Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Savory Gravy

Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Savory Gravy is the ultimate comfort food tender beef simmered for hours in a rich, flavorful sauce that melts in your mouth. The deep umami flavors from beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic make this dish a crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or fluffy rice to soak up every last drop of the delicious gravy. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals ahead, this dish is easy, hearty, and packed with home-cooked goodness.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat
  • 1 (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 3 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 3 tbsp minced garlic
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Pat the beef stew meat dry and place it in a 6-quart slow cooker.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, dry onion soup mix, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the mixture over the beef in the slow cooker, ensuring all pieces are coated.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the beef is tender and easily pulls apart.
  5. If the gravy needs thickening, mix an additional 1 tbsp cornstarch with cold water and stir it in, allowing it to cook for an extra 10-15 minutes.
  6. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 7-8 hours | Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking – With just 10 minutes of prep, this recipe lets your slow cooker do all the work! Set it in the morning, and enjoy a hot, ready-to-eat meal by dinnertime.

Tender & Flavorful Beef – Cooking beef low and slow ensures that it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, absorbing the deep flavors of the broth and seasonings.

Perfect for Meal Prep – This dish stores and reheats well, making it an excellent option for meal prepping or freezing for later use.

Budget-Friendly & Versatile – Using affordable cuts of beef stew meat, this recipe delivers big flavor without breaking the bank. Plus, you can customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Pairs with Many Sides – Serve your beef tips over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or even roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

The Secret to Tender Beef Tips

One of the biggest challenges when cooking beef is achieving that perfect tenderness. Some cuts of beef can become chewy and tough, but the slow cooker works wonders in breaking down connective tissues. Here’s why slow cooking is the best method for beef tips:

  1. Low & Slow Cooking: Cooking on low heat for 7-8 hours allows the beef to tenderize naturally without drying out.
  2. Moist Heat: The broth and gravy keep the beef moist, preventing it from becoming tough.
  3. Marination Effect: The beef slowly absorbs the seasonings and aromatics, creating a rich, well-developed flavor.

If you’re short on time, you can cook the beef tips on high for 4-5 hours, but the best results come from cooking them on low.

What Makes the Gravy So Flavorful?

The gravy is what truly sets this dish apart, giving it that deep, savory taste that makes you want to lick the plate clean! The secret lies in the combination of ingredients used to create the sauce:

  • Beef Broth: Forms the rich, savory base of the gravy. Using a high-quality broth or homemade stock enhances the depth of flavor.
  • Onion Soup Mix: Adds an extra layer of umami, bringing out the beefy goodness.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces a hint of tanginess, balancing the richness of the beef.
  • Garlic & Thyme: Essential aromatics that elevate the earthy and savory notes of the dish.
  • Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the gravy to a smooth, velvety consistency, perfect for draping over mashed potatoes or rice.

As the beef slow-cooks, the juices and seasonings meld together, creating a thick and luscious gravy that’s packed with flavor.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Beef Tips

This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, making it easy to customize your meal:

🥔 Mashed Potatoes – The classic pairing! Buttery, creamy mashed potatoes soak up the rich gravy, making every bite irresistible.

🍚 Steamed Rice – A great alternative for a lighter meal, as rice balances the heartiness of the dish while absorbing the gravy.

🍜 Egg Noodles – Another favorite choice, adding a soft, chewy texture that complements the tender beef.

🥕 Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans add a fresh and slightly sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the beef.

🍞 Buttered Dinner Rolls – Perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious brown gravy!

No matter how you serve it, this meal is sure to be a hit at the dinner table!

Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Beef Tips

🔹 Sear the Beef First – While optional, browning the beef in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker deepens the flavor and creates a more robust dish.

🔹 Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker – Give the beef room to cook evenly by spreading it out in a single layer.

🔹 Use the Right Cut of BeefStew meat, chuck roast, or sirloin tips work best for this recipe because they become ultra-tender during slow cooking.

🔹 Adjust Gravy Thickness – If you prefer extra-thick gravy, add more cornstarch mixed with cold water at the end of cooking.

🔹 Let It Rest – After cooking, let the beef sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

This dish is great for leftovers and can be stored and reheated easily:

🥶 Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

🔥 Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the gravy from thickening too much.

❄️ Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Store in a freezer-safe container, then thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion:

Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Savory Gravy is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare yet rich in flavor and texture. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a special family meal, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. With fall-apart tender beef and thick, flavorful gravy, every bite is a warm and satisfying experience.

Pair it with your favorite sides, store leftovers for later, and enjoy a stress-free homemade meal that tastes like it came straight from a cozy family kitchen. Try this recipe today and discover why it’s a staple in slow cooker cooking!

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