Slow Cooker Beef Tips with Rich Gravy: An Easy Weeknight Recipe

There’s nothing quite like coming home to the comforting aroma of tender beef simmering in a rich, flavorful gravy. This slow cooker beef tips recipe is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep and the magic of your slow cooker, you’ll have a classic comfort food dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting, this recipe is straightforward, foolproof, and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. Let’s dive into the details and create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Life can get hectic, and finding time to cook a wholesome meal isn’t always easy. That’s where this slow cooker beef tips recipe shines. Once you’ve done the initial prep (which takes just 10-15 minutes), your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. You can go about your day while it works its magic and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.

Tender Beef

The slow cooking process breaks down the connective tissues in the beef, resulting in meat that’s incredibly tender and juicy. Every bite is a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to resist.

Rich Gravy

The savory, velvety gravy is the star of this dish. It’s made with simple ingredients like beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, but the slow cooking process intensifies the flavors, creating a sauce that’s deeply satisfying.

Versatile

This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a complete meal. You can also pair it with steamed vegetables or crusty bread to dip into the gravy.

Ingredient List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious slow cooker beef tips recipe:

For the Beef:

• 2-pound beef stew meat or sirloin tips: These cuts are perfect for slow cooking because they become tender and flavorful over time.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the beef and locking in the juices.
• One teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a hint of savory goodness.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the beef and adds depth of flavor.

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup beef broth: Forms the base of the gravy.
• 1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds umami and richness.
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Provides a tangy, savory flavor.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and adds a touch of sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy note.
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Complements the beef beautifully.
• 1 bay leaf: Infuses the dish with a subtle aroma.

For the Slurry (to thicken the gravy):

• Two tablespoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the gravy.
• 2 tablespoons cold water: Mix with the cornstarch to create a slurry.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect slow cooker beef tips:

1. Searing the Beef
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Season the beef tips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides (about 2-3 minutes per side). This step adds depth of flavor and creates a beautiful crust on the meat.
5. Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing the beef. Cooking in batches ensures each piece gets a nice, even sear.

1. Slow Cooking
2. In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
3. Pour the sauce over the beef in the slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can cook the beef on high, but cooking on low will yield the most tender results.

1. Thickening the Gravy
2. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
3. Remove the bay leaf from the slow cooker and stir in the Slurry.
4. Cover and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the gravy has thickened.

Pro Tip: If you prefer a thicker gravy, increase the cornstarch to 3 tablespoons. For a thinner gravy, reduce it to 1 tablespoon.

1. Final Steps
2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker beef tip recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some serving ideas:

• Over Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing that’s pure comfort.
• With Rice or Noodles: Perfect for soaking up the rich gravy.
• With Steamed Vegetables: Add a healthy side like green beans or broccoli.
• With Crusty Bread: Great for dipping into the gravy.

Pro Tip: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and freshness.

Variations and Customization

Make this recipe your own with these easy tweaks:

• Add Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Creamy Gravy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
• Different Herbs: Swap thyme and rosemary for oregano or parsley.

Pro Tip: If you’re a fan of onions, add a sliced onion to the slow cooker for extra flavor.

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Cut: Beef stew meat or sirloin tips work best for tenderness.
• Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the beef locks in flavor and creates a delicious crust.
• Low and Slow: Cooking on low ensures the beef becomes tender and juicy.
• Thicken to Your Liking: Adjust the amount of Slurry for thicker or thinner gravy.

Pro Tip: If you’re using frozen beef, thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Pro Tip: The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious!

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, based on six servings)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Pro Tip: For a lighter version, use leaner cuts of beef and reduce the amount of oil used for searing.

Conclusion

This slow cooker beef tips with rich gravy recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. With tender beef and a savory gravy, it’s comfort food at its finest.

So, dust off your slow cooker and give this recipe a try. Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?

A: Yes! Chuck roast or round steak also work well, but may require longer cooking times.

Q: Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

A: Absolutely! Use a Dutch oven and cook on the stovetop or in the oven at 300°F for 2-3 hours.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your beef broth is gluten-free.

Q: How can I make the gravy thicker?

A: Increase the cornstarch slurry to 3 tablespoons cornstarch and three tablespoons water.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?

A: Absolutely! Carrots, potatoes, and celery are great additions. Add them at the beginning of the cooking process.

We hope you love this slow cooker beef tips recipe as much as we do! If you tried it, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends and family.

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