Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy

Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food, delivering tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef smothered in a rich, savory gravy. This slow-cooked dish is incredibly satisfying and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing recipe.

Using simple pantry ingredients and the magic of a crock pot, this dish is easy to prepare while still delivering restaurant-quality flavors. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or special family gatherings. As the beef tips simmer in the slow cooker, the aroma of garlic, onions, and herbs fills the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Whether you’re looking for a dish to impress guests or simply craving something hearty and delicious, Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is the answer. It’s a meal that tastes like it took hours of effort, yet the crock pot does most of the work for you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and Convenient

With just 15 minutes of prep, the crock pot takes care of the rest, making it ideal for busy schedules.

Rich and Flavorful

The combination of beef broth, garlic, onions, and Worcestershire sauce creates a robust gravy that elevates the dish.

Budget-Friendly

Using economical cuts of beef like stew meat or sirloin tips, this recipe delivers gourmet flavors without breaking the bank.

Perfect for Any Occasion

From weeknight dinners to family gatherings, this dish is versatile enough to suit casual and formal occasions alike.

Customizable

Serve over your favorite starch, add veggies, or tweak the spices to make it your own.

Preparation Time and Servings

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
Serving Size: About 1 cup beef tips with gravy

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

Ingredients

For the Beef Tips

• 2 pounds beef tips (sirloin tips or stew meat), cut into 2-inch chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

For the Gravy

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
• 1/4 cup water

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear the Beef

Season the beef tips with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef tips for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. This step locks in the flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.

Step 2: Prepare the Crock Pot

Add the seared beef tips to the crock pot.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Transfer the onions and garlic to the crock pot.

Step 4: Make the Gravy Base

In the skillet, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Pour the gravy base over the beef tips in the crock pot.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender and infused with the flavors of the gravy.

Step 6: Thicken the Gravy

About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together the flour and water to form a slurry. Stir it into the crock pot and cook on high for the remaining time, allowing the gravy to thicken.

Step 7: Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.

Ingredient Background

Beef Tips: Sirloin tips or stew meat are budget-friendly and become tender through slow cooking. For a premium touch, use beef chuck or ribeye.

Beef Broth: A flavorful base that enhances the richness of the gravy. Opt for low-sodium to control the saltiness.

Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the gravy, balancing the savory and tangy notes.

Garlic and Onion: Aromatics that form the backbone of the dish, infusing the beef and gravy with bold flavors.

Tomato Paste: Adds a subtle sweetness and richness to the gravy.

Technique Tips

Sear the Beef: Browning the beef before slow cooking enhances the flavor by creating a caramelized crust.

Deglaze the Pan: Don’t skip scraping up the browned bits from the skillet; they add incredible depth to the gravy.

Low and Slow: Cooking on low heat ensures the beef becomes tender and flavorful.

Thicken Gradually: Whisk the flour slurry thoroughly to avoid lumps when thickening the gravy.

Recipe Variations

Vegetable Additions: Enhance the dish’s nutritional profile and flavor by incorporating diced carrots, mushrooms, or parsnips. These vegetables not only add texture but also absorb the savory gravy, making every bite more satisfying. You can also toss in green beans or peas during the last hour of cooking for a pop of color and freshness.

Creamy Gravy: Transform the gravy into a velvety masterpiece by stirring in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or sour cream just before serving. This addition creates a luxurious texture and a subtle tanginess that pairs beautifully with the rich beef flavor. For a lighter twist, use Greek yogurt instead of cream.

Spicy Kick: Turn up the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, red chili flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce. This variation works especially well for those who enjoy a spicy contrast to the dish’s hearty flavors. For an extra layer of complexity, include a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.

Herbaceous Flavor: Elevate the dish’s aroma and taste by replacing thyme and rosemary with Italian seasoning, fresh dill, or even tarragon. Each herb brings its unique twist, allowing you to customize the recipe based on your preferences. Garnishing with fresh parsley or chives just before serving adds a burst of freshness.

Freezing and Storing

Refrigeration: Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave, stir occasionally to ensure even heating. To preserve the dish’s flavor and texture, avoid overcooking during reheating.

Freezing: Let the beef tips and gravy cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. Ensure all air is removed to prevent freezer burn. The dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Tip: To maintain the dish’s rich and smooth texture, add a splash of beef broth, water, or milk when reheating. Heat gently over low to medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Avoid using high heat, as it can cause the beef to dry out or the gravy to separate.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Weeknight Dinner: Make busy evenings more enjoyable by serving the beef tips over buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. Roasted sweet potatoes or steamed broccoli also pair wonderfully, adding a nutritious and colorful element to the meal.

Holiday Gathering: Impress your guests by featuring this dish alongside classic holiday sides like green bean casserole, glazed carrots, or dinner rolls. The rich gravy and tender beef make it a standout addition to any festive spread.

Potluck Favorite: Bring this dish to potlucks or communal gatherings by transporting it in the crock pot. Keep it on the “warm” setting to ensure it remains hot and flavorful throughout the event. Serve with a basket of crusty bread for dipping into the gravy.

Game Day Spread: Add this hearty dish to a buffet lineup alongside mac and cheese, coleslaw, and sliders. You can also serve it in small bowls for guests to enjoy as a comforting snack while watching the game.

Family Celebration: For a special family dinner, serve the beef tips and gravy over rice pilaf or egg noodles, accompanied by a fresh green salad and a side of garlic bread.

Special Equipment

Crock Pot: A slow cooker is essential for achieving perfectly tender beef and allowing the flavors to develop over time. Choose a model with a programmable timer for added convenience.

Skillet: Searing the beef in a skillet before slow cooking adds a caramelized crust and depth of flavor. A cast-iron skillet works exceptionally well for this purpose.

Whisk: Use a sturdy whisk to ensure the flour slurry is lump-free and blends seamlessly into the gravy. A silicone whisk is ideal for nonstick surfaces.

Ladle: A deep ladle makes serving the beef tips and gravy neat and effortless. It’s also useful for portioning the dish into meal prep containers or onto plates.

Thermometer (Optional): To ensure the beef reaches its tender perfection, you can use a meat thermometer to check for a temperature of around 190°F (88°C) in the thickest pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use other cuts of beef?
Yes, chuck roast or even brisket works well for this recipe due to their marbling and ability to become tender with slow cooking.

2. Can I skip the searing step?
Yes, but searing adds a depth of flavor that elevates the dish. If you’re short on time, you can skip it and still achieve a delicious result.

3. How do I make this gluten-free?
Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening the gravy, and ensure the Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.

4. Can I add potatoes directly to the crock pot?
Absolutely! Cut potatoes into 1-inch pieces and add them during the last 2–3 hours of cooking.

5. How can I make the dish creamier?
Stir in heavy cream or sour cream just before serving for a rich, creamy gravy.

6. Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

7. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture and prevent the beef from drying out.

8. Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Yes! Use a Dutch oven and simmer on low heat for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender, flavorful beef with a rich, savory gravy. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy families, special occasions, or anyone craving a hearty, satisfying meal.

With its versatility, this recipe can be customized to suit any palate, making it a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, it’s a guaranteed hit with everyone at the table.

Take the time to enjoy this delicious, slow-cooked masterpiece. It’s not just a meal, it’s an experience of flavors and comfort you’ll want to recreate again and again.

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