This crockpot beef tips recipe is one of my favorite busy weeknight dinners. You toss everything in the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to fork-tender beef tips smothered in rich brown gravy that tastes like it has been simmering on the stove all day. The meat comes out melt-in-your-mouth soft, the gravy is savory with a hint of smokiness, and it is perfect spooned over creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. If you are looking for an easy, comforting slow cooker beef tips and gravy recipe, this one absolutely hits the spot.
Table of Contents
Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Tips Recipe
I know it is going to be a good night when these beef tips are on the menu. They are hearty, cozy, and feel like real home cooking, but there is hardly any hands-on work involved. You brown the meat for extra flavor, whisk together a simple gravy base, pour it into the crockpot, and let the slow cooker do the rest. The result is fall-apart tender beef and a silky gravy that tastes way more complex than the effort you put in.
This recipe also uses stew beef, which is a budget-friendly cut that really shines when cooked low and slow. It makes this dish economical as well as delicious, so it is perfect if you want something filling that will stretch to feed the whole family without spending a lot. At my house, even the pickiest eaters ask for seconds—my three-year-old absolutely loves it. It's one of those slow cooker dinners you can put on your regular rotation and know it will be a hit every time, especially when you serve it with a side of green beans, brussel sprouts, or candied carrots
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. salted butter
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 lbs. stew beef I used top round, cut into 1 inch chunks
- 2.5 cups beef stock
- 2 cloves garlic Minced
- 3 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 package (.87 oz.) brown gravy
- 2 Tbsp. dried minced onion
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
How To Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips
Step 1: Prepare the beef
Season the beef with salt and pepper and set aside. Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until lightly smoking, and add the butter.
Step 2: Brown the beef
Add the stew beef to the butter. Brown the meat on all sides. Do not cook beef all the way through; just brown the outside. About 3 minutes.
Step 3: Add to the slow cooker
Add the browned beef to the slow cooker pot. It is optional, but if you'd like, you can add a plastic slow-cooker bag to your slow-cooker pot for easy cleanup.
Step 4: Make the gravy mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the beef stock, garlic, cornstarch, brown gravy packet, minced onion, and Worcestershire sauce.
Step 5: Add the gravy and cook
Pour over the beef and cook on low for 5-6 hours. Beef will be done when it is fork-tender and the gravy has thickened.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Once the beef is fork-tender, turn the slow cooker off. Serve the beef tips and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Enjoy!
My Expert Tips To Make the Best Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
- Choose the right cut of beef. For tender crock pot beef tips, use stew meat, chuck roast cut into cubes, or sirloin tips. These cuts have enough connective tissue and fat to break down slowly and become fork-tender in the slow cooker. Very lean cuts can turn dry and stringy, even when cooked low and slow.
- Season and sear the beef before it goes in the slow cooker. Do not skip the browning step. Pat the beef dry, season well with salt and pepper, and sear it in a hot cast iron skillet with butter until the outside is nicely browned. You are not cooking it through—just creating a flavorful crust. Those browned bits (fond) on the meat add a ton of flavor to your beef tips and gravy once they simmer in the crock pot.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when browning. If you add too much beef to the pan at once, it will steam instead of sear. Brown the stew meat in batches, giving each piece a little space. This helps you get a deep, flavorful crust instead of pale, gray meat.
- Whisk the sauce ingredients until completely smooth. When you mix the beef stock, garlic, cornstarch, brown gravy mix, minced onion, and Worcestershire sauce, whisk until there are no lumps of gravy mix or cornstarch. A smooth mixture thickens more evenly in the slow cooker and prevents clumps in the finished gravy.
- Cook on low for the best texture. For truly tender crock pot beef tips, the low-and-slow setting is your friend. Cook on LOW for 5–6 hours rather than cranking it on high. This gives the beef enough time to break down and lets the gravy develop a rich, beefy flavor. If you are short on time, you can use HIGH, but the texture is almost always better on low.
- Check gravy thickness near the end. The cornstarch and gravy packet should thicken the sauce as the beef tips cook, but crock pots vary. If the gravy is thinner than you’d like in the last 30 minutes, stir together an extra 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and whisk it into the slow cooker. Turn the heat to HIGH for the last 20–30 minutes to help it thicken. If it is too thick, stir in a little extra beef stock or water.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Between the gravy packet, Worcestershire, and beef stock, the sauce can be fairly seasoned already. Always taste the gravy before serving and add extra salt, pepper, or a splash more Worcestershire only if needed. If you want more richness, you can stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end for a glossy finish.
- Skim excess fat if necessary. Depending on the cut of beef you use, some fat may rise to the top of the gravy as it cooks. If there is a noticeable layer, use a spoon to skim it off before serving. This keeps the gravy tasting rich without feeling greasy.
