Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy is a hearty dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners. Tender beef is cooked low and slow until it just falls apart, all soaked in a rich, tasty gravy.
It’s so easy to make—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic! I love serving it over rice or mashed potatoes for a filling meal that feels like a warm hug. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: Chuck roast is perfect for this dish. It’s flavorful and becomes tender in the slow cooker. You could also use brisket or round if you prefer. Both will still give you great results!
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics boost the flavor of your dish. If you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder works too. One teaspoon is roughly equivalent to one clove.
Beef Broth: A good-quality broth enhances the taste. If you’re looking to lighten it up, use vegetable broth or even chicken broth as a substitute!
Brown Gravy: You can use jarred gravy for convenience. For a healthier alternative, make your own with beef drippings and seasonings. If you’re vegetarian, opt for a mushroom gravy instead.
Worcestershire Sauce:** This adds depth to the gravy. If you’re out, soy sauce can stand in, but use half as much, since it’s saltier.
How Do I Get the Beef Tender and Juicy?
Getting the beef tender is easy, thanks to the slow cooking process. The key is to cook it low and slow. Here are a few tips:
- First, cut the meat into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Layer meat, onions, and garlic in the slow cooker, then pour your liquid mix over the top for max flavor.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Trust me, the longer, the better for tenderness!
If you like a thicker gravy, make sure to mix cornstarch and water about 30 minutes before serving. This ensures it has time to thicken up nicely.
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Tips:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup brown gravy (jarred or homemade)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
For Thickening (optional):
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Mashed potatoes (for serving)
- Cooked carrots (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious slow cooker meal takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then cooks for either 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. With a bit of patience, you’ll have tender beef tips ready to enjoy for dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
First, place the beef stew meat, diced onion, and minced garlic into your slow cooker. This is the base of your hearty meal, so arrange everything nicely!
2. Mix the Gravy Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Give it a good mix until it’s well combined.
3. Combine in the Slow Cooker:
Pour the gravy mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Make sure all the meat is nicely coated with the gravy, as this will add heaps of flavor!
4. Cook the Beef:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Your house will smell amazing as it cooks! The beef should be tender when it’s ready.
5. Thicken the Gravy (optional):
If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry. About 30 minutes before serving, stir this mixture into the slow cooker and let it thicken up. Yum!
6. Final Touches:
Before serving, taste the beef tips and adjust the seasoning if needed. Then, serve your delicious beef tips and gravy over warm mashed potatoes with a side of cooked carrots. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color!
Enjoy your hearty meal filled with flavor and warmth!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal due to its tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use cuts like brisket, round, or even sirloin. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut, with leaner cuts cooking more quickly.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! If you don’t have beef broth, you can substitute with chicken broth or even vegetable broth. Alternatively, you can make a quick broth by dissolving beef bouillon cubes in hot water to create a similar flavor profile.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the beef tips and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Add Vegetables to the Dish?
Definitely! You can add veggies such as carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the slow cooker. Just chop them into similar-sized pieces as the beef for even cooking. Add hearty vegetables at the start of cooking, and delicate ones like peas during the last hour to prevent mushiness.
