These Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Savory Gravy are a dream for any busy home cook! Tender beef meets a rich, flavorful gravy that pairs perfectly with rice or mashed potatoes.
Honestly, there’s nothing like coming home to the yummy smell of this dish cooking all day. I just love how simple it is—throw everything in and let the crockpot do the work!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Look for chuck roast or round roast, which works great in the slow cooker. If you’re in a pinch, you could use ground beef for a different texture, just be mindful of the cooking time.
Onion: A medium yellow onion is perfect for this dish. If you prefer, use shallots for a milder taste or even green onions added at the end for freshness.
Beef Broth: If you’re short on beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth can work as substitutes, though the flavor will change a bit. Homemade broth adds a wonderful touch, if you have it!
Onion Soup Mix: You can make your own mix with dried onion flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper if you’re avoiding store-bought mixes or have dietary concerns.
Flour: For a gluten-free option, use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the gravy. Just reduce the amount a bit until you find the right consistency.
How Do I Get My Beef Tips Tender in a Slow Cooker?
Getting those beef tips tender is key for a delightful meal! Here are some tips:
- Start by browning the beef in a skillet. This adds flavor through caramelization.
- Don’t rush the cooking time; slow cook on low for 6-8 hours for best results.
- Check the beef for tenderness after the minimum cooking time. It should shred easily with a fork.
- Using a slurry with cold water and flour later in the cooking process thickens the gravy nicely without lumps.
Following these tips will help ensure your beef turns out deliciously tender and flavorful every time!
Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Savory Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional for extra umami)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for browning)
- 1/4 cup cold water
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time. Once you have everything in the crockpot, you’ll need to let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Plan for it to be ready to enjoy in about 7-9 hours total, including cooking time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by lightly dredging the beef stew meat in flour. Make sure to shake off any excess flour—this helps to thicken your gravy later!
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, browning it on all sides for a nice sear. This adds flavor, so don’t skip this step! Once browned, transfer the beef to your crockpot.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
Now, add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they’re fragrant and beginning to soften. Then, transfer them to the crockpot with the beef.
4. Add the Flavoring Ingredients:
Pour the beef broth over the beef in the crockpot. Add the onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, optional soy sauce, black pepper, and dried thyme. Gently stir everything to combine well.
5. Let It Cook:
Cover the crockpot and cook it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the beef to be really tender!
6. Thicken the Gravy:
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cold water with 2 tablespoons of flour to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the crockpot to help thicken the gravy without lumps.
7. Final Cooking:
Cover the crockpot again and continue cooking for another 30 minutes, which will allow it to thicken up nicely. Make sure to taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the beef tips are tender and the gravy has thickened, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles for a comforting meal!
Enjoy your tender and flavorful crockpot beef tips with savory gravy!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Beef Tips with Savory Gravy
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw the beef overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Be sure to pat it dry before dredging in flour.
What Can I Substitute for Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, chicken or vegetable broth can be used as substitutes. You could also use water with a bit of soy sauce for added flavor, but be cautious with the salt since broths can be quite salty.
How Do I Thicken the Gravy Without Flour?
If you need a gluten-free option, you can use cornstarch instead of flour. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, and stir it in about 30 minutes before serving. Allow it to simmer until thickened.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the gravy from becoming too thick.
