There’s something incredibly satisfying about walking through your door after a long day and being greeted by the rich aroma of slow-cooked beef and savory gravy. Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy is more than just a meal—it’s a warm hug on a plate, a weeknight hero, and a staple in countless households for good reason.
This dish takes an affordable cut of beef, such as stew meat or chuck roast, and transforms it into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness with the help of a slow cooker. The result? A rich, hearty, and deeply flavorful meal that requires very little hands-on time but delivers maximum satisfaction.
Whether you’re feeding a busy family, prepping meals for the week, or simply craving something cozy without turning on the oven, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s one of those dependable dinners that tastes like you’ve been in the kitchen all day—even though your crock pot did most of the work.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to master this dish. From ingredient selection to cooking methods, customization ideas, and helpful tips, this article ensures your beef tips and gravy will become a beloved go-to for years to come.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
What makes this dish so universally loved? It’s not just the taste (though that’s a huge part of it). This recipe brings together the best elements of comfort food, convenience, and crowd-pleasing flavors.
✅ Set It and Forget It
With just 10 minutes of prep, your slow cooker takes care of the rest. It’s perfect for those days when you don’t have time to hover over a stovetop.
✅ Tender Beef Every Time
Using a crock pot allows even tough cuts of meat to break down slowly, resulting in ultra-tender bites of beef bathed in savory gravy.
✅ Pantry-Friendly Ingredients
No fancy groceries needed. Most of the ingredients—like onion soup mix, beef broth, and garlic powder—are likely already in your pantry.
✅ Versatility
Serve it over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Add in vegetables. Spice it up. Make it your own with ease.
✅ Family Approved
From picky eaters to hungry teenagers, this meal satisfies all ages. The flavors are rich, the texture is satisfying, and the leftovers are just as good—if not better.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need and Why
Let’s break down each ingredient so you understand what role it plays in the final dish and how you can make smart substitutions if needed.
🥩 Stew Beef or Chuck Roast (2 pounds)
Choose well-marbled stew beef or cube up a boneless chuck roast. These cuts are budget-friendly and become incredibly tender with slow cooking.
Tip: Trim any excess fat, but don’t remove all of it—some marbling adds flavor and moisture.
🧅 Onion Soup Mix (1 packet)
This dry soup mix is a secret weapon in slow cooker dishes. It adds a deep onion flavor that builds complexity in the gravy without extra work.
🍄 Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can)
Adds richness and creaminess to the gravy. Even if you’re not a mushroom fan, this blends into the background beautifully.
Optional: Swap for cream of onion or cream of celery for a different twist.
🍖 Beef Broth (1.5 cups)
The foundation of your gravy. Use low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake. You can always adjust seasoning later.
🥄 Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon)
Adds depth, umami, and a slightly tangy bite that rounds out the savory gravy.
🧄 Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon)
Provides background flavor without overpowering the dish. Fresh garlic can be used if you prefer a sharper note.
⚫ Black Pepper (½ teaspoon)
Adds just the right amount of heat. Taste and adjust to preference.
🌽 Cornstarch + Cold Water (2 tablespoons each)
This slurry thickens the gravy at the end of cooking. Be sure to mix them completely before adding to prevent lumps.
How to Make Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy: Step-by-Step
This process couldn’t be easier, but attention to a few small details ensures you’ll get restaurant-quality results at home.
🔹 Step 1: Prep the Meat
Place your cubed beef in the bottom of the crock pot in an even layer. If desired, brown the beef in a hot skillet beforehand to build even more flavor—but this step is optional.
🔹 Step 2: Make the Gravy Mixture
In a bowl, combine the onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until fully blended.
🔹 Step 3: Combine in the Crock Pot
Pour the gravy mixture over the beef. Stir gently to coat all the meat evenly.
🔹 Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on:
- Low for 7–8 hours
- High for 4–5 hours
Do not lift the lid frequently—let the slow cooker work its magic.
🔹 Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
30 minutes before serving, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water. Stir it into the crock pot and let it cook uncovered on high until the gravy thickens.
🔹 Step 6: Serve
Spoon over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or even cauliflower mash for a low-carb version.
Tips and Tricks for Best Results
🔸 Brown the Meat for More Flavor
Searing the beef adds complexity and a rich, caramelized flavor. While optional, it’s highly recommended if you have the time.
🔸 Don’t Overcrowd the Pot
Spread out the meat so it cooks evenly and isn’t steamed into mush. A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe.
🔸 Thicken Gradually
If the gravy is still too thin after 30 minutes, repeat the cornstarch slurry with half the amount and stir again.
🔸 Add Vegetables
Want to make it a full one-pot meal? Add mushrooms, onions, carrots, or peas halfway through cooking for extra nutrition and heartiness.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is comfort food perfection when paired with one of these classic sides:
🥔 Mashed Potatoes
Fluffy and creamy, they’re the ultimate base for soaking up all that luscious gravy.
🍜 Egg Noodles
Quick-cooking and light, they add a gentle chew that pairs beautifully with beef tips.
🍚 White or Brown Rice
Simple, wholesome, and perfect for balancing out the savory gravy.
🥖 Buttered Dinner Rolls
Great for sopping up every last bit of gravy.
🥗 Simple Green Salad
Add some freshness to your plate and balance the richness of the dish.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
🕒 Meal Prep Friendly
You can assemble everything the night before, refrigerate the slow cooker insert, and start cooking in the morning.
❄️ Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth to loosen the gravy.
🧊 Freezer Tips
Freeze cooked and cooled beef tips in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.
Healthy Tweaks and Variations
🧂 Low-Sodium Version
Use low-sodium broth and skip or reduce the onion soup mix. Add your own seasonings instead.
🥕 Add Veggies
Toss in green beans, mushrooms, or carrots for added fiber and nutrients.
🐓 Try with Chicken or Pork
This same method works with boneless chicken thighs or pork shoulder cubes.
🌾 Gluten-Free Gravy
Use gluten-free soup and broth. Make sure the onion soup mix doesn’t contain hidden gluten.
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Note: Values are estimates based on 6 servings and may vary depending on ingredient brands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Chuck roast, bottom round, and sirloin tips all work well for this recipe.
❓ Do I need to brown the meat first?
It’s optional. Browning adds flavor, but the slow cooker will still make the meat tender without this step.
❓ Can I cook this on the stovetop or oven?
Absolutely. Simmer in a Dutch oven on low heat for 2–3 hours or bake covered at 325°F for 2.5 hours.
❓ How do I thicken the gravy without cornstarch?
Arrowroot powder or flour can be used as a substitute. Start with 1 tablespoon mixed with cold water.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
🚫 Gravy Too Watery?
Be sure to use the cornstarch slurry correctly. Cook on high uncovered after adding it until thickened.
🚫 Beef Too Tough?
Most likely it needs more time. Let it continue cooking on low for another 1–2 hours.
🚫 Meatballs Falling Apart?
If subbing for meatballs, be sure they’re fully cooked and added near the end. Otherwise, they may crumble.
Final Thoughts: The Perfect Weeknight Dinner
Crock Pot Beef Tips and Gravy isn’t just an easy meal—it’s a recipe you’ll come back to over and over again. It’s flexible, deeply flavorful, family-friendly, and great for leftovers. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook, this dish is a guaranteed win.
From busy weeknights to weekend comfort meals, it delivers taste, warmth, and satisfaction in every bite.
