Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy

Did you know that online searches for “slow cooker beef recipes” increase by over 120% during the fall and winter months, with beef tips being one of the most sought-after comfort food classics? It’s true. As soon as the weather turns cold, home cooks everywhere start looking for meals that are warm, hearty, and require minimal effort. But here’s the common misconception that holds so many people back: many believe that achieving tender, fall-apart beef tips with a rich, flavorful gravy requires hours of stovetop babysitting or complicated techniques. Today, we’re here to change that completely. This Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy is proof that set-it-and-forget-it cooking can deliver restaurant-quality results. With melt-in-your-mouth beef, a rich and savory gravy, and just 15 minutes of prep, this is the ultimate comfort food for busy days.

Ingredients List: The Building Blocks of Beef Tip Perfection

The magic of this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy lies in the cut of beef and the rich, savory gravy that develops as it slowly cooks. Here’s what you’ll need to create 6-8 hearty servings.

For the Beef Tips:

• 2½ to 3 pounds beef sirloin tips or stew meat: Sirloin tips are ideal—they become incredibly tender with slow cooking while maintaining their shape.
  • Substitution: Chuck roast (cut into 1-inch cubes), round steak, or beef stew meat.
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging): Helps thicken the gravy and adds richness.
  • Substitution: Gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: For browning the beef.
• 1 large yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and savory depth.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: The aromatic foundation.
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth: The base of the gravy.
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup: Adds creaminess and depth.
  • Substitution: Cream of chicken soup or a homemade mushroom sauce.
• 1 packet (1 ounce) dry onion soup mix: Provides concentrated savory flavor.
  • Substitution: 2 tablespoons homemade onion soup seasoning.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami richness.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry): For thickening at the end (optional).

For Serving:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice

Timing: Your Investment in Effortless Comfort

Here’s the timeline for this recipe, showing you just how hands-off this hearty meal can be.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (trimming beef, chopping onion).
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH.
• Total Time: Approximately 6-8 hours (mostly hands-off!). This is the beauty of slow cooker cooking—you do the work upfront, and the appliance does the rest while you go about your day.

Step-by-Step Instructions: The Path to Beef Tip Glory

Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with the most glorious, tender Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy.

Step 1: Prep the Beef

Pat the beef tips dry with paper towels. This helps them brown properly. Season generously with salt and pepper. Place the flour in a shallow dish and dredge the beef pieces, shaking off any excess.

Step 2: Brown the Beef (Optional but Highly Recommended)

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, add the beef in a single layer and brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. This step adds incredible depth of flavor and is worth the extra few minutes.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Transfer the onions and garlic to the slow cooker.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

Pour about ½ cup of the beef broth into the hot skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This liquid gold is full of flavor. Pour it into the slow cooker.

Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients

To the slow cooker, add the remaining beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 6: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the gravy is rich and flavorful.

Step 7: Thicken the Gravy (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker gravy, remove the bay leaf. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the gravy has thickened.

Step 8: Rest and Garnish

Let the beef tips rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld. Remove the bay leaf and discard. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Step 9: Serve

Serve the beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Spoon plenty of that rich gravy over the top.

Nutritional Information: What the Data Says

Here is the average nutritional profile for one serving of this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy (based on 8 servings, served without sides).

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

As the data shows, this dish is an excellent source of protein. The gravy adds richness, making this a satisfying comfort food that fits into a balanced diet when served with vegetables or a sensible side.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

This classic comfort food can be lightened up without sacrificing flavor. Here are data-driven modifications.

• Leaner Beef: Use well-trimmed sirloin tips or even lean stew meat to reduce fat content.
• Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium beef broth, low-sodium cream of mushroom soup, and omit the added salt. The onion soup mix adds plenty of savory flavor.
• Homemade Gravy Base: Replace the canned soup with a mixture of 1 cup beef broth, 1 cup milk, and 2 tablespoons flour whisked together for a lighter, from-scratch option.
• Add Vegetables: Add sliced mushrooms, carrots, or celery to the slow cooker for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Thicker Gravy Without Cornstarch: Mashed potatoes naturally thicken the gravy when served together, or you can mash a few of the cooked beef pieces into the gravy.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate the Experience

While the beef tips are delicious on their own, here are classic pairings to make it a complete meal.

• Over Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate comfort food pairing. Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect vehicle for that rich gravy.
• With Egg Noodles: Broad egg noodles catch every bit of gravy and make for a hearty, satisfying meal.
• Over Rice: Serve over steamed white or brown rice for a simple, filling dinner.
• With Crusty Bread: Don’t forget bread to soak up any remaining gravy!
• Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted carrots, green beans, or broccoli for color and nutrients.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced cooks can fall into these traps. Here’s what to watch out for.

