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There’s something magical about walking into a kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of tender beef simmering in savory gravy. When life gets hectic, and you crave a meal that feels like a warm hug, this Crockpot Beef Tips recipe delivers. Picture succulent pieces of beef slow-cooked until they practically melt in your mouth, swimming in a rich, homemade gravy that’s packed with depth and warmth. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table without keeping you tied to the stove all day.
Whether you’re juggling work, school schedules, or simply want a relaxing weekend dinner that requires minimal effort, this dish is your answer. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttery egg noodles for a complete comfort food experience. Let’s dive into how you can create this crowd-pleaser with just a few simple steps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This crockpot beef tips recipe is designed for real life:
– Minimal hands-on prep: Just 15 minutes of effort in the morning, and your slow cooker does the rest
– Budget-friendly ingredients: Uses affordable cuts of beef that transform into something luxurious
– Freezer-friendly: Make a double batch and stash half for future busy days
– Versatile serving options: Pair it with almost any side dish you have on hand
– Picky eater approved: Even the most particular family members will ask for seconds
Choosing the Right Beef for Tender Results
Not all cuts of beef work equally well for slow cooking. You’ll want to select tough, marbled cuts that break down beautifully during the long cooking process:
Best Choices:
– Beef chuck roast: Our top recommendation—well-marbled with fat that renders into flavorful tenderness
– Sirloin tips: Leaner but still works well if cut properly and not overcooked
– Stew meat: Often cut from chuck or round; check with your butcher for tenderness
Avoid:
– Lean cuts like filet mignon or flank steak (they’ll become tough when slow-cooked)
– Pre-marinated beef tips (they often contain additives that affect texture)
Pro Tip: If your grocery store doesn’t sell pre-cut “beef tips,” buy a 2-3 lb chuck roast and cube it yourself. Trim away large fat caps but leave some marbling—that’s where the flavor lives!
Ingredients for Perfect Beef Tips and Gravy
Let’s break down what you’ll need to create that rich, comforting flavor profile:
Main Components:
– 2 lbs beef chuck roast (cut into 1.5″ cubes)
– 1 large yellow onion (diced)
– 4 garlic cloves (minced)
– 1.5 cups low-sodium beef broth
– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (check labels for non-alcoholic varieties*)
– 1 tbsp tomato paste
– 1.5 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 2 bay leaves
Gravy Thickeners:
– ¼ cup all-purpose flour
– 3 tbsp unsalted butter
– ¼ cup cold water + 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional slurry for thicker gravy)
Finishing Touches:
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
*Note: You can sub Worcestershire with 1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tsp apple cider vinegar + ½ tsp honey if avoiding any trace alcohol.
Essential Tools
– 6-quart slow cooker
– Large skillet (for optional browning)
– Tongs
– Whisk
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Preparing the Beef (5 minutes)
– Pat beef cubes dry with paper towels—this helps create a better sear
– Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides
– Optional but recommended: Heat 1 tbsp oil in large skillet. Sear beef in batches (don’t overcrowd) for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to slow cooker.
Why sear? Browning creates flavorful caramelized bits (fond) that enhance the gravy’s complexity. If short on time, skip this step—your dish will still taste great!
2. Building Flavor Foundations (5 minutes)
– In the same skillet (or fresh if not searing), melt butter over medium heat
– Add onions and sauté until softened (4-5 minutes)
– Stir in garlic, thyme, and paprika; cook 60 seconds until fragrant
– Sprinkle flour over mixture and whisk constantly for 1 minute to cook out raw flour taste
3. Liquid Magic (2 minutes)
– Gradually pour in beef broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps
– Add Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste
– Bring to gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from skillet bottom
4. Slow Cooker Assembly (1 minute)
– Pour gravy mixture over beef in slow cooker
– Add bay leaves, ensuring they’re submerged
– Give everything a gentle stir to distribute ingredients
5. The Patient Part (4-8 hours)
Cook time options:
– Low setting (recommended): 7-8 hours for fall-apart tenderness
– High setting: 4-5 hours if you’re short on time
Avoid peeking! Each time you lift the lid, you add 20 minutes to cooking time.
6. Final Gravy Adjustments (5 minutes)
– Remove bay leaves
– Taste and adjust seasoning (you’ll likely need more salt)
– For thicker gravy: Mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with ¼ cup cold water. Stir into hot gravy. Let cook uncovered for 15 minutes on High.
Serving Suggestion: Ladle beef and gravy over buttermilk mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for color contrast.
Slow Cooker Beef Tips Variations
Dietary Adaptations:
– Gluten-free: Replace flour with equal parts cornstarch or gluten-free 1:1 flour blend
– Dairy-free: Use olive oil or ghee instead of butter
Flavor Twists:
– Mushroom lovers: Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms with the onions
– Herbaceous: Stir in 2 tsp fresh rosemary when adding thyme
– Creamy version: Add ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk during last hour
Alternative Proteins:
– Venison tips or lamb shoulder can sub for beef
– Vegetarian: Use large portobello mushroom caps or tempeh chunks
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator Storage:
– Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers
– Store with gravy coating the meat to prevent drying
– Keeps 3-4 days
Freezer Method:
– Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months
– Prep tip: Freeze gravy separately for easier thawing
– Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating
Best Reheating Practices:
– Stovetop: Warm over medium-low heat with 1-2 tbsp broth or water
– Microwave: Cover with damp paper towel, heat in 1-minute increments
– Oven-safe dish: 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covered
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Overcutting the beef: Smaller than 1″ cubes will turn mushy. 1.5” is ideal.
2. High-sodium broth: Low-sodium allows better control of seasoning.
3. Lid lifting anxiety: Trust the process—no mid-cooking stirs!
4. Underseasoning: Slow cookers dull spices; always taste before serving.
5. Ignoring the cornstarch slurry: Watery gravy is fixable with this trick!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this in my Instant Pot?
Yes! Use sauté function for steps 1-3, then pressure cook on High for 35 minutes with natural release for 10 minutes. Thicken gravy using sauté mode afterward.
Why is my beef tough?
Either undercooked (needs more time) or the wrong cut. Chuck roast is your safest bet for guaranteed tenderness.
Can I use frozen beef?
Not recommended—frozen beef lowers crockpot temperature and creates uneven cooking.
Can I skip the flour in gravy?
Replace flour with 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water, added during the last 30 minutes.
Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
Add hearty veg like carrots, potatoes, or parsnips during the last 2 hours. Delicate veggies like peas go in during last 15 minutes.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Mild flavors appeal to young palates. For spice-wary kids, reduce Worcestershire by half.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot beef tips in rich gravy is more than just dinner—it’s a hearty embrace on a plate that transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary. With minimal prep work, forgiving cooking times, and endless serving possibilities, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your comfort food rotation. The next time cold weather rolls in or life feels overwhelming, let your slow cooker work its magic while you focus on what matters most.
The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to gather loved ones around the table and create memories over steaming bowls of tender beef and velvety gravy. Don’t be surprised when empty plates are carried back to the kitchen—this meal might just inspire requests for seconds (and thirds). Enjoy!
Ready to share the comfort? Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinners board for easy access later!
