There’s something undeniably heartwarming about coming home to the rich aroma of beef simmering away in the slow cooker, inviting you to unwind from a long day. These Crock Pot Beef Tips with Gravy have quickly become a cherished favorite in my kitchen, especially on those chilly evenings when comfort food is a must. With just seven simple ingredients, this family-friendly meal requires minimal effort, leaving you plenty of time to catch up with loved ones or simply relax.
As the beef cooks, it transforms into tender morsels that fall apart at the touch, drenched in a savory gravy that pairs perfectly with buttery mashed potatoes or hearty egg noodles. Whether you’re prepping for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday feast, this recipe guarantees a deliciously satisfying experience for everyone at the table. Get ready to indulge in a dish that not only warms the heart but also simplifies your meal prep routine!
Why are Crock Pot Beef Tips a Must-Try?
Simplicity: With just seven ingredients, cooking these beef tips is a breeze. You’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
Rich, Comforting Flavors: The blend of savory gravy and tender beef creates an irresistible comfort food that warms the soul.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, these beef tips are sure to impress even the pickiest eaters at your table.
Versatile Serving Options: Pair them with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a delightful experience every time.
Effortless Prep: Just set it and forget it! The slow cooker takes care of all the cooking while you go about your day. Make sure to check out my tips for storing leftovers for easy meals throughout the week!
Crock Pot Beef Tips Ingredients
For the Beef Tips
- Beef stew meat – The main protein; tenderizes beautifully during slow cooking, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings that enhance flavor; adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Beef broth – Infuses the dish with savory depth; homemade or store-bought options are both fantastic.
- Dry onion soup mix – Acts as a robust flavor booster; feel free to substitute with homemade onion powder and herbs if desired.
- Worcestershire sauce – Adds a rich umami character; in a pinch, soy sauce can serve as an alternative.
- Garlic (minced) – Brings aromatic richness; fresh is best, but pre-minced can be a convenient option.
- Cornstarch – Used to thicken the gravy for that perfect texture; alternatives include flour or arrowroot powder.
For Serving
- Egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice – Delicious foundations to serve the tender beef tips over for a complete meal.
Indulge in these Crock Pot Beef Tips and discover why they’re a go-to comfort food for families everywhere!
How to Make Crock Pot Beef Tips
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Trim and Season: Begin by trimming any excess fat from the beef stew meat. Season generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
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Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the seasoned beef with the dry onion soup mix, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together until well mixed.
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Cook Slowly: Cover your slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let the beef tips cook for 5-6 hours, or 3-4 hours on high, until the beef is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
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Thicken the Gravy: During the last hour of cooking, mix cornstarch with a small amount of the cooking liquid until smooth. Stir this mixture back into the slow cooker to help thicken your gravy.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once done, serve the hearty beef tips over egg noodles, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes for a truly satisfying meal.
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Crock Pot Beef Tips
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Uniform Cuts: Ensure the beef stew meat is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking and tenderness throughout.
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Low and Slow: Use the low heat setting for maximum tenderness—high heat may result in tough meat.
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Thickening Gravy: When adding cornstarch, mix with cold liquid first to avoid clumps. Gradually stir this into the slow cooker for the best gravy texture.
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Flavor Boost: Enhance the savory notes by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during cooking for a delicious twist to your Crock Pot Beef Tips.
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Reheating Adjustments: If reheating leftovers, add a splash of beef broth or water to maintain the gravy's desired consistency without getting too thick.
Make Ahead Options
These Crock Pot Beef Tips with Gravy are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time on hectic weeknights! You can season and combine the beef with the dry onion soup mix, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth up to 24 hours in advance. Simply refrigerate the mixture in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. When you're ready to cook, transfer everything to your slow cooker and set it on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Remember to thicken the gravy with cornstarch during the last hour! By prepping ahead, you'll enjoy a home-cooked meal that's just as delicious and ready to serve with minimal effort.
Crock Pot Beef Tips Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with these recipes and make them your own—each twist adds a little excitement to your meal!
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Mushroom Medley: Add sliced mushrooms during cooking for an earthy flavor that enhances the gravy's richness. They absorb all those savory juices, making each bite more satisfying.
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Pork Alternative: Substitute beef stew meat with pork shoulder for a different protein dimension. This change brings a tender, subtly sweet flavor that complements the gravy beautifully.
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Chicken Twist: Swap the beef entirely for chicken thighs to create a lighter version. They turn tender and juicy, offering a delightful twist while maintaining that comforting gravy.
