Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
Tender, fall-apart beef tips slow-cooked in a rich, savory onion gravy. This easy crock pot recipe is the ultimate comfort food with almost no hands-on effort.
The Coziest Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy You Will Ever Make
There is something deeply comforting about coming home to a crock pot full of tender beef simmering in rich, savory gravy. This Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy recipe is one of those easy crockpot recipes beef tips lovers turn to again and again, because it asks so little of you and gives back so much. A handful of pantry staples, a few minutes of prep, and your slow cooker does the rest.
If you have been searching for easy beef tips crock pot recipes that actually deliver restaurant-quality results, this is it. The beef turns fork-tender, the gravy is silky and full of flavor, and the whole thing practically begs to be ladled over a mountain of mashed potatoes.
Before we get cooking, the right tools and ingredients make a real difference here. A good heavy-bottomed skillet helps you get a deep sear on the beef, and a reliable slow cooker with a tight-fitting lid keeps the moisture locked in so your gravy turns out silky instead of watery. Quality beef broth and a sturdy whisk also go a long way toward a smooth, lump-free sauce.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This is one of those beef tips crockpot recipes that earns its place in the weekly rotation. Here is why it just works:
- Low and slow cooking breaks down tougher cuts of beef into melt-in-your-mouth bites
- Cream of mushroom soup and onion soup mix create an instant flavor base without a long ingredient list
- A quick cornstarch slurry at the end gives you that glossy, clingy gravy texture every time
- Minimal cleanup, since almost everything happens in one pot
Chef's Tip: Searing the beef before it hits the crock pot is the single biggest flavor upgrade you can make. Those browned bits left in the skillet are pure gold, so be sure to scrape them into the slow cooker with the beef.
Choosing the Best Beef for Beef Tips
For the best beef tips recipe crockpot results, look for beef stew meat or a chuck roast that you cube yourself. Chuck is well-marbled and breaks down beautifully over several hours of low, gentle heat, which is exactly what gives these beef tips crockpot recipes their signature tenderness. Avoid leaner cuts like sirloin tips here, since they can turn dry and stringy after a long cook.
Cutting the beef into evenly sized 1 to 1.5-inch chunks helps everything cook at the same rate, so you are not left with some pieces falling apart while others are still tough.
Building the Gravy
The gravy is really the heart and soul of this dish. Whisking the broth, onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and Worcestershire sauce together before pouring it over the beef helps everything dissolve evenly, instead of clumping at the bottom of the crock pot. As the beef cooks, it releases its own juices, which deepen the gravy even further.
Near the end of cooking, a simple cornstarch and water slurry is whisked in to thicken everything up. This step is quick, but it makes a huge difference in turning a thin broth into a luxurious, spoon-coating gravy.
Chef's Tip: Always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to a hot dish. Adding it dry, or to liquid that is too hot, can cause clumping instead of smooth thickening.
Serving Suggestions
This dish practically demands a soft landing pad for all that gravy. Some favorites include:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Fluffy white rice
- Warm, crusty bread for soaking up every last drop
A simple side of roasted green beans or a crisp side salad balances out the richness nicely.
Ready to make it? Here is the full step-by-step recipe:
Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
Tender, fall-apart beef tips slow-cooked in a rich, savory onion gravy. This easy crock pot recipe is the ultimate comfort food with almost no hands-on effort.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1 to 1.5-inch chunks, or use chuck roast cubed
- 3/8 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging the beef
- 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
- 2 tbsp olive oil, for searing
- 1 yellow onion, sliced thin
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth, low sodium
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix, about 1 oz
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 10.5 oz, condensed
- 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsp cold water, for thickening at the end
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instruction
Pat the beef chunks dry, then toss them in a bowl with flour, salt, and pepper until lightly coated.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides, about 3 minutes per batch. This step is optional but adds deep flavor.
Transfer the seared beef to the crock pot. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic on top.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, dry onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
Pour the broth mixture over the beef and onions in the crock pot, then gently stir to combine.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
About 20 minutes before serving, stir the cornstarch slurry into the crock pot to thicken the gravy. Cover and cook on HIGH until thickened.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
Notes
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about easy beef tips crockpot dinners is how well they hold up as leftovers. In fact, the flavor often gets even better the next day, as the beef continues to soak up the gravy.
To store, let the dish cool slightly, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened more than you would like.
If you are meal prepping, this recipe is a great candidate. Make a double batch on a Sunday, and you will have comforting, ready-to-go dinners for half the week.
Variations to Try
Feel free to make this recipe your own:
- Stir in sliced mushrooms during the last hour of cooking for an earthy boost
- Add baby carrots and potato chunks directly to the crock pot for a heartier, stew-like meal
- Swap beef broth for a mix of broth and a splash of red wine for extra depth
However you serve it, this crock pot beef tips and gravy is bound to become one of your most-requested comfort food dinners.
