Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy

Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy turns simple, seasoned stew meat into a tender, flavorful dinner that feels like a warm hug. The slow cooker is perfect for taking this budget-friendly beef cut and transforming it into a meal that feels special without much work. With only ten easy ingredients, this crock pot recipe is a fantastic addition to your busy weeknight dinner lineup!

This is one of those classic comfort dishes my family absolutely adores. The rich, savory gravy coats tender chunks of beef, making every bite a cozy, satisfying experience. I love how hands-off it is—just toss everything in the slow cooker, and come back to a dinner that’s so good, you’ll want to lick your plate clean!

This Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy recipe is the ultimate comfort food made simple: affordable stew meat cooked low and slow until it’s perfectly tender, all smothered in a rich, flavorful gravy. With just ten straightforward ingredients and minimal prep, the crock pot does the heavy lifting so you can relax while it cooks.

Keep reading for the full ingredient list, clear step-by-step slow cooker instructions (cook on LOW for about 7–8 hours), plus smart tips for boosting flavor, thickening the gravy just right, and easy make-ahead ideas. I’ll also share my favorite ways to serve it, quick flavor swaps to switch things up (including gluten-free and spicy options), and simple storage and reheating advice so you get the most out of your leftovers.

Whether you need a fuss-free weeknight supper, a crowd-pleaser for potlucks, or a freezer-friendly meal that you can double and store, this slow cooker beef tips recipe has you covered. The tender beef and saucy gravy pair perfectly with noodles, rice, or potatoes for a go-to meal that feels like home.

Tender Beef Without the Fuss

• Beef That Melts in Your Mouth. Slow cooking is hands-down the best method for tender beef tips. It ensures the meat turns out juicy and soft, with no need to hover over the stove crossing your fingers. Just slow and steady wins the flavor race!
• Such a Versatile Dish. The rich beef gravy goes with a variety of sides so you can keep dinner interesting. Serve over noodles one night or over mashed potatoes the next — both are winners.
• Budget Friendly Meal. When you’re watching your grocery budget, this recipe shines. It uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients, and stew meat is often one of the most affordable beef options around.
• Perfect for Any Occasion. These beef tips and gravy work for busy weeknights, lazy weekend dinners, family gatherings, and potlucks alike. It’s a total crowd-pleaser every time.

What You’ll Need

• Beef Stew Meat
• Salt
• Pepper
• Dried Thyme
• Fresh minced garlic (or about 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• Dry Onion Soup Mix
• Beef Broth
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Cornstarch (for thickening)

How to Cook Low and Slow

1. Remove stew meat from the package and pat dry with paper towels.
2. If searing, heat butter or olive oil in a hot skillet and brown beef chunks on all sides; transfer browned beef to the bottom of a 6‑quart slow cooker.
3. Place beef chunks in the bottom of a 6‑quart slow cooker (transfer seared beef now if applicable).
4. In a bowl whisk together salt, pepper, dried thyme, minced garlic, dry onion soup mix, beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch; pour the mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
5. Add chopped onions and/or carrots to the slow cooker at the beginning if using.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours.
7. About halfway through cooking, add tender vegetables (mushrooms, green beans, or potatoes) and add extra beef broth if needed to maintain the liquid level.

8. Near the end of cooking, whisk additional cornstarch into cold water until smooth, stir into the slow cooker, and cook about 10 more minutes to thicken the gravy.

   

Tips for Best Results

• Build More Flavor: If you have a few extra minutes, sear the beef tips in a hot skillet with some butter or olive oil before slow cooking. Just brown all sides lightly to lock in flavor.
• Make Thicker Gravy: To get gravy that clings to every bite, stir some extra cornstarch into cold water until smooth and add it to the crock pot near the end of cooking. Let it go for about 10 more minutes to thicken.
• Get Ahead: Mix up the seasoning blend the night before and store it in the fridge. Then when it’s time to cook, you just toss everything together and start your slow cooker.
• Stick to Low Heat: Slow and steady wins the race here. Cooking on LOW ensures the connective tissue in this tougher cut breaks down perfectly. High heat can make the beef tough and dry.

• Uniform Beef Size: Pick stew meat pieces about the same size so they cook evenly and nothing ends up overcooked or chewy.

This gravy is a dream over egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted spuds. Any of these sides will soak up the sauce perfectly alongside your tender slow cooker beef tips.

Add a roasted veggie like garlic parmesan roasted zucchini or a simple side salad to round out dinner. If you’re watching carbs, try serving these beef tips over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles — equally delicious!

Easy Variations and Swaps

• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe fits gluten-free diets easily if you choose gluten-free onion soup mix and beef broth. Always check labels to be sure!
• Spice It Up: Love heat? Toss in red pepper flakes or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce right before cooking for a subtle kick.
• Extra Flavor Boosts: Pour in a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the sauce at the start of cooking for a richer, deeper flavor.
• Veggie Additions: You can add chopped onions or carrots at the beginning, and tender veggies like mushrooms, green beans, or potatoes halfway through cooking. Just remember to add a little extra broth to keep the liquid level up. For a heartier, stew-style result with root vegetables, see our Beef Stew Crockpot Recipe.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating

• Storing: Keep your leftovers fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, pop portions in the freezer—they’ll keep well for up to three months. This freezer-friendly approach also works for other gravy dinners like Crock Pot Pork Roast and Gravy.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. If the gravy thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of beef broth or water and stir as you heat. This keeps the beef juicy and the sauce silky. Microwaving individual servings works perfectly too for a quick meal.

Answers to Common Questions

Can you cook beef tips on high in the slow cooker?

I don’t recommend cooking on HIGH because it can make the meat tougher and dry out the gravy. Low and slow is the way to go for tender, flavorful beef tips. For another set-it-and-forget-it beef dinner, try our Slow Cooker Cowboy Beef.

Can I use a different type of meat besides stew meat?

Absolutely! Chuck roast, sirloin, or tenderloin can all be great alternatives. Just keep in mind the cooking time might change depending on the cut, since stew meat benefits the most from the extended slow cooking. If you choose chuck roast, this Slow Cooker Beef Stew outlines timing and texture for a melt-in-your-mouth result.

What can I use if I don’t have an onion soup mix?

You can mix your own with dried minced onion, beef bouillon, parsley flakes, celery seed, paprika, and black pepper. It’s easy to whip up and tastes great!

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, doubling works great! Use a 6-quart slow cooker so there’s plenty of room. Just don’t overfill, and expect the cooking time might be a little longer.