If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful, and fuss-free dinner, this Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe is a total winner. Tender beef stew meat slowly cooked to perfection in a luscious gravy makes every bite melt in your mouth, with a depth of savory flavors that can only come from hours in the crockpot. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, while being surprisingly simple to throw together. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers on taste, texture, and that rich, hearty satisfaction that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays an important role, from building layers of robust flavor to creating that silky smooth gravy you’ll want to drizzle over everything. No complicated or hard-to-find components, just simple goodness that you probably already have in your pantry.
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or sirloin tips: Provides tender, juicy chunks of beef that will soak up all the delicious seasonings and broth.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Enhances the savory base without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and unlocking the meat’s natural flavors.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Brings a subtle hint of heat to balance the richness.
- ½ tsp paprika: Offers a mild smokiness and lovely color to the beef.
- 3 cups beef broth: The flavorful liquid that slowly cooks the beef tender and forms the base of the gravy.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce: Adds umami intensity and enhances the savory profile.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Delivers a tangy, slightly sweet complexity that lifts the dish.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Provides texture and natural sweetness as it cooks down.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic boosts the fragrance and deepens the flavor.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 3 tbsp water (slurry): Used to thicken the broth into a luscious, rich gravy.
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional): For a creamier, velvety finish to your gravy if you want to indulge a little more.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Beef
Start by trimming and cutting your beef stew meat or sirloin tips into bite-sized pieces if they aren’t already. This is the stage where you’ll season your beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. These spices will seep into every tender piece, giving your beef that irresistible punch of flavor as it cooks low and slow.
Step 2: (Optional) Sear for Extra Flavor
If you have a little extra time and want to deepen those flavors, heat some olive oil in a skillet and quickly brown your seasoned beef tips. This initial sear locks in juices and creates caramelized edges that add complexity to the final dish. However, this step is totally optional and your beef will still come out delicious if you skip it.
Step 3: Load the Slow Cooker
Transfer your beef into the crockpot along with chopped onions, minced garlic, three cups of beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Give it all a gentle stir just to distribute the ingredients evenly. This mixture is the foundation of your gravy and the key to slowly infusing the beef with rich, savory goodness over several hours.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, which is ideal for the utmost tenderness and flavor. If you’re short on time, HIGH for 3-4 hours works as well, but nothing beats low and slow for the best texture. During this time, the beef will become fall-apart tender and the broth will develop into a beautifully flavorful base.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour this into the slow cooker and stir well to thicken your sauce. For an extra creamy twist, stir in half a cup of heavy cream at this point, transforming your gravy into silky richness that wraps around each bite of beef.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
Once your gravy has thickened and the beef is tender beyond belief, your Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe is ready to be enjoyed. This cozy, comforting dish is perfect for dinner any day of the week.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a burst of color and a mild, fresh flavor contrast. These little green hints also make the dish look beautiful and inviting on the plate, enhancing your dining experience.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes are the classic and most beloved companion, soaking up every drop of that glorious gravy. If you want a bit of variety, creamy polenta, buttered egg noodles, or even steamed rice make excellent bases. Simple roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad can bring freshness and balance to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these beef tips over toasted baguette slices as an open-faced sandwich, or spoon the beef and gravy into puff pastry shells for an elegant appetizer. You can also ladle the rich beef and gravy over baked potatoes for a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this comforting meal again with minimal effort.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Portion the beef tips and gravy into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Make sure to leave some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When thawed, the flavors remain just as delicious as fresh.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to maintain the creamy texture of the gravy. You can also microwave individual portions, just be sure to cover and stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat or sirloin tips work best for tenderness and flavor, chuck roast cut into chunks also makes a great substitute and becomes wonderfully tender when slow-cooked.
Is it necessary to sear the beef before slow cooking?
Searing adds flavor and texture but is not required. The beef will still cook to tender perfection in the crockpot without this step, making it a convenient shortcut for busy days.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari sauce, and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How can I make the gravy thicker or thinner?
If you prefer thicker gravy, add a bit more cornstarch slurry; for thinner gravy, simply add some extra beef broth or water until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can definitely assemble all the ingredients in the crockpot insert the night before, refrigerate, and then start cooking in the morning. This makes it a great option for busy weekdays or meal prep plans.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about coming home to the aroma of tender beef and rich gravy simmering in the crockpot, and this Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe delivers that comfort in every bite. It’s the kind of meal that feels both indulgent and effortless, perfect for busy families, weeknight dinners, or anytime you crave a cozy dish that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to slow cooker recipes.
Print
Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (LOW) or 3 to 4 hours (HIGH)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes (LOW) or 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (HIGH)
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Gravy recipe delivers tender, flavorful beef cooked low and slow in a rich, savory gravy. Perfect for a comforting meal, these beef tips are seasoned with classic spices and slow-cooked to perfection, then thickened with a smooth cornstarch gravy. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a hearty dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Beef Tips:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into pieces
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Gravy:
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 3 tbsp water (for slurry)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: (Optional) Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the beef tips until browned on all sides to enhance flavor and color.
- Season the Beef: Place the beef in the slow cooker and season evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Add Aromatics and Liquids: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce into the slow cooker with the beef.
- Slow Cook the Beef: Cover and cook the beef tips on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender and flavorful.
- Make the Gravy: About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Add Cream (Optional): For a richer texture and velvety gravy, stir in the optional heavy cream and allow it to warm through.
- Serve: Spoon the beef tips with the gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy your meal.
Notes
- Searing the beef is optional but adds extra depth of flavor.
- You can adjust seasoning to taste before slow cooking.
- Heavy cream is optional; omit for a lighter gravy.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make sure to mix cornstarch slurry well to avoid lumps.
