This Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Savory Gravy Recipe is hands-down one of my go-to comfort meals when I want something hearty without fussing too much in the kitchen. Imagine tender beef melting in a rich, flavorful gravy made easy right in your slow cooker.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I've made this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Savory Gravy Recipe more times than I can count, and it never disappoints. It’s truly the kind of dish that makes weekday dinners feel satisfying and special without extra effort, and trust me, that's a game-changer.
- Ultra-tender beef: Cooking low and slow breaks down the meat’s connective tissue perfectly, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Effortless prep: Just toss in a handful of ingredients and let the slow cooker do all the work while you get on with your day.
- Rich, savory gravy: The blend of beef broth, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic adds layers of deep flavor you’ll love spooning over mashed potatoes or noodles.
- Customizable comfort: This recipe adapts beautifully whether you want it thicker, chunkier, or more herbaceous with simple tweaks.
Ingredients & Why They Work
These ingredients come together like old friends in a cozy kitchen. Each one plays a role in building that signature savory gravy while keeping the beef moist and flavorful. Here’s why I’m always reaching for them when making this dish:
- Stew meat: The best cut for slow cooking since it becomes tender and juicy over several hours.
- Salt & black pepper: Simple staples that season your beef perfectly and enhance all the other flavors.
- Dried thyme: Adds an earthy, herbal note that pairs beautifully with the beef and gravy.
- Minced garlic: For that aromatic punch that makes everything taste homemade.
- Dry onion soup mix: My secret shortcut for complex onion flavor and subtle seasoning — no chopping needed!
- Beef broth: The base of the gravy, adding richness and depth to the sauce.
- Ketchup: A little tang and sweetness to balance the savory elements without overpowering.
- Worcestershire sauce: A classic umami booster that intensifies the meaty flavor.
- Cornstarch: This thickens the gravy to that perfect saucy consistency you want.
Make It Your Way
I love tweaking this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Savory Gravy Recipe to suit the mood or what’s in my pantry. You can really make it your own, and I encourage you to experiment a bit!
- Variation: I often sear the beef first to deepen the flavor and give the tips a bit of a caramelized crust. It adds a lovely richness and makes the gravy even more decadent.
- Thicker gravy: If you prefer it saucier, just stir in a little extra cornstarch mixed with cold water at the end of cooking and let it simmer a few more minutes.
- Herb twist: Swap in rosemary or add a bay leaf for a subtle flavor shift that feels fresh but still comforting.
- Vegetables: Feel free to toss in mushrooms, carrots, or pearl onions for extra texture and heartiness.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Savory Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season Your Beef
Start by placing your stew meat into the slow cooker. If you have a moment, I highly recommend seasoning the beef with salt, pepper, and thyme first—this primes the meat to soak up all those flavors. If you want to amp up the taste, sear the beef tips in a hot skillet with a bit of olive oil or butter before adding them to the slow cooker. Just a couple of minutes until browned on all sides is enough. It’s one of those small steps that makes a big difference.
Step 2: Whisk Together Your Savory Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, dry onion soup mix, beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch. This mixture is your secret weapon—the cornstarch will help thicken the gravy beautifully by the end of cooking.
Step 3: Combine and Slow Cook
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef tips in the slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir to coat the meat in that luscious sauce. Set the slow cooker on low and let it work its magic for 7 to 8 hours. The best part? You can prepare this in the morning and come home to an amazing dinner.
Step 4: Finishing Touches and Serving
If you want a thicker gravy than what you have after cooking, mix a little extra cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the slow cooker. Switch the heat to high and let it cook an additional 10-15 minutes until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
Serve your beef tips over creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or even rice to soak up all that savory goodness. I guarantee you’ll think it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen when you barely lifted a finger.
Top Tip
After making this Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Savory Gravy Recipe dozens of times, I've learned a few tricks to really make it shine and help you avoid common pitfalls.
- Uniform Beef Chunks: Make sure your stew meat pieces are roughly the same size so everything cooks evenly and none is over- or underdone.
- Don’t Skip the Low Heat: Cooking on low instead of high gives the tough meat fibers time to soften without drying out.
- Sear for Flavor: Even a quick sear adds a depth of flavor that really elevates the dish.
- Make-Ahead Sauce Mix: Whisk your sauce ingredients the night before and refrigerate—you'll save precious morning prep time the next day.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Savory Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top—just a little green pop brightens the plate and adds a fresh aroma. Sometimes I toss in sautéed mushrooms right before serving, which soak up the gravy and add great texture.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes are my #1 go-to because they’re perfect for mopping up every drop of that luscious gravy. Egg noodles or buttery rice work beautifully, too. For extra veggies, I love serving it with steamed green beans or roasted carrots to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served these beef tips elegantly over creamy polenta, topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a few roasted baby vegetables on the side. It transforms a humble slow cooker meal into a restaurant-worthy dish your guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I always let the dish cool completely before sealing it up to keep the flavors fresh and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well too – just portion out the beef tips with gravy into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags. When you’re ready for a comforting meal, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in a slow cooker on low.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, warm them slowly over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally so the gravy stays smooth and the beef doesn’t dry out. Adding a splash of beef broth can help loosen the gravy if it’s thickened too much in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Stew meat is preferred because it becomes tender after slow cooking, but you can use chuck roast or sirloin tips cut into bite-sized pieces. Just make sure to adjust cooking time if pieces are larger or tougher.
If the gravy isn’t thick enough after cooking, stir together extra cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry and add it to the slow cooker. Turn the heat to high and let it cook for 10-15 minutes until thickened to your liking.
It’s possible to cook on high but I don’t recommend it since the beef may not become as tender. Slow, low heat breaks down connective tissues best, giving you that perfect melt-in-your-mouth result.
Classic pairings include creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or rice. For veggies, I suggest steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple salad for some freshness alongside the hearty beef tips and savory gravy.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Savory Gravy Recipe has become a warm hug in a bowl for me whenever life gets busy or chilly. The simple prep and hearty, satisfying result make it feel like a little kindness you serve yourself. You’ll love the tender beef, rich gravy, and how it comes together with minimal effort. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try and see how quickly it becomes your own favorite comfort food!
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