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Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fragrant lift. Toss them into the slow cooker at the beginning, or garnish before serving for a fresh pop.
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Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes for some heat. This packs a flavorful punch without overwhelming the dish's comforting essence.
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Creamy Upgrade: Stir in a dollop of sour cream during the last hour of cooking for a creamy richness. The smooth texture elevates the gravy, making every mouthful decadent.
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Vegetable Boost: Toss in diced carrots or celery to enhance nutrition and texture. They cook down beautifully, adding a lovely sweetness and color to the dish.
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Gluten-Free Option: Replace the cornstarch with arrowroot powder for a gluten-free thickener that works just as well. Your gravy will still be smooth and delicious without any gluten!
What to Serve with Crock Pot Beef Tips with Gravy?
There's something magical about crafting a complete meal that perfectly complements the tender, savory flavors of your beef tips.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These buttery, smooth potatoes soak up the rich gravy, creating a comforting contrast that feels like a warm hug.
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Egg Noodles: Tender and chewy, they embrace the beef tips and gravy beautifully, enhancing every bite with delightful texture. Toss them lightly in the gravy to allow all the flavors to marry beautifully.
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Steamed Green Beans: The fresh, crisp vegetables add a pop of color and mild earthiness to balance the richness of the dish. A squeeze of lemon elevates the flavor and brings brightness.
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Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery, and fragrant, garlic bread is the perfect tool for savoring every drop of your luscious gravy. It's an irresistible addition that turns this meal into a hearty feast.
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Simple Side Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty beef tips, helping brighten the palate.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slightly crispy exterior and tender interior lend a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory beef, creating harmony on your plate.
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Red Wine: A glass of full-bodied red wine enhances the meal’s richness and acts as a lovely complement to the savory notes of the beef tips and gravy.
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Chocolate Lava Cake: For dessert, treating yourself to this rich, gooey delight provides the ultimate indulgence to balance the savory nature of the meal. Each bite is a sweet way to conclude your culinary experience.
How to Store and Freeze Crock Pot Beef Tips
Fridge: Store leftover Crock Pot Beef Tips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring they stay moist and flavorful.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the beef tips in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, reheat the beef tips gently on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of broth or water to restore the gravy's consistency.
Leftover Tips: Consider repurposing leftovers into a beef stew or sandwich filling for a delightful twist on your meal!
Crock Pot Beef Tips Recipe FAQs
What type of beef is best for Crock Pot Beef Tips?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using beef stew meat, like chuck, as it becomes tender during the slow cooking process. You can also consider using brisket or round if you prefer a different cut, but make sure they are well-marbled for optimal flavor.
How should I store leftovers from the Crock Pot Beef Tips?
To keep your leftover Crock Pot Beef Tips delicious, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 4 days. If you want to save them for longer, you can freeze the beef tips for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing to maintain the best texture!
Can I freeze Crock Pot Beef Tips? What’s the best method?
Yes, you can definitely freeze your Crock Pot Beef Tips! To do this, first, allow the beef to cool completely. Then, portion the tips into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I do if my gravy is too thin?
If you find that your gravy is too thin after cooking, don't worry! During the last hour of cooking, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker and allow it to cook until the gravy thickens. If it's still not thick enough, repeat this process in small increments until you reach your desired consistency.
Are there any dietary considerations for Crock Pot Beef Tips?
Definitely! If you're cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, feel free to make adjustments. For gluten-free needs, use a gluten-free beef broth and substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder. If someone has a soy allergy, ensure to avoid Worcestershire sauce or use a gluten-free version. Always check for allergens in store-bought ingredients like the onion soup mix as it might contain gluten or other allergens.
How do I know when the beef is tender and ready to serve?
To check if the beef in your Crock Pot Beef Tips is ready, look for pieces that have turned fork-tender. Use a fork to gently poke the beef; it should easily break apart without much effort. Typically, cooking on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours is ideal for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Irresistibly Tender Crock Pot Beef Tips in Savory Gravy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by trimming any excess fat from the beef stew meat. Season generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
- In your slow cooker, combine the seasoned beef with the dry onion soup mix, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Cover your slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let the beef tips cook for 5-6 hours, or 3-4 hours on high, until the beef is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
- During the last hour of cooking, mix cornstarch with a small amount of the cooking liquid until smooth. Stir this mixture back into the slow cooker to help thicken your gravy.
- Once done, serve the hearty beef tips over egg noodles, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes for a truly satisfying meal.
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