- Serve with a starch that soaks up the gravy. These crock pot beef tips are all about the beef and the gravy. They are amazing served over mashed potatoes, white or brown rice, egg noodles, or even cauliflower mash if you want something lighter. Choose a base that can soak up the sauce so none of that slow-cooked flavor goes to waste.
- Let the beef tips rest a few minutes in the gravy. When the cooking time is up and the beef is fork-tender, turn off the slow cooker and let everything sit for about 5–10 minutes with the lid ajar. This quick rest helps the gravy settle and gives the beef a chance to reabsorb some of the juices, making every bite extra flavorful and tender.
Slow Cooker Beef Tips FAQS
Can I add other ingredients to the gravy once it is finished?
Yes, you can absolutely customize the gravy. Sliced mushrooms are a great addition and add extra savory flavor. If you want to add mushrooms, slice them thin and stir them into the crockpot during the last 30–45 minutes of cooking so they have time to soften and cook through without turning mushy. You can also stir in peas, pearl onions, or a splash of cream at the very end if you want a richer, creamier gravy.
What other cuts of meat can I use instead of stew beef?
This recipe is very flexible when it comes to the cut of beef. You can use chuck roast cut into cubes, bottom round, or sirloin tips with no problem. Chuck is especially good because it has enough marbling to become very tender in the slow cooker. If you like to cook wild game, venison also works well as a substitute; just make sure to trim any silver skin and consider tenderizing it first, since it is leaner than beef.
Why isn’t my beef tender?
If your beef tips are still tough or chewy, they probably need more time in the slow cooker. Tougher cuts like stew beef and chuck break down slowly, so it is important to cook them long enough for the collagen to soften. Keep the slow cooker on LOW and continue cooking until the beef is truly fork-tender. Using a meat tenderizer on very lean cuts before browning can also help. Avoid cooking on high heat for a short time, which can leave the meat cooked but still tough.
Can I skip browning the beef and put it straight in the slow cooker?
You can skip browning in a pinch, but you will lose some depth of flavor. Searing the beef in a hot skillet brings caramelization and adds a lot of richness to the finished dish. If you are short on time, you can skip it and still get tender beef tips, but when possible, take the extra few minutes to brown the meat—it is worth it.
How do I store leftover beef tips and gravy?
Let the beef tips and gravy cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. You can also portion the beef and gravy into individual containers for easy meal prep lunches.
Can I freeze crockpot beef tips?
Yes, this recipe freezes well. Once cooled, place the beef tips and gravy in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the gravy seems a bit thick after thawing, you can stir in a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
For the best texture, reheat beef tips and gravy gently on the stovetop over low to medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, until hot. If the gravy thickens too much in the fridge, add a little beef broth or water while reheating to bring it back to a pourable consistency.
How can I thicken the gravy more if it is too thin?
If the gravy is thinner than you like at the end of cooking, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker, turn the heat to HIGH, and cook for another 15–20 minutes until the gravy thickens. Always add cornstarch slurry at the end so it does not overcook and break down.
What should I serve with crockpot beef tips?
These beef tips are perfect served over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or white or brown rice, which soak up all the gravy. They are also great with a side of roasted or steamed vegetables, a simple green salad, or crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.
More Beef Recipes To Try Next
Easy Crock Pot Beef Tips Recipe With Gravy
This crockpot beef tips recipe is one of my favorite busy weeknight dinners. You toss everything in the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to fork-tender beef tips smothered in rich brown gravy that tastes like it has been simmering on the stove all day. The meat comes out melt-in-your-mouth soft, the gravy is savory with a hint of smokiness, and it is perfect spooned over creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. If you are looking for an easy, comforting slow cooker beef tips and gravy recipe, this one absolutely hits the spot.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. salted butter
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 lbs. stew beef I used top round, cut into 1 inch chunks
- 2.5 cups beef stock
- 2 cloves garlic Minced
- 3 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 package (.87 oz.) brown gravy
- 2 Tbsp. dried minced onion
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Season the beef with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until lightly smoking, add the butter and stew beef. Brown the beef on all sides. (Do not cook beef all the way through, just brown the outside). About 3 minutes.
- Add the browned beef to the slow cooker pot. In a large bowl, whisk together the beef stock, garlic, cornstarch, brown gravy packet, minced onion, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over the beef and cook on low for 5-6 hours.
- Beef will be done when fork-tender and the gravy has thickened.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16Serving Size:
1 CupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 256Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 121mgSodium: 217mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 39g
Jim
Loved how tender the beef was.
Ryan
These beef tips turned out excellent.
Ted
The gravy in this was truly the best gravy that I have ever had.
Jasmine
Truly amazing recipe. The beef cooked wonderfully and that gravy that you created was just what it needed!
Jamell
I will make this crock pot beef recipe again it was excellent.