Made me happy.

    Reply

    • Ryan Allen

      I am so glad that you enjoyed them.

      Reply

  12. Mary

    Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy (16)
    Delicious! And so easy to make!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy (2024)

FAQs

Do I have to brown beef before putting in slow cooker? ›

"Browning, or caramelizing, meat before putting it into a slow cooker isn't 100 percent necessary, but it is well worth the effort for the most flavorful and full-bodied end result," he says. "The caramelized surface of the meat will lend rich flavor and color to the finished dish."

Are beef tips the same as stew meat? ›

Stew meat usually contains a tougher cut of meat (such as a chuck or rump roast) which is best suited for making Slow Cooker Beef Stew. Beef Tips should be prepared with a more tender cut of meat such as sirloin or tenderloin, unless they're being prepared in the Slow Cooker.

Does beef get more tender the longer you cook it in a slow cooker? ›

Your meat will be juicier and more tender

The longer cooking time and the low heat complement each other perfectly. As a result, even though the meat is cooked for far longer, it doesn't dry out because the temperature is low. As a result, this is the best way to retain all the natural juices of the meat.

How do you keep beef tender in a slow cooker? ›

Simply add the meat to your slow cooker with aromatics, stock and sauces and cook either on High for 4-5 hours or on Low for 5-8 hours. How do you make meat tender in a slow cooker? Choosing a cut of beef best suited for low and slow cooking is the ideal way to get extra tender meat.

Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low? ›

Low: 7-8 hours to reach the simmer point. High: 3-4 hours to reach the simmer point.

Do you put raw beef in the slow cooker? ›

Technically you can cook raw meat in a slow cooker, but it's tricky and requires a bit of preparation in order for it to be really worth it. If you simply pop some raw meat in your slow cooker, it won't have a chance to brown, which adds some much-needed flavor and cuts down on plenty of unappealing grease.

Why are beef tips tough? ›

However, if you cook thick-fibered meat (like steak tips) beyond medium to 140 degrees, the shrinking muscle fibers will squeeze out moisture, making the meat dry and tough. Thus, aim for the sweet spot with long-fibered meats like steak tips by cooking them to medium (between 130 and 140 degrees).

What cut of beef is best for beef tips? ›

What kind of beef to use for beef tips. Many parts of beef can be used to make beef tips. Beef tips (often labeled stew meat) usually comes from the sirloin or tenderloin. They are tender and cooks quickly.

Can I overcook beef in a slow cooker? ›

Can you overcook something in a slow cooker? Slow cookers are specially designed to cook food for long periods of time, but yes, you can still overcook in a slow cooker if something is left on the wrong setting for longer than it's supposed to be.

Why is my beef tough in a slow cooker? ›

It might be that you should be cooking it for longer. I've found 8 hours is fine for mine, but actually, leaving something on low for as much as 10 is better. Similarly I regularly prefer to do stews on high for 5 hours rather than the more normal 4. But the main reason is likely to be the meat itself.

What is the best beef to use in a slow cooker? ›

Chuck steak was practically designed for slow cooking. It comes from the shoulder and upper arm of the cow, so it's done a lot of work over the life of the animal — with its abundant collagen, it's the type of cut that gets tough when grilled quickly, but becomes tender and juicier the longer you cook it.

How long can you leave a slow cooker on low? ›

Slow cooker recipes are often designed for an eight-hour cook so that the food is ready when you return home after a long day. Is it safe to leave a slow cooker on for 12 hours? Yes, you can use your slow cooker for longer than eight hours, as long as you keep an eye on it.

Does meat need to be submerged in a slow cooker? ›

To keep a pot roast from drying out, your slow cooker needs liquid to create a moist environment, and that can include meat or vegetable stock, wine or water. This doesn't mean the meat should be submerged; a cup or two of liquid will be enough, since the cooker is covered and liquids stay trapped inside.

Do you put water in the bottom of a slow cooker? ›

Never ever put liquid into the base of a slow cooker. It was not designed for that and clearly states not to immerse the base in water. The heating element and components are not in a waterproof environment. You will quickly ruin the heating element and risk injury from electrical leakage into the metal base.

What happens if you don't brown meat before cooking? ›

Browning, or the Maillard reaction, creates flavor and changes the color of food. Maillard reactions generally only begin to occur above 285°F (140°C). Until the Maillard reaction occurs meat will have less flavor.

Can you put already cooked meat in a slow cooker? ›

Reheating leftovers in a slow cooker is not recommended. Cooked food should be reheated on the stove, in a microwave, or in a conventional oven until it reaches 165 °F. Then the hot food can be placed in a preheated slow cooker to keep it hot for serving—at least 140 °F as measured with a food thermometer.

Do you have to cook ground beef before putting it in the slow cooker? ›

Typically, beef or pork can turn out dry or not as tender if they aren't browned first. However, this applies more to roasts or whole cuts of meat. While you can certainly brown it partially on the stove first, that defeats the purpose of cooking ground beef in the crock pot!

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