Easy Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is effortless, thanks to the slow cooker doing all the work. The beef becomes fork-tender while simmering in a flavorful gravy that’s made with simple pantry ingredients. It’s a great make-ahead meal, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and guaranteed to be a family favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Stew beef or beef sirloin tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Soy sauce (optional, for added depth)
• Gravy mix packets or cornstarch + water (for thickening)
• Olive oil or butter
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
• Mushrooms (optional)

Directions

1. Season beef with salt and pepper.
2. (Optional) In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear beef in a bit of olive oil until browned on all sides. This step adds flavor but can be skipped.
3. Add beef, onions, garlic, and mushrooms (if using) to the slow cooker.
4. In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), and dried herbs. Pour over the beef mixture.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender.
6. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix gravy packets (or cornstarch slurry) with a small amount of water, then stir into the slow cooker.
7. Let it cook uncovered or with the lid slightly ajar until the gravy thickens.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 and takes about 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high, plus 10–15 minutes of prep time.

Variations

• Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of cream or sour cream at the end for a richer sauce.
• Add Veggies: Include carrots or peas for a more complete meal.
• Red Wine Twist: Replace part of the broth with dry red wine for deeper flavor.
• Herbaceous: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves for an aromatic finish.
• No Packet Version: Make your own gravy with cornstarch or flour, beef broth, and seasonings.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. The dish also freezes well—cool completely before freezing and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for beef tips?

Stew meat, sirloin tips, or chuck roast cut into chunks all work well for slow cooking.

Do I have to sear the meat first?

No, but searing adds a richer flavor and helps lock in moisture.

Can I use homemade gravy instead of packets?

Yes, thicken with a slurry of cornstarch and broth or flour and butter for a homemade version.

Can I cook this on high?

Yes, cook for 3–4 hours on high, but low and slow yields the most tender results.

What should I serve this with?

Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or even polenta are all excellent options.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free gravy mix or thicken with cornstarch and ensure all sauces used are gluten-free.

Can I add mushrooms?

Yes, sliced mushrooms add great flavor and texture—add them at the beginning.

How do I thicken the gravy?

Stir in a cornstarch slurry or prepared gravy mix during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Does this recipe freeze well?

Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat slowly.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just be sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.

Conclusion

Easy Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy is a classic, no-fail recipe that delivers hearty comfort with very little effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something cozy and satisfying, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Serve it over your favorite base, and let the rich, meaty flavors shine.

Easy Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy

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Easy Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy is a comforting, hands-off meal featuring tender beef slow-cooked in a rich, savory gravy. Perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, it’s a cozy dinner made with minimal effort.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 2 pounds stew beef or sirloin tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional)
• 2 packets brown gravy mix or 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)

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Instructions

1. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
2. (Optional) In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides. Transfer to the slow cooker.
3. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and mushrooms (if using) to the slow cooker.
4. In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), and herbs. Pour over beef mixture.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
6. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix gravy packets (or cornstarch + water slurry) and stir into the slow cooker.
7. Cook uncovered or with lid slightly ajar until gravy thickens.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Notes

• Searing the beef adds extra flavor but is optional for convenience.
• For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of cream or sour cream at the end.
• This recipe can be doubled—ensure your slow cooker is large enough.
• To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free gravy mix or cornstarch and check sauces.
• Great make-ahead meal and freezer-friendly for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 120mg