Let’s be real for a second—Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is one of those meals that just screams comfort food. You throw everything into a crock pot, let it do its magic, and by the time dinner rolls around, your house smells like a cozy, warm haven. The best part? The beef turns out super tender, and the gravy is rich and flavorful. This dish is perfect for weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen but still want something homemade and delicious. Plus, if you’re anything like me, you’ll love serving it over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice to soak up all that gravy goodness.
If you’re on the hunt for other comfort food recipes, check out this amazing dish for Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions. It’s another meal that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making the perfect Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy!
Why Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy Deserves a Spot in Your Meal Rotation
What makes this dish so special? It’s the ultimate no-fuss meal. Beef tips are little chunks of beef that become incredibly tender when slow-cooked, making them perfect for a crock pot. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with melt-in-your-mouth beef and a gravy so rich, you’ll want to drink it.
It’s great for:
- Busy Weeknights: Just toss everything into the crock pot, set it, and forget it. Dinner will be ready by the time you’re done with work, errands, or relaxing.
- Family Dinners: This is a dish that’s sure to please everyone around the table.
- Leftovers: Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy reheats well, making it an ideal meal prep option. The flavors only get better the next day!
Let’s talk about the ingredients, how to cook it, and ways to customize this comforting dish.
Picking the Best Cuts of Beef for Crock Pot Beef Tips
Okay, here’s the deal: not all beef is created equal, and choosing the right cut makes a big difference when it comes to Crock Pot Beef Tips. Here are some of the best cuts to use:
1. Sirloin Tips
- This is the go-to cut for beef tips. It’s tender and flavorful, but it can be a little pricier. If you’re looking to splurge a bit, sirloin tips are worth it.
2. Chuck Roast
- If you want something more affordable, go for chuck roast. It’s perfect for slow cooking because the longer it cooks, the more tender it gets. You’ll just need to cut it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Stew Meat
- Another budget-friendly option, stew meat is typically a mix of different cuts. It’s a little tougher but will become nice and tender after a few hours in the crock pot.
Preparing the Beef:
- Cut into bite-sized pieces: No one wants to wrestle with huge chunks of meat.
- Season generously: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are great basics, but feel free to throw in your favorite steak seasoning too.
- Optional but recommended—brown the beef: Before tossing it into the crock pot, brown the beef in a skillet. This step adds more flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it.
Must-Have Ingredients for Beef Tips and Gravy
Now that you’ve got your beef sorted, let’s talk about the other ingredients that will make your beef tips and gravy taste amazing. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Beef Broth
- This is your gravy’s base, so make sure to use a good-quality beef broth. You can go with low-sodium if you want more control over the saltiness.
2. Gravy Mix or Homemade Gravy
- You have two options here:
- Gravy Mix: The easy way out—just stir in a packet of gravy mix, and you’re good to go.
- Homemade Gravy: Feeling fancy? You can make your own gravy by using the beef drippings, flour, and beef broth. It takes a little more effort, but the flavor payoff is huge.
3. Onion Soup Mix
- This might sound like a weird addition, but trust me—it adds a ton of flavor. The savory, oniony goodness from the soup mix really enhances the dish.
4. Worcestershire Sauce
- Just a splash of Worcestershire sauce will add that umami flavor you crave. It gives the gravy a richer, more complex taste.
5. Cream of Mushroom Soup (Optional)
- If you want a creamier gravy, throw in a can of cream of mushroom soup. It also helps thicken the gravy, making it even more luscious.
6. Vegetables (Optional)
- Want to bulk up the dish or sneak in some veggies? Onions, mushrooms, and carrots work really well in this dish. They’ll cook down and soak up all that flavorful gravy.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
Ready to get cooking? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to making this delicious dish:
1. Brown the Beef (Optional)
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil.
- Brown the beef on all sides. You don’t need to cook it through—just get a nice sear. This step adds depth to the flavor but isn’t required if you’re short on time.
2. Mix the Gravy Ingredients
- In a bowl, combine the beef broth, gravy mix (or homemade gravy), onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and optional cream of mushroom soup. Stir until everything is well combined.
3. Toss Everything into the Crock Pot
- Place your browned beef (or raw beef if you skipped the browning) into the crock pot.
- Pour the gravy mixture over the beef.
4. Set It and Forget It
- Low and slow is the way to go. Set your crock pot to low and cook for 6-8 hours. If you’re in a rush, you can set it to high and cook for 3-4 hours, but slow cooking will give you the most tender beef.
5. Thicken the Gravy (If Needed)
- After the beef has cooked, check the consistency of the gravy. If it’s too thin, you can thicken it by stirring in a cornstarch slurry (1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with cold water). Let it cook for another 15-20 minutes to thicken up.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
Here are a few tips to ensure your beef tips and gravy turn out perfect every single time:
1. Don’t Skip the Browning (If You Have Time)
- Browning the beef before adding it to the crock pot gives the dish an extra layer of flavor. It’s worth the extra few minutes!
2. Adjust the Gravy to Your Liking
- If the gravy is too thick, you can thin it out with a little extra beef broth. If it’s too thin, a cornstarch slurry will do the trick to thicken it up.
3. Cook on Low for Maximum Tenderness
- Slow cooking on low for 6-8 hours will give you the most tender beef tips. If you cook on high, the meat may not be as tender, but it will still be delicious.
4. Season to Taste
- Always taste your gravy towards the end of cooking and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Delicious Variations of Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ways to customize your beef tips and gravy:
1. Creamy Beef Tips and Gravy
- Stir in some heavy cream or an extra can of cream of mushroom soup for a creamier version. You’ll get a rich, velvety gravy that’s perfect over mashed potatoes.
2. Spicy Beef Tips and Gravy
- If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chili powder to the gravy. It’ll give the dish a nice kick without being overpowering.
3. Beef Tips and Wine Gravy
- For a more robust flavor, swap out half of the beef broth for red wine. The wine will add depth and a subtle sweetness to the gravy.
4. Beef Tips with Vegetables
- Want a one-pot meal? Add onions, mushrooms, carrots, and even potatoes to the crock pot. They’ll cook down and absorb all the flavors from the beef and gravy, making this a complete meal in one dish.
5. Gluten-Free Beef Tips
- You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using a gluten-free gravy mix and thickening the gravy with cornstarch instead of flour.
Perfect Side Dishes for Beef Tips and Gravy
Sure, Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is amazing on its own, but let’s not forget about the sides! Here are some delicious options that pair perfectly with this dish:
1. Mashed Potatoes
- This is a no-brainer. Mashed potatoes are the perfect base for all that rich, flavorful gravy. Creamy mashed potatoes + beef tips = heaven.
2. Egg Noodles
- Another classic pairing. Beef tips and gravy served over a bed of buttery egg noodles is pure comfort food.
3. Rice
- If you want to keep things simple, serve your beef tips and gravy over steamed white or brown rice. It’s a filling, no-fuss option.
4. Roasted Vegetables
- Roasted carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts make great side dishes. The veggies’ natural sweetness balances out the richness of the beef and gravy.
FAQs About Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
Got questions? Here are some of the most common ones people have about making beef tips and gravy in the crock pot.
1. What’s the best cut of beef for beef tips?
- Sirloin tips are the most tender and flavorful, but chuck roast and stew meat are more affordable options that work just as well.
2. How do I thicken the gravy?
- If the gravy is too thin, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the gravy and cook for another 15-20 minutes.
3. Can I cook this recipe on high instead of low?
- Yes, but the beef will be more tender if you cook it on low for 6-8 hours. Cooking on high takes 3-4 hours but might result in slightly tougher beef.
4. Can I add vegetables to the crock pot?
- Absolutely! Onions, mushrooms, carrots, and potatoes are great additions that will soak up all the flavor from the gravy.
5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little broth if needed to loosen the gravy.
6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes! Use a gluten-free gravy mix and thicken the gravy with cornstarch instead of flour.
Conclusion
And there you have it—the ultimate guide to making Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy! This dish is a guaranteed winner for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prepping for the week. With tender beef, rich gravy, and minimal effort required, it’s no wonder this dish is a favorite.
Feel free to customize it to your liking—whether you want to make it creamy, spicy, or packed with veggies. And don’t forget to pair it with some delicious sides like mashed potatoes, noodles, or roasted vegetables.
If you’re in the mood for more comforting recipes, check out this fantastic dish for Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions. Happy cooking!