Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe

Few meals embody the essence of comfort food quite like Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy. With tender chunks of slow-simmered beef bathed in a rich, savory gravy, this dish has earned its place at family tables across generations. It’s hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying—a timeless classic that evokes warm memories of home-cooked meals and cozy evenings.

But what truly elevates this dish from traditional to exceptional is the use of a slow cooker. Also known as a Crock-Pot, the slow cooker has long been a staple in kitchens where flavor, tenderness, and convenience are priorities. It transforms even the most economical cuts of beef into fork-tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites, all while infusing the meat and gravy with layers of rich, developed flavor. The beauty lies in its simplicity: just set it, forget it, and let the magic happen over hours of gentle cooking.

Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy is a recipe that fits effortlessly into busy lifestyles. Whether you’re working full-time, managing a household, or simply looking for ways to minimize time in the kitchen without compromising quality, this dish checks all the boxes. It requires minimal prep, uses accessible ingredients, and yields a meal that tastes like you spent all day perfecting it—even though your slow cooker did most of the work.

This dish also offers incredible versatility. Serve it over creamy mashed cauliflower for a low-carb twist, ladle it onto fluffy white rice or buttery egg noodles for a traditional Southern-style presentation, or pair it with roasted vegetables for a balanced and nutritious dinner. It’s as adaptable as it is delicious, making it a perfect recipe to return to week after week.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through every step of the process, from selecting the best cut of beef to crafting a homemade gravy that rivals any restaurant’s. You’ll learn about key ingredients, preparation methods, cooking techniques, and ways to store and reheat leftovers without losing flavor or texture. We’ll also explore variations to suit different dietary preferences, troubleshoot common issues, and even suggest side dishes and wine pairings for elevated dining at home.

Whether you’re an experienced home cook looking to perfect your slow cooker game or a beginner just starting your culinary journey, this guide will give you the knowledge and confidence to create a dish that’s sure to impress. The Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy recipe isn’t just about putting food on the table—it’s about creating a meal that brings people together, warms the heart, and satisfies the soul.

Let’s begin our journey into the delicious, comforting world of slow-cooked beef tips and discover why this classic recipe remains a beloved favorite across kitchens everywhere.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy

Overview:

This recipe focuses on cooking inexpensive, tougher cuts of beef slowly, allowing them to become tender and flavorful over several hours. The gravy is rich, savory, and thick—perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice. Follow each step carefully to get the best results.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you begin, it’s important to have all your ingredients measured and prepped.

Main Ingredients:

• Beef Stew Meat or Sirloin Tips – 2 to 2½ pounds, cut into bite-sized pieces

• Yellow Onion – 1 large, diced

• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced

• Beef Broth – 2 cups (low-sodium recommended)

• Worcestershire Sauce – 2 tablespoons

• Soy Sauce (or Coconut Aminos) – 1 tablespoon

• Tomato Paste – 1 tablespoon (optional, for depth of flavor)

• Bay Leaf – 1 (optional)

• Salt and Pepper – to taste

For Browning (Optional but Recommended):

• Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil – 2 tablespoons

• All-Purpose Flour – ¼ cup, for coating the beef (optional for searing)

For Thickening the Gravy:

• Cornstarch – 2 tablespoons

• Cold Water – ¼ cup

Optional Add-ins: Sliced mushrooms, chopped carrots, or fresh thyme for additional flavor layers.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef

Instructions:

1. Trim and Cut the Beef:

   • If you’re not using pre-cut stew meat, trim any excess fat or connective tissue from your beef and cut it into uniform, bite-sized chunks—about 1 to 1½ inches.

2. Season the Beef:

   • Generously season the beef with salt and pepper on all sides.

3. (Optional) Dredge in Flour:

   • Lightly coat the beef in flour. This helps the meat brown better and adds body to the final gravy.

   • Place the flour-coated beef in a bowl and toss gently until evenly covered.

Step 3: Sear the Meat (Highly Recommended)

While not strictly necessary, browning the meat before placing it in the slow cooker adds deep, savory flavor and enhances the dish’s overall texture.

Instructions:

1. Heat a Large Skillet:

   • Place a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat and add 1–2 tablespoons of oil.

2. Brown the Beef in Batches:

   • Do not overcrowd the pan. Sear the beef in a single layer for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Rotate the pieces to get color on multiple sides.

   • Remove browned beef and set aside.

3. Deglaze the Pan (Optional):

   • Add a splash of beef broth to the skillet to deglaze. Scrape up any browned bits (called “fond”) and pour this into the slow cooker with the beef. These bits are full of flavor.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base in the Slow Cooker

Instructions:

1. Add Aromatics:

   • Place the chopped onions and minced garlic into the bottom of the slow cooker.

2. Add Beef and Liquids:

   • Add the seared beef on top of the onions.

   • Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and tomato paste (if using).

3. Add Bay Leaf:

   • Place one bay leaf in the pot for added depth of flavor.

4. Stir Lightly:

   • Stir the ingredients together gently to combine, ensuring the beef is mostly submerged in the liquid.

Step 5: Cook Low and Slow

Instructions:

1. Set the Slow Cooker:

   • Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours. Low and slow is best for tenderness.

2. Don’t Lift the Lid:

   • Avoid opening the slow cooker during cooking. Each time you lift the lid, you release heat and extend the cooking time.

3. Check for Doneness:

   • The beef should be fork-tender and easily shredded with a fork when done.

Step 6: Thicken the Gravy

About 20–30 minutes before serving, you’ll want to thicken the gravy.

Instructions:

1. Make a Slurry:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup of cold water until smooth. This is your thickening slurry.

2. Add Slurry to the Slow Cooker:

   • Remove the bay leaf, then stir the slurry into the slow cooker. Mix gently but thoroughly.

3. Continue Cooking:

   • Cover and cook on HIGH for another 20–30 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your liking.

Tip: For an even thicker gravy, you can repeat the slurry process or mash a few pieces of the cooked beef and stir them back into the pot.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Instructions:

1. Taste the Gravy:

   • Adjust seasoning if needed. You may want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or a splash of soy/Worcestershire for depth.

2. Optional Add-Ins:

   • Stir in fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley) at the end for a fresh finish.

Step 8: Serve the Beef Tips and Gravy

Your beef tips are now tender and flavorful, and your gravy is silky and rich. It’s time to plate your meal.

Suggested Serving Ideas:

• Mashed Potatoes: Classic and comforting. The creamy texture pairs beautifully with the hearty gravy.

• Egg Noodles: A traditional base for beef tips, especially in Midwest and Southern cooking.

• Cauliflower Mash: A low-carb alternative that keeps this dish keto-friendly.

• White or Brown Rice: Ideal for soaking up the savory sauce.

• Buttered Vegetables: Green beans, carrots, or peas provide color and balance.