These Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy are the ultimate comfort food! Tender pieces of beef cook slowly with sweet onions, garlic, beef broth, and savory brown gravy seasoning until they are melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7–8 hours on LOW or 4–5 hours on HIGH
• Total Time: Approximately 8 hours
• Servings: 6
• Course: Dinner, Main Course
• Cuisine: American
• Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900 g) beef stew meat or beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet (about 0.87 oz / 25 g) brown gravy mix
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Cut the beef into bite-sized cubes if it is not already prepared.

Slice the onion into thin strips and mince the garlic.

Measure the beef broth, gravy mix, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the beef cubes in batches and brown them on all sides for approximately 2–3 minutes per side.

You do not need to cook the beef all the way through. Browning simply adds extra flavor to the finished dish.

Step 3: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker

Place the sliced onions and minced garlic into the bottom of your slow cooker.

Add the browned beef cubes on top.

Sprinkle the brown gravy mix evenly over the beef and onions.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Seasonings

Pour the beef broth over the ingredients.

Add Worcestershire sauce, optional soy sauce, black pepper, salt, and dried thyme.

Stir gently to distribute the gravy seasoning and liquid.

Step 5: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover the slow cooker with its lid.

Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours.

The beef should become fork-tender, and the onions should soften into the rich brown gravy.

Step 6: Thicken the Gravy

Check the consistency of the sauce.

If you prefer thicker gravy, combine the cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl.

Stir the mixture into the slow cooker during the final 20–30 minutes of cooking. Cover and allow the gravy to thicken.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Spoon the tender beef tips and rich brown gravy over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or egg noodles.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.

Enjoy every delicious bite!

Helpful Tips

• Choose the right beef: Beef chuck or stew meat works beautifully because it becomes tender during slow cooking.
• Brown the beef first: This adds a deeper, richer flavor to the gravy.
• Slice onions evenly: Thin onion slices soften beautifully and blend into the sauce.
• Don’t add too much salt: Packaged gravy mix and beef broth may already contain plenty of sodium.
• Make extra gravy: Add another ½ cup of broth if you prefer more sauce.
• Avoid lifting the lid: Keeping the lid closed helps maintain a consistent cooking temperature.

What to Serve with Beef Tips and Gravy

These beef tips taste wonderful served with:

• Creamy homemade mashed potatoes
• Fluffy white rice
• Buttered egg noodles
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Steamed green beans
• Roasted carrots
• Crusty dinner rolls

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Allow the beef to cool and store it with the gravy in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Freezer: Transfer cooled beef and gravy into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave until steaming hot. Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy becomes too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best cut of beef for beef tips?

Beef chuck roast is one of the best choices. It contains connective tissue that breaks down during slow cooking, producing tender, flavorful beef.

Can I put raw beef directly into the slow cooker?

Yes. You can add raw beef directly to the slow cooker, although browning it first creates a richer flavor.

Can I use homemade brown gravy instead of a packet?

Absolutely! Homemade brown gravy works wonderfully. Use a well-seasoned gravy base and adjust the broth and thickener to achieve your preferred consistency.

Why is my gravy too thin?

Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the final 20–30 minutes. Allow it to cook until thickened.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! Mushrooms, carrots, and sliced bell peppers are delicious additions. Add them at the beginning of cooking.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. Brown the beef and prepare the onions and garlic ahead of time. Refrigerate the prepared ingredients and assemble the slow cooker when ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

These Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy are everything a comforting homemade dinner should be: tender, juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare.

The rich brown gravy, soft onions, and slow-cooked beef make every serving satisfying. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, this simple recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

Recipe Card

Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy

Description: Tender slow-cooked beef tips with sliced onions, garlic, beef broth, and rich brown gravy. This easy crockpot dinner is perfect served over creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 7 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course, Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat or beef chuck, cubed
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet brown gravy mix (about 0.87 oz)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Cut beef into bite-sized cubes and slice the onion.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the beef on all sides.
3. Place sliced onions and minced garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Add browned beef and sprinkle brown gravy mix over the top.
5. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Add soy sauce, pepper, salt, and thyme.
6. Stir gently to combine.
7. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
8. For thicker gravy, stir in the cornstarch slurry during the final 20–30 minutes.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Notes

• Beef chuck is ideal for tender, flavorful beef tips.
• Browning the beef first adds extra flavor.
• Check the salt before adding more because gravy mix can be salty.
• Add mushrooms or carrots for extra vegetables.
• Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 32 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg

Nutrition information is approximate and does not include mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.