If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dinner that practically cooks itself, these Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy are just what you need! Tender chunks of beef simmer slowly in a rich, savory gravy made with beef broth, onions, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. The result is melt-in-your-mouth beef coated in delicious homemade gravy.
Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or egg noodles for an easy family dinner everyone will love.
Recipe Overview
- 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
- Servings: 6
- Course: Dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
Ingredients
Classic Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe – My Homemade Recipe
For the Beef Tips
- 2½ pounds beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning)
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 bay leaf
For the Gravy
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
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Pat the beef pieces dry with paper towels. Season them with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
For extra flavor, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. This step is optional, but it adds a deeper, richer flavor to the finished dish.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy | Wishes and Dishes
Place the beef tips in the slow cooker. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic.
Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and tomato paste. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and add the bay leaf.
Stir gently to distribute the seasonings.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender
Slow Cooker Beef Tips & Gravy Simple Comfort Dish – Recipe Website
Cover with the lid and cook:
- LOW: 6–8 hours
- HIGH: 3–4 hours
Cook until the beef is fork-tender. The exact time depends on the cut and size of your beef pieces.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
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In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
Remove the bay leaf. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker juices. Add the butter and gently stir.
Cover and cook on HIGH for another 15–20 minutes, or until the gravy thickens. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Beef Tips and Gravy Is Impossibly Tender and Cozy | The Kitchn
Give everything a gentle stir so the tender beef is coated in the rich gravy.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Tips for the Best Beef Tips and Gravy
- Choose the right beef: Beef stew meat or chuck roast cut into cubes works beautifully for slow cooking.
- Brown the beef first: This optional step creates deeper, more savory flavor.
- Don’t rush the cooking: Low and slow cooking helps tougher cuts become tender.
- Thicken at the end: Add the cornstarch slurry near the end rather than at the beginning.
- Adjust the gravy: If it’s too thick, stir in a little warm beef broth. If it’s too thin, cook a little longer with the lid off.
Variations
- Mushroom Beef Tips: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onions.
- Garlic Butter Beef Tips: Add an extra tablespoon of butter and another clove of garlic.
- Onion Gravy: Add an extra sliced onion for a sweeter, deeper onion flavor.
- Creamy Beef Tips: Stir in ¼ cup sour cream after thickening, just before serving.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use certified gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Check all other ingredient labels.
What to Serve with Beef Tips and Gravy
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4
These beef tips pair perfectly with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Fluffy white or brown rice
- Roasted carrots
- Steamed green beans
- Garlic bread
- Roasted broccoli
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze beef tips and gravy in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave until steaming hot.
Make Ahead: You can chop the onion, mince the garlic, and measure the seasonings the night before. Keep the prepared ingredients refrigerated until cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best cut of beef for slow cooker beef tips?
Beef chuck, stew meat, and sirloin tips are all good options. Chuck and stew meat become especially tender with longer slow cooking.
2. Can I make beef tips and gravy without browning the beef?
Yes! Browning is optional. You can add the seasoned raw beef directly to the slow cooker and follow the remaining instructions.
3. Why are my beef tips tough?
They may need more cooking time. Continue cooking until the beef is fork-tender. Tougher cuts often need the full slow-cooking time.
4. How do I make the gravy thicker?
Mix another tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water. Stir it into the hot cooking liquid and cook until thickened.
5. Can I add mushrooms?
Absolutely! Sliced mushrooms add wonderful flavor. Add them at the beginning with the onions.
Printable Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
Beef Tips Recipe (So Tender with Gravy) | The Kitchn
Tender slow-cooked beef tips covered in rich homemade brown gravy. A comforting family dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
PREP TIME
15 minutes
COOK TIME
6–8 hours
TOTAL TIME
6–8 hours 15 minutes
SERVINGS
6
Ingredients
- 2½ pounds beef stew meat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
- Pat beef dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Optionally brown the beef in olive oil in a hot skillet.
- Place beef, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until fork-tender.
- Remove the bay leaf. Mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth.
- Stir the slurry and butter into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes until thickened.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
- Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days.
- Add mushrooms for extra flavor.
