If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare but feels like a special occasion, this Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe is an absolute winner. Tender, juicy chunks of beef stew meat slowly cooked to perfection in a savory onion and beef broth-based gravy, this dish delivers warmth and rich flavors that cozy up any dinner table. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll create a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for family dinners or Sunday suppers, bringing people together bite after delicious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each element plays a crucial role in building that deep, satisfying flavor and luscious texture. From the beef stew meat that melts in your mouth to the onion soup mix that layers in savory notes, every item is a small star on its own.
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes): Choose well-marbled meat for tenderness and flavor that will stand up to slow cooking.
- 1 packet onion soup mix: This seasoning adds a robust onion taste and some herbs, doing most of the heavy flavor lifting.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) beef broth: Foundation for the gravy’s rich, meaty base that keeps the beef juicy.
- ¼ cup water: To balance the broth and help create the perfect saucy consistency.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Offers depth and an umami boost, enhancing every savory note.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle tang and complexity that rounds out the gravy.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses warmth and a slight bite without overpowering the beef.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Layers in extra onion flavor to complement the soup mix.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Gives just the right amount of spice to awaken the palate.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used for thickening the gravy to that perfect silky consistency.
- 2 tablespoons cold water: Combined with cornstarch to make a smooth slurry for gravy thickening.
How to Make Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by placing those lovely cubes of beef stew meat right into the bottom of your Crock Pot. This allows them to slowly cook and soak up all the delicious flavors that will come next. No need for searing — the slow cooker will do all the work for tender results.
Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Gravy
In a separate bowl, blend the onion soup mix, beef broth, water, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper. This combination forms the savory sauce that will infuse the beef tips with intense, mouthwatering flavor as they cook.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Pour your freshly made gravy mixture over the beef in the Crock Pot, giving it a gentle stir so every piece is coated. Cover the Crock Pot and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Be patient; the slow cooking makes the beef wonderfully tender and juicy, practically melting in your mouth.
Step 4: Thicken the Gravy
If you like your gravy a bit thicker (and who doesn’t love a rich sauce?), mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Stir this into the Crock Pot and let it cook on HIGH for another 10 to 15 minutes. This final step transforms the liquid into a silky, luscious gravy that clings perfectly to each tender beef tip.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe is now ready to be plated and enjoyed. Whether you spoon it over a fluffy bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles, each bite promises comfort and satisfaction.
How to Serve Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this cozy dish even further, try sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top just before serving. These add a pop of color and a fresh brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich gravy, making each plate look inviting and vibrant.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes and buttered noodles are perfect for soaking up every bit of beefy goodness. You can also serve the beef tips over steamed white or brown rice for a wholesome and hearty meal. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad offer a nice balance and added texture alongside this saucy delight.
Creative Ways to Present
Fancy a fun twist? Try serving your Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy in flaky puff pastry shells or over homemade biscuits for a rustic, comforting dish. You could even pile the beef tips onto toasted bread for an open-faced sandwich that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover beef tips and gravy in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it an ideal option for quick lunches or a second dinner.
Freezing
This recipe also freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the gravy looks too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up to your preferred consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is perfect for slow cooking, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes, which becomes beautifully tender when cooked low and slow in the Crock Pot.
Is it necessary to use the onion soup mix?
The onion soup mix adds a lot of savory flavor and convenience, but if you want to make your own blend, use dried onions, beef bouillon, and herbs like thyme or parsley to mimic those flavors.
Can I make this Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! The recipe as it stands is naturally dairy-free, especially if you serve it with non-dairy sides like rice or vegan noodles. Just double-check your broth and soy sauce for any added ingredients if sensitivity is a concern.
How long can I leave the beef in the Crock Pot without overcooking?
The beef tips are perfectly tender after 6 to 8 hours on LOW or 3 to 4 hours on HIGH, but they can stay warm on the “Keep Warm” setting for a short while. Try not to exceed 10 hours on LOW to maintain optimal texture.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
You certainly can! Just make sure your Crock Pot is large enough to hold the doubled ingredients without overcrowding so the beef cooks evenly and the flavors meld properly.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate — effortless to throw together, filled with rich, savory flavors, and perfect for sharing around the family table. Once you try it, it’s one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again. So go ahead, give it a whirl and watch the magic unfold right in your Crock Pot!
Print
Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy recipe offers tender, juicy beef stew meat cooked slowly in a flavorful gravy made with onion soup mix, beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Perfect for a comforting meal, these beef tips are easy to prepare and best served over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
Ingredients
Beef and Gravy
- 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, ensuring they are spread evenly.
- 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 ingredients.
- Add the gravy to beef: Pour the prepared gravy mixture over the beef in the Crock Pot, then stir to coat the meat evenly with the sauce.
- Cook the beef tips: 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, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prepare the slurry: If a thicker gravy is desired, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry.
- Thicken the gravy: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the Crock Pot, then cook on HIGH for an additional 10-15 minutes until the gravy thickens to your preference.
- Serve: Spoon the beef tips and thickened gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary depending on your Crock Pot model; check beef tenderness before serving.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the onion soup mix and soy sauce are gluten-free.
- Stir the slurry well before adding to avoid lumps in the gravy.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish freezes well; refrigerate completely before freezing.