• Skipping the Browning Step: While you can skip it, browning the beef adds incredible depth of flavor. It’s worth the extra 10 minutes!
• Using the Wrong Cut of Beef: Tough cuts like chuck or sirloin tips become tender with slow cooking. Lean cuts like tenderloin will dry out.
• Not Deglazing the Pan: Those browned bits in the skillet are pure flavor. Deglaze with a little broth and add them to the slow cooker.
• Lifting the Lid: Every time you lift the slow cooker lid, you add 15-20 minutes of cooking time. Resist the urge to peek!
• Adding Cornstarch Too Early: If you’re using cornstarch to thicken, add it at the end. Adding it too early can result in a gluey texture.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy this comforting dish for days.

• Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often meld and become even better.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much.
• Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep: Make a double batch and freeze half for an easy meal on a busy night.

Conclusion

In just 15 minutes of prep, you can set yourself up for a dinner that’s hearty, comforting, and completely satisfying. With its tender, fall-apart beef and rich, savory gravy, this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal for busy families.

Now it’s your turn to let your slow cooker do the work! Brown that beef, toss everything in, and come home to the incredible aroma of dinner ready and waiting. We’d absolutely love to hear how it turned out—leave a comment below with your experience, rating, or any creative twists you tried. And if you crave more easy and delicious slow cooker recipes, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss a post!

FAQs

Q1: What’s the best cut of beef for slow cooker beef tips?
Sirloin tips are ideal—they become incredibly tender while maintaining their shape. Chuck roast (cut into cubes) is also excellent. Avoid lean cuts like tenderloin, which can dry out.

Q2: Can I skip the browning step?
You can, but browning the beef adds incredible depth of flavor that you just can’t get otherwise. It’s worth the extra 10 minutes!

Q3: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging, ensure your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free, and use a gluten-free onion soup mix or make your own seasoning blend.

Q4: How do I thicken the gravy?
Remove the bay leaf at the end of cooking. Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry, stir it into the slow cooker, and cook on HIGH for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Q5: Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Sliced mushrooms, carrots, or celery are delicious additions. Add them at the beginning so they become tender along with the beef.

Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy

Print Recipe

This Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Gravy is the ultimate comfort food—tender, fall-apart beef simmered for hours in a rich, savory gravy that’s absolutely irresistible. With just 15 minutes of prep in the morning, you’ll come home to the incredible aroma of a fully cooked dinner that’s ready to serve. The beef sirloin tips become incredibly tender as they slow-cook, while the gravy develops deep, complex flavor from a combination of beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and aromatic herbs. Perfect served over creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, this set-it-and-forget-it meal is ideal for busy weeknights, cold winter days, or anytime you’re craving hearty comfort food. The best part? Leftovers taste even better the next day and freeze beautifully for future meals.

 

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: : 6-8 servings

Ingredients

For the Beef Tips:

• 2½ to 3 pounds beef sirloin tips or stew meat
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 packet (1 ounce) dry onion soup mix
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry, optional)

For Serving:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice

Instructions

1. Prep the beef: Pat the beef tips dry with paper towels. This helps them brown properly. Season generously with salt and pepper. Place the flour in a shallow dish and dredge the beef pieces, shaking off any excess.
2. Brown the beef (optional but highly recommended): Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, add the beef in a single layer and brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. This step adds incredible depth of flavor and is worth the extra few minutes.
3. Sauté the onions: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Transfer the onions and garlic to the slow cooker.
4. Deglaze the pan: Pour about ½ cup of the beef broth into the hot skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This liquid gold is full of flavor. Pour it into the slow cooker.
5. Add remaining ingredients: To the slow cooker, add the remaining beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Stir everything together until well combined.
6. Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and the gravy is rich and flavorful.
7. Thicken the gravy (optional): If you prefer a thicker gravy, remove the bay leaf. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the gravy has thickened.
8. Rest and garnish: Let the beef tips rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld. Remove the bay leaf and discard. Garnish with fresh parsley.
9. Serve: Serve the beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Spoon plenty of that rich gravy over the top.

Notes

• Browning is Worth It: While you can skip the browning step, it adds incredible depth of flavor that you just can’t get otherwise. It’s worth the extra 10 minutes!
• Choose the Right Cut: Sirloin tips are ideal—they become incredibly tender while maintaining their shape. Chuck roast (cut into cubes) is also excellent. Avoid lean cuts like tenderloin, which can dry out.
• Low and Slow: For the most tender beef, cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. The longer, slower cooking time allows the connective tissue to break down completely.
• Don’t Peek: Every time you lift the slow cooker lid, you add 15-20 minutes of cooking time. Resist the urge to peek!
• Thickening the Gravy: The cornstarch slurry at the end creates a thicker, more traditional gravy. If you prefer a thinner consistency, simply skip this step.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging, ensure your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free, and use a gluten-free onion soup mix or make your own seasoning blend.
• Add Vegetables: Sliced mushrooms, carrots, or celery are delicious additions. Add them at the beginning so they become tender along with the beef.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often meld and become even better.
• Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth if the gravy has thickened too much.

• Author: By juicymeatrecipes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH
• Category: Bowl Meal, Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
• Diet: None Selected