Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy

Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy is one of those comforting, hearty meals that turns plain old stew meat into a tender, flavorful dinner your whole family will rave about. Using your crock pot to cook up this budget-friendly beef cuts the fuss way down while packing in big, delicious flavor. With just ten simple ingredients, this slow cooker beef tips recipe is a fantastic addition to your busy weeknight meal lineup!

This recipe is classic comfort food at its finest. I love serving it to my family because it’s easy to make, and every bite of tender beef soaked in that rich, savory gravy just feels so satisfying. Trust me, once you try these slow cooker beef tips, you’ll be licking your plate clean—you won’t want to waste a drop of that gravy!

Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy is perfect for turning affordable stew meat into a mouthwatering, tender meal with minimal hands-on time. Just ten ingredients and your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting, making it a superstar recipe for busy nights when you want comfort food without the stress.

Notes

• Deeper Flavor: If you have a few extra minutes, sear the beef tips in hot butter or olive oil in a skillet before slow cooking. This adds a beautiful brown crust and an extra layer of flavor.
• Thicker Gravy: If you want your gravy thicker, mix more cornstarch with cold water to make a smooth slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker near the end of cooking and let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.
• Make Ahead: You can mix all the seasoning ingredients the night before and refrigerate. This cuts down on prep time when you’re ready to cook.
• Cook on Low Heat: Cooking the beef tips on LOW for that long slow cook is key to breaking down the tough fibers and making the meat fall-apart tender.
• Even-Sized Pieces: Make sure your stew meat chunks are about the same size. That way, everything cooks evenly and comes out perfectly tender.

Nutrition

Calories: 375kcal Carbohydrates: 12g Protein: 52g Fat: 12g Saturated Fat: 4g Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 5g Cholesterol: 141mg Sodium: 1334mg Potassium: 938mg Fiber: 0.4g Sugar: 3g Vitamin A: 69IU Vitamin C: 3mg Calcium: 73mg Iron: 5mg

*Nutrition info is an estimate and can vary based on the brands and exact ingredients you use. If you want precision, try putting it into your favorite nutrition calculator.

If you’re after super easy weeknight cooking that still brings cozy comfort to the table, these Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy are exactly what you need. With just about 10 minutes’ prep and a long slow cook in your crock pot, simple stew meat transforms into tender chunks coated in rich, tasty gravy. Serve these slow cooker beef tips over creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or fluffy rice for a warm, satisfying meal everyone will adore.

Here’s a quick look at what makes this recipe such a winner, so you can decide if it’s your next dinner go-to:

• Easy-to-find ingredients: only ten pantry staples and 2 pounds of stew meat needed.
• Hands-off cooking: set it and forget it for 7–8 hours on LOW, then enjoy perfectly tender beef tips.
• Versatile serving: drizzle that rich gravy over noodles, potatoes, rice, or even low-carb options like cauliflower rice.
• Helpful tips included: ideas for searing the meat for extra flavor, gluten-free swaps, and tricks to thicken the gravy or add veggies.
• Make-ahead and storing advice so your leftovers stay delicious and reheat wonderfully.

Keep scrolling to get the full ingredient list, step-by-step slow cooker method, pro cooking tips, tasty variations, and answers to common questions to nail this dish every single time.

Why This Dish Shines

• Melts in Your Mouth Tender Beef. Slow cooking—just like in Slow Cooker Beef Stew—is absolutely the best way to turn tougher stew meat into fork-tender goodness while keeping all the juicy flavor locked in. And no standing over the stove fussing!
• Super Versatile. These beef tips pair perfectly with all kinds of sides, like Skillet Zucchini and Mushrooms, so you can switch it up from one meal to the next and keep dinner interesting.
• Budget-Friendly. Stew meat is usually an affordable cut, which means you can enjoy a delicious, hearty meal without breaking the bank.
• Great for Any Occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, family gathering, or potluck, these beef tips and gravy fit right in and impress every time.

What You’ll Need

• 2 lbs stew meat
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 3 tbsp garlic (minced)
• 1 (1 oz) package dry onion soup mix
• 2 cups beef broth
• 3 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tbsp cornstarch

How to Make It

1. Open package and pat stew meat dry; trim excess fat and cut into uniform chunks if needed.
2. Optional: heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium-high and sear beef pieces until browned; transfer to slow cooker.
3. Place stew meat in the base of a 6-quart slow cooker.
4. If adding root vegetables (carrots, potatoes), add them to the slow cooker with the meat.
5. In a medium bowl whisk together salt, black pepper, dried thyme, minced garlic, dry onion soup mix, beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch until smooth.
6. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.

7. Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours, until the meat is very tender and the gravy is rich.

   

8. If adding quick-cooking vegetables (mushrooms, green beans), stir them in about halfway through cooking.
9. If you want thicker gravy, whisk additional cornstarch with cold water to make a smooth slurry, stir it in near the end of cooking, and let simmer until thickened.

Chef Tips and Serving Ideas

• For deeper flavor: If you can spare a few minutes, sear the beef tips in butter or olive oil on the stove before cooking them low and slow. That nice browning adds a boost to the overall taste.
• Want thicker gravy? Blend equal parts cornstarch and cold water; stir in near the end of cooking and let it thicken up for a richer sauce.
• Prep ahead: Whip up the seasoning mix the night before, so you just dump it in and start the slow cooker next day.
• Slow and steady cooking: Cooking on low heat lets the beef’s connective tissues break down slowly, making it juicy and tender. Avoid rushing it on high heat.

• Uniform beef chunks: Try to pick stew meat pieces all about the same size so everything cooks evenly and turns out perfect.

This gravy is a dream when served over rice, egg noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes. In our house, egg noodles and mashed potatoes are favorites because they soak up all that delicious sauce so well.

Don’t forget to add a veggie side to make it a full meal—Garlic Parmesan roasted zucchini, corn on the cob, or a crisp simple salad all work beautifully. If you want a lighter, low-carb meal, try it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles—they soak up the gravy just as nicely.

Planning a weekend meal, special occasion dinner, or hosting friends? Pair this with an easy dessert like apple crisp or crock pot peach cobbler for a sweet finish everyone will love. If you’re craving another gravy-rich classic, try Salisbury steak with mushroom gravy next.

This gravy is a dream when served over rice, egg noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes. In our house, egg noodles and mashed potatoes are favorites because they soak up all that delicious sauce so well.

Don’t forget to add a veggie side to make it a full meal—roasted veggies, corn on the cob, or a crisp simple salad all work beautifully. If you want a lighter, low-carb meal, try it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles—they soak up the gravy just as nicely.

Planning a weekend meal, special occasion dinner, or hosting friends? Pair this with an easy dessert like apple crisp or crock pot peach cobbler for a sweet finish everyone will love.

When it comes to serving these slow cooker beef tips, the options are endless. They’re fantastic over velvety mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, fluffy white or brown rice, or even cauliflower rice if you’re watching carbs. Pick your favorite to soak up all that delicious gravy!

Pair your beef tips with simple roasted veggies like carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts. A crisp green salad also adds a nice fresh contrast.

For a cozy dinner at home or a special occasion, round out the meal with a sweet finish like a homemade apple crisp or a warm peach cobbler—both easy to whip up in the slow cooker too!

Flavor Swaps and Add-Ins

• Gluten-Free Option: Make sure to grab a dry onion soup mix and beef broth labeled gluten-free, and this recipe is safe and delicious for those avoiding gluten.
• Add Some Heat: Want to spice things up? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce before cooking for that gentle kick. For a bolder, chili-forward spin, check out Slow Cooker Cowboy Beef.
• Extra Flavors: Try stirring in a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar with your broth at the start for a richer, more complex sauce.
• Veggie Boost: Feel free to add hearty veggies like onions or carrots right at the beginning. Fast-tender veggies such as mushrooms, green beans, or potatoes can be stirred in halfway through the cook. If you add extra veggies, you might want to pour in a little more broth to keep things saucy.

• Swap the Meat: Try substituting pork shoulder or lamb stew meat for a different twist on the dish. Just adjust your cooking time based on the meat you use. Prefer pork? Try Crock Pot Pork Roast and Gravy for a similar comfort-food vibe.
• Vegetarian Version: For a meatless option, replace the beef with hearty mushrooms like portobello or cremini and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Flavor Twists: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky kick or mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley just before serving for brightness.
• Make it Creamy: Stir in a little sour cream or cream cheese at the end of cooking for a silky, rich gravy.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating

• Storing: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for up to four days, or freeze for up to three months to enjoy later.
• Reheating: Heat leftovers gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through. If the gravy gets too thick, add a little beef broth or water before reheating to loosen it up and keep the beef juicy. The microwave works too, just heat in short bursts and stir occasionally.

• Storing: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for up to four days, or freeze for up to three months to enjoy later.
• Reheating: Heat leftovers gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through. If the gravy gets too thick, add a little beef broth or water before reheating to loosen it up and keep the beef juicy. The microwave works too, just heat in short bursts and stir occasionally.

Leftover slow cooker beef tips and gravy store beautifully. Pop them in an airtight container and keep them in your fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze the leftovers—just make sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags, and enjoy within three months for the best flavor. Soups like our Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe also freeze well for make-ahead lunches.

When freezing, I like to portion out the beef tips into meal-sized containers. That way, you can thaw just what you need without defrosting the whole batch.

This slow cooker beef tips recipe is a fantastic make-ahead dish for busy weeks. For another set-it-and-forget-it meal that reheats beautifully, check out our Beef Stew Crockpot Recipe.

If you want to take it a step further, you can even cook the beef tips ahead of time, then reheat them gently in the slow cooker for a quick meal later.

Common Questions Answered

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

I don’t recommend cooking these slow cooker beef tips on HIGH. The meat tends to get tougher and the gravy won’t develop that rich, slow-cooked flavor you want. Low and slow really is the way to go!

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

Absolutely! Chuck roast, sirloin, or even tenderloin can work well here. Heads up, though—each cut will vary in cooking time. The stew meat shines because it becomes tender after slow cooking, but if you use a more tender cut, dial back the cooking time so it doesn’t overcook. If you’d rather turn a chuck roast into a full pot roast dinner, try this easy tender crockpot pot roast recipe.

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

No worries! You can mix your own seasoning with dried minced onion, beef bouillon, parsley flakes, celery seed, paprika, and black pepper. It’s easy and tastes just as great.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! This recipe scales up nicely. Use a 6-quart slow cooker to have plenty of room for doubling the ingredients. You can just hit the “2x” button on the recipe card to get new quantities. Keep an eye on the cooking time, too—it might need an extra half hour to an hour for a bigger batch.

How do I prevent my beef tips from being tough?

The key is to cook the beef tips low and slow in the crock pot. This allows the connective tissue to break down slowly, making the meat tender and juicy. Avoid rushing the process by cooking on high heat.

Can I substitute the cornstarch with something else?

Yes, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a thickener if you want a cornstarch alternative. Just mix it with cold water before adding to the slow cooker to avoid lumps.

What sides go best with slow cooker beef tips?

Mashed potatoes and egg noodles are classic choices, but rice, roasted potatoes, or even cauliflower rice work great too. Add some steamed or roasted veggies—like sautéed zucchini—for a balanced meal.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Absolutely! Root veggies like carrots and potatoes can go in at the start. More delicate veggies like green beans or mushrooms are best added halfway through so they don’t get mushy.