When you’re craving a warm, hearty, and comforting meal that feels like a hug from the inside out, beef tips and gravy in the crockpot is your go-to dinner. This dish is the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor tender chunks of beef slow-cooked until melt-in-your-mouth soft, all enveloped in a rich, savory brown gravy.

Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting guests who appreciate a classic comfort food dish, this crockpot beef tips and gravy recipe checks every box. Plus, it’s an excellent make-ahead meal that only gets better the longer it sits.

With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.

Recipe Preparation Equipment

To prepare this dish with ease, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

Crockpot / Slow Cooker (4–6 quarts recommended)
Large skillet (for optional browning)
Tongs (to handle the beef tips)
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowl
Whisk (for lump-free gravy)
Cutting board and sharp knife
Ladle (for serving)

What You’ll Need to Prepare Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy ?

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients for this easy beef tips recipe:

Main Ingredients:

2–2.5 lbs beef stew meat or sirloin tips, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for browning)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika

For the Gravy Thickener:

2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons water (to make a slurry)

How to Make Easy Beef Tips and Gravy (Crockpot Method) – Step-by-Step Instructions ?

Step 1: Optional – Brown the Beef Tips

While optional, browning the beef tips before placing them in the crockpot adds a rich, caramelized flavor that enhances the dish. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches until they have a golden-brown crust. Transfer them to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot

Add the chopped onion, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika over the beef tips in the crockpot. Stir gently to combine the flavors.

Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and juicy.

Step 4: Make the Gravy Slurry

About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot, cover, and let it cook on high for the remaining 30 minutes to allow the gravy to thicken.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the gravy is thick and glossy, serve the beef tips over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Spoon extra gravy on top for the ultimate comfort meal.

Recipe Variations

There are several ways to adapt this beef tips and gravy crockpot recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences. For added depth of flavor, try substituting half the beef broth with red wine or mushroom broth. If you’re a fan of mushrooms, stir in 1–2 cups of sliced cremini or button mushrooms at the beginning of cooking they’ll release their umami flavor into the gravy.

Prefer a creamy gravy? Add ½ cup of sour cream or heavy cream in the final 30 minutes with the cornstarch slurry for a creamy twist. You can also add a touch of Dijon mustard or a splash of balsamic vinegar to brighten the flavor profile.

For a low-carb version, skip the cornstarch and use xanthan gum or arrowroot powder as a keto-friendly thickener. Serving over cauliflower mash instead of potatoes keeps the dish keto-friendly.

Want more veggies? Add carrots or peas in the last hour of cooking. These additions make it a complete one-pot meal that’s rich in both flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Note

Browning the beef tips before adding them to the slow cooker is optional but highly recommended. It enhances the overall taste by adding a layer of savory complexity that only comes from caramelization. Use a heavy skillet, and don’t overcrowd the pan cook the beef in batches to ensure a good sear.

If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still end up with a delicious dish. The long, slow cooking time infuses the meat with flavor regardless. However, if you choose to brown the beef, take the opportunity to sauté the onions in the same pan afterward to pick up all those delicious browned bits.

Also, keep in mind that the thickness of your gravy can vary based on the water content of the beef and how tightly your crockpot seals. If your gravy isn’t thick enough after adding the slurry, uncover the slow cooker and let it cook on high for an extra 15–20 minutes to reduce.

Always taste the gravy before serving and adjust the salt and seasoning if necessary. Sometimes just a pinch more salt or a splash of Worcestershire sauce can make a big difference.

Serving Suggestions

Crockpot beef tips and gravy are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. The most popular pairing is creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the luscious gravy like a sponge. For a homestyle feel, serve it with buttered corn, green beans, or roasted carrots on the side.

If you prefer rice, serve it over steamed white or brown rice for a slightly lighter alternative. Egg noodles are also an excellent match, turning the dish into a comforting beef stroganoff-style dinner.

For a complete Southern-inspired meal, serve beef tips and gravy with cornbread or fluffy biscuits to mop up every last bit of the sauce. A light side salad can balance the richness of the dish with freshness and crunch.

Hosting guests? Garnish the beef tips with fresh parsley and serve in a wide, shallow bowl for a rustic yet elegant presentation.

Helpful Tips

Choose the right cut: Use well-marbled beef like sirloin, chuck, or stew meat. These cuts become incredibly tender after long, slow cooking.
Don’t skip seasoning: Even though it all cooks together, seasoning each layer (especially the meat) enhances the final taste.
Brown the beef for deeper flavor: This optional step is worth the extra 10 minutes if you want a richer, more complex taste.
Use low-sodium broth: This gives you more control over the salt level in your final dish.
Mix slurry well: Make sure your cornstarch and water mixture is lump-free to avoid clumpy gravy.
Cook low and slow: While high settings work in a pinch, cooking on LOW gives the most tender beef.
Double the recipe: This freezes well! Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently: Reheat on the stove or in the microwave using low heat to maintain the meat’s tenderness.

Tips for the Best Beef Tips and Gravy

To get the most flavor and tenderness out of your crockpot beef tips and gravy, consider these quick tips:

Sear your meat first. It adds a rich, roasted layer of flavor that can’t be replicated otherwise.
Don’t lift the lid too often. Each time you open the crockpot, heat escapes and slows the cooking process.
Let it rest. After cooking, allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving to help the gravy thicken naturally and the juices settle.
Fresh herbs at the end. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme just before serving adds a bright finish to the rich flavors.
Taste before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, or add a dash of hot sauce if you like a spicy kick.

Timing Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 6–8 hours on LOW or 4–5 hours on HIGH
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes – 8 hours 10 minutes

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 380
Protein: 38g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Sugar: 2g
Fiber: 1g

Related Recipes :

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen beef tips?
A: It’s best to thaw the beef first. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking and affect texture.

Q: Can I make this recipe without cornstarch?
A: Yes, you can use flour or arrowroot powder instead. Just make a slurry the same way.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot?
A: Yes! Sauté the beef using the “Sauté” function, then pressure cook on high for 35 minutes with a natural release.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, just ensure your broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free, and use cornstarch or a certified gluten-free thickener.

Conclusion

This beef tips and gravy crockpot recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly simple to make with just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers every single time.

Tender beef, flavorful gravy, and your choice of comforting sides it’s a no-fail dinner that everyone will love. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked!

Whenever life calls for a meal that’s both easy and impressive, let this crockpot beef tips and gravy recipe be your answer.