There's nothing I like better on a busy weeknight than these crockpot beef tips! It's so nice coming home to a delicious meal already prepared, especially one as delicious as this. The beef tips are slow cooked to tender perfection and smothered in a smoky brown gravy sauce - it all pairs perfectly with some creamy mashed potatoes.
I know it's going to be a good night when these beef tips are on the menu! They are so filling and delicious with hardly any hands-on cooking involved.
The recipe calls for stew beef, which is a really inexpensive cut of meat, making this recipe economical as well as incredible. So, if you're on a tight budget this beef tips recipe is just what you're looking for.
It'll feed the whole family, and it's so good even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds. That's what happens at my house anyway. My 3 year old can't get enough of this recipe.
Table of Contents
Why you'll love this recipe
It's easy to make. This recipe is a winner because it is so simple to make. Simply brown the beef in a skillet, add it to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients, and hit "start." Dinner will be ready before you know it!
It's delicious. The best part about this dish is that the beef cooks in a flavorful gravy all day long and then by the time it's done cooking the meat soaks up all of that smoky gravy goodness. If you love your beef tender - and who doesn't - you'll love this recipe.
It's filling. These beef tips are a delicious meal all on their own but they're even better when you pair them with a side of green beans, brussel sprouts, or candied carrots. No matter what option you choose though the recipe makes enough to feed the whole family! And, again, it does so for cheap.
Ingredients
- Beef- stew beef, cut into one inch chunks.
- Beef stock- the beef simmers in this to become flavorful and tender.
- Garlic- minced, adds delicious flavor to the dish.
- Cornstarch- helps to thicken the gravy.
- Brown Gravy- prepackaged gravy mix is perfect!
- Onion powder- for added seasoning.
- Worcestershire sauce- brings smokiness and deep flavors to the gravy.
- Butter- for richness.
- Salt and pepper- to taste.
How to make this recipe
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, add the butter.
Step 2: Brown the beef. Add the stew beef to the butter. Brown the beef 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 clean up.
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 tips for making the best Crockpot beef tips
- Don't skip searing and browning the stew beef! This step ensures you will lock in the juices and flavors of the stew beef.
- Use the cooking juices from the slow cooker to make a gravy when the beef is done cooking. Add a slurry of flour or cornstarch and water to the juices to thicken it up.
- If you can't find stew beef, you can also use a chuck roast or rump roast cut into one inch pieces just as well.
- If you're in a hurry, you can cook the beef on high for about 4 hours. Just make sure it is fork tender before serving.
- I love serving these beef tips up for creamy mashed potatoes, or over a big bowl of this buttery rice.
How to store and reheat any leftover beef tips
In the fridge: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to four days.
In the freezer: Store any leftover beef tips in a freezer safe airtight container - or freezer bag - and freeze them for up to 6 months.
Reheating: You can easily reheat any leftovers in a saucepan over medium heat. Just make sure to stir the dish occasionally so it doesn't stick to the pan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add other ingredients to the gravy once it's finished?
Absolutely! I like adding sliced mushrooms to the gravy a lot of the time when I make this dish. If you decide to do this, just make sure to slice the mushrooms thin enough that they cook quickly in the gravy.
What other meats can I use instead of stew beef?
You can use chuck roast, round roast, or sirloin tips in this recipe with no issues at all. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even substitute the beef completely with venison.
Why isn't my beef tender?
If your beef tips aren't tender, you may not have cooked them for long enough. With that said, I like using a meat tenderizer on leaner tougher cuts of beef before I cook it. It always ensures the meat ends up super tender when it's done cooking.
More Beef Recipes To Try Next
- Panda Express Beijing Beef
- Oven roasted beef ribs
- Beef ramen
- Braised beef shank
Quick and Easy Crock Pot Beef Tips Recipe (With A Yummy Gravy)
There's nothing I like better on a busy weeknight than these crockpot beef tips! It's so nice coming home to a delicious meal already prepared, especially one as delicious as this. The beef tips are slow cooked to tender perfection and smothered in a smoky brown gravy sauce - it all pairs perfectly with some creamy mashed potatoes.
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.