If you are craving comforting, rich, and incredibly tender beef with a luscious gravy that hugs every bite, then this Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe is going to steal your heart. There is something so wonderfully satisfying about slow-cooked beef stew meat that becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender and soaks up all those deep, savory flavors from mushrooms, onions, and a perfectly seasoned gravy. It’s a classic dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for cozy dinners any night of the week. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will be a go-to in your kitchen, delivering that unbeatable taste and texture you just can’t get from a stove-top rush.

Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients that pack a ton of flavor. Each one plays a vital role, from the hearty beef stew meat providing rich depth and texture, to the mushrooms and onions adding earthiness and sweetness, balanced perfectly by fragrant thyme and punchy Worcestershire sauce. Let’s break down what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish.

2 tablespoons oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to get a nice sear on your beef, locking in flavor.
3 pounds beef stew meat: Cut into 1 inch pieces, stew meat becomes wonderfully tender after slow cooking.
1 1/2 cups beef stock: This is the flavorful base for your gravy that brings rich, meaty depth.
2 cups sliced mushrooms: They add earthiness and a meaty texture that complements the beef perfectly.
1 onion (peeled and diced): Sweetness and a bit of bite, onions soften nicely in the slow cooker.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy, savory kick that elevates the overall flavor.
1 teaspoon onion powder: For an extra boost of onion flavor even after slow cooking.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Builds layers of warm, aromatic taste.
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves: Herbaceous notes that balance the richness beautifully.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that enhance every other ingredient.
3 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy into that perfect silky consistency.
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a bright, fresh touch as a garnish before serving.

How to Make Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Start by heating oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then, working in batches, sear your beef stew meat on all sides until beautifully browned. This step is crucial—it not only locks in juices but also builds that rich, caramelized flavor that gives this dish its depth. Once seared, transfer the pieces straight into your slow cooker bowl.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Seasonings

Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms and diced onion along with Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. This combination of ingredients layers your dish with savory, sweet, and aromatic notes that will develop during the slow cooking process, making every bite bursting with flavor.

Step 3: Pour in the Beef Stock and Slow Cook

Pour the beef stock over everything and give it a gentle stir to combine. Cover your Crockpot tightly and set it to cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours if you want that extra tender, fall-apart beef texture. The slow simmer allows all flavors to meld beautifully and the beef to become incredibly soft.

Step 4: Thicken the Gravy

When your slow cooking time is up, mix the cornstarch with three tablespoons of water in a small bowl until smooth, then stir this slurry into the Crockpot. Cook uncovered for another 10-15 minutes to let the gravy thicken into that silky, luscious coating that makes this dish so irresistible. Don’t forget to sprinkle your fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness just before serving!

How to Serve Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

Brighten this hearty dish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, herby touch. You can also add a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or even a dash of smoked paprika if you want to introduce a subtle smoky warmth. These finishing details elevate the presentation and flavor in the simplest way.

Side Dishes

Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy go incredibly well with classic mashed potatoes, which soak up every drop of that delicious gravy. For a lighter option, buttered egg noodles or creamy polenta are equally fantastic. Don’t forget some steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts to round out the meal with texture and color!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the beef tips over a bed of fluffy rice or inside warm, toasted sandwich rolls to create hearty beef tip sliders. You can also turn it into a comforting pot pie by spooning the beef and gravy into puff pastry shells. These creative presentations bring a playful edge to a classic favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store leftovers in airtight containers to maintain freshness and keep the gravy from drying out. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making your next meal just as good, if not better.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some headspace as the beef and gravy will expand slightly when frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to best preserve texture.

Reheating

Reheat your beef tips gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring often to prevent scorching. Adding a splash of beef stock or water will help loosen the gravy if it’s too thick after refrigeration. You can also reheat in the microwave, but make sure to stir every minute for even heating and to keep the gravy smooth.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While stew meat works wonderfully due to its tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes or sirloin tips. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts benefit most from the long, slow cooking process to become tender.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe for an Instant Pot. Use the sauté function to brown the beef, then pressure cook on high for about 35-40 minutes followed by a natural release. Add the cornstarch slurry at the end and use the sauté function again to thicken the gravy.

What can I use instead of cornstarch to thicken the gravy?

If you prefer not to use cornstarch, all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder are good alternatives. Mix them with cold water before adding to the slow cooker, and cook uncovered until the gravy reaches your desired thickness.

Is it okay to skip the mushrooms if I don’t like them?

Definitely! Mushrooms add a lovely earthy flavor and nice texture, but if they aren’t your thing, you can leave them out or substitute with other vegetables like diced carrots or bell peppers to add some sweetness and color.

How do I make this recipe low sodium?

To reduce sodium, use low-sodium beef stock and reduce or omit added salt. Worcestershire sauce can be high in sodium, so look for a reduced sodium version or use a splash of balsamic vinegar and a pinch of smoked paprika to add depth.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you enjoy making and savoring this Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe as much as I do sharing it with you. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day—simple to prepare but rich in flavor and comfort. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers pure satisfaction in every luscious spoonful. Give it a try and let those tender beef tips and silky gravy bring joy to your table!

Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy Recipe

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4 from 60 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 8 hours 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy recipe is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender beef stew meat slow-cooked with mushrooms, onions, and fragrant herbs in a rich, savory gravy. Perfect for a family meal, it delivers deep flavors with minimal hands-on time, simmering to perfection in your slow cooker.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Vegetables

2 tablespoons oil
3 pounds beef stew meat (cut into 1 inch pieces)
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 onion (peeled and diced)

Liquids and Seasonings

1 1/2 cups beef stock
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Thickening and Garnish

3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (for garnishing, optional)

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Instructions

Sear the Beef: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef pieces on all sides until browned. This step locks in flavor and juices. Transfer the seared beef to the bowl of the slow cooker.
Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the sliced mushrooms, diced onion, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker with the beef. Stir gently to combine these flavorful ingredients.
Add Beef Stock and Cook: Pour the beef stock into the slow cooker. Stir lightly and cover the Crockpot. Cook on high heat for 4 hours or on low heat for 8 hours until the beef is tender and flavors meld beautifully.
Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker. Continue cooking uncovered for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly to a rich gravy consistency.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor, if desired. Serve the beef tips and gravy hot, ideal over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Notes

Searing the beef before slow cooking enhances the flavor and texture.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper towards the end of cooking to suit your taste.
You can substitute cornstarch with flour if preferred but make a slurry before adding to avoid lumps.
Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Serve with your favorite side like mